For decades, a college degree has traditionally been seen as a key to unlocking job opportunities and setting graduates up for lifelong success. Research shows, however, that over half of American college students end up in roles that do not utilize their educational knowledge. The lack of this utilization, combined with the rising cost of attending college, has caused companies to rethink this standard and look beyond the degree.

A 2023 study by Intelligent.com reveals that 45% of companies are moving away from degree requirements for specific positions. In 2022, over half of employers adjusted their job descriptions to eliminate the necessity of a bachelor’s degree and welcome applicants who didn’t attend college. Major corporations such as Apple, Amazon and Walmart have adopted this method of recruiting, recognizing that practical skills can be just as beneficial — if not more so — than formal education. At S3, we’re increasingly seeing this trend with our clients, and our recruiters are becoming more comfortable in parsing the nuances to match the right candidate with the right role. 

Life Skills vs. Academic Skills

Traits absorbed outside the classroom, such as leadership, communication, decision-making and problem-solving, can often allow workers to thrive more than their academic achievements. Firms have started to use behavioral interviews, skills assessments and situational judgment tests to effectively evaluate a candidate’s ability to excel in real-world scenarios. With over 60% of workers in the US not having degrees, it makes sense for companies to shift their mindsets regarding degree requirements and think about the important, transferable skills gained outside of school. These workers have seen the benefits as well, with individuals in skill-based careers seeing pay increases of up to 25%. 

Beyond Degrees and Credentials

Continued learning and professional development are essential for career advancement, and there are numerous ways to gain relevant skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Workshops, seminars, networking events, mentorships, online courses, MOOCs and professional certifications are excellent ways to gain valuable knowledge and skill outside of an academic setting. Engaging in these activities, events and certifications allows individuals to enhance their professional capabilities, ensuring confidence upon entering the job market. 

Awareness Surrounding Predatory Schools and Certifications

As the demand for alternative learning pathways increases, so does the risk of encountering predatory schools and certifications. These for-profit institutions often prey on vulnerable populations by promising high-paying careers in exchange for exorbitant tuition fees and offering minimal return on investments. Common signs of predatory schools include high tuition costs, low job placement rates, misleading advertising, lack of accreditation and demanding enrollment emails. It is important to check these programs’ reviews, success rates and costs compared to other programs.

What can staffing firms do to ensure candidates without degrees are getting great opportunities with clients that need their skills and attributes, and how can recruiting teams rethink their approach? Here are four things that can help: 

1. Assess each opportunity uniquely. Ask whether a college degree will lead to a talent pool who can successfully perform the role. 
2. Do a deep dive into required skills. Identify the intangible “life” skills that will lead to a successful placement. 
3. Stay up to date on trends. This is especially true in emerging industries and where new skills can be learned 
4. Practice what you preach. Look within your own ranks for the outstanding performers who didn’t take a traditional educational path. What can their success teach you? 

The trend is evident: “Real-life” skills are becoming more valuable than academic qualifications for many new economy jobs. As recruiters, it’s imperative we stay ahead of the curve in our thinking so that more quality candidates land fulfilling roles that meet our clients’ needs.