HRGuru

Does your boss have less credentials than you in terms of education? If so, what is your opinion on the matter?

I think that brings out an interesting point.  I personally wouldn't feel threatened by someone who had more degrees than I did, but worked as a subordinate to me.  For one thing, it isn't always the person who does the job best who happens to be the manager, and for another thing, the diploma doesn't always guarantee that the person holding it really knows how to do the job.  I think that experience is worth at least as much as a diploma, though it didn't cost as much.  And I think that if a subordinate knows how to do something better than I do, my work will be better and easier for letting him do it.  He'll advance better if I do that and then tell my managers about him, and why shouldn't he if he can do the job?  If I'm worried about my job, the thing to do is make sure that I'm doing it so that I don't lose it.  That's from a manager's viewpoint.  From an employee's viewpoint?  Well, pretty much the same.  If he doesn't have a diploma, and I do, that doesn't necessarily mean that I know more about the job than he does.  For whatever reason, he's the boss, and the thing for me to do is show that I know my stuff without really worrying too much about how much he knows.  After all, it'll show up soon enough if he doesn't know as much as I do, and it's always possible that I might learn something from him and his experience.  You never know.

Not having a degree I am probably biased (I am working on it) but I have found that just because someone has one doesn't guarantee that person is competent or more knowledgeable. It does show that the person committed the time, effort and money to higher learning without a doubt and it should be recognized as such. However that being said it doesn't mean you’re now more qualified than someone with experience. Is it not true that if two people are equal in education and apply for one job that the one with experience will have an edge? I agree that it's a simplistic example because as we know other factors play a part but I think my premise holds true. I have found that a degree opens doors otherwise unavailable and allows people to start at a higher level than those without one. Don't get me wrong I would love to have one and will eventually but IMO experience CAN be just as valuable.

Degrees are fantastic to have. I have a BA degree and I worked hard for it.  However, I don't believe it automatically makes someone more qualified to do a job.   I don't believe it can be black and white...

Anonymous says ...

Degrees are fantastic to have. I have a BA degree and I worked hard for it.  However, I don't believe it automatically makes someone more qualified to do a job.   I don't believe it can be black and white...

true true true

My boss has a degree but virtually no HR experience whatsoever!  I've got years experience but no degree.  That paper takes you farther than ever before!

20 plus years ago HR professionals and even until about 10 years ago, were selected by their ability to get the job done, their abilities to help steer the company, support the executive ideals, the values, etc...etc..whether or not they had Graduate degreees was secondary.  The workplace and the makeup of the market has changed dramatically!!  In order to be competive in the higher level positions in TODAY's market you have to have a graduate degree or higher.  Their are some that even require in addition to the degree a Specific Certification (HR for example).  The question is... if my boss has less credentials...etc...It depends.  I have had a few bosses that are legacies!  They are coveted, and sought after because they are so good at what they do....and they do not have the higher level degrees...Bachelors perhaps.. and they have my complete respect and admiration.  However if I were to get a "boss" now that is fresh out of school, and has NO work experience.. I would have a big issue with that!  I think that in order to be a leader in the HR field, you have to put in your time, and go through all the learning, and DRAMA!!! (LMAO!!), and work your way up the HR food chain.  I think the degree certainly will help when you get to the top rungs.  In the day to day, manager level....it is not relevant ...YET!

Degrees are a good thing to have.  They are helpful especially for entry level positions.  However, to progress in a company, the degree alone will not get you to the top - it is about intelligence and performance.

A degree or no degree?  That is the question!

While I'm all in favor of continuing education, what about those that have extensive work experience within a company or with several companies?  Why is it that the companies still prefer that piece of paper?  Experience speaks louder than the piece of paper.  I've seen where people have the degrees but no relevant work experience get the good jobs and then do absolutely nothing because they are at a loss as to what to do and how to do their jobs.  Not fair to those who can't afford education but have the work experience to back them up. 

I enjoyed working for a few bosses with no degrees.  They all did a very good job, and in fact I learned something from each one of them.  Also I found myself in that position early in my life.  I was a boss without a degree.  I never felt threaten with some people working for me who had degrees.  We all worked togeher very well, and if fact the second company I worked for expanded two different times.  I am thankful for that group of people, and how they supported me.  Also I was always there for each one of them.  We all played an important part to have a good relationship with each other.

The boss may have greater experience; however, he/she will hit the ceiling at some point. Your boss may have little room for advancement. The person with a degree has a greater chance to advance. 

Anonymous says ...

The boss may have greater experience; however, he/she will hit the ceiling at some point. Your boss may have little room for advancement. The person with a degree has a greater chance to advance. 

 

I'm glad to know that. I just earned a Masters degree. 

I see it too.

I have been working for a number of years, and I have worked for many bosses with no degrees and I am very close friends with some bosses with no degrees.  Over the years I have gained a lot of respect for these people.  Many times I have learned important job talents and skills from these people.  The companies I have worked for have been very successful and some of the bosses had no degrees and I am proud to say I was a part of each one of the companies.  There are the behavioral parts of employment I learned early in life from each one of these employers.  At no time do I expect someone to step aside or that I should get a promotion over someone else because I have a degree, or more then one degree.  I do spend time away from work learning ti improve my employment skills for my employment, or prepare myself for other opportunties that might arise in life.  For example:  I am always positive in my thinking, constantly staying focused and I review my short and long terms goals often as a way to be a productive employee.  So I guess I don't have much time to think about my degrees and others who do not have degrees.  When the day comes I am not happy working where I am I will leave that employement in good standing and with respect to all those I have worked with and for.  I mention the above information as an example of how I feel and look at bosses with no degrees.  This information is not meant to hurt anyones feelings.  Also I might mention when I teach students or adults often I have to teach them how to prepare and take are of their employment before I can teach them the skills.  We have a lot of nice people in our society, but the number of those who give you the impression they don't care about the important things and they just want the pay check.