Hiring: Why Can’t We Consider Candidates without a College Degree?

Almost every time I read or write a job description one of the requirements is listed as “Bachelor’s Degree Preferred.” I’ve recently been finding myself pondering why a degree is such a necessity. Are the best candidates for jobs only those that have successfully snatched up their degree? Might it be possible that some of the smartest, sharpest best for the job folks may not have finished college?

First of all, I went to what I consider a great school, received my BBA and was surrounded by tons of college students that graduated alongside me. I collaborated with them on projects, we studied together, maybe even worked together at one of my internships. However, there was definitely more than one occasion where I could not believe that some of these individuals had made it this far. I cringed at the thought that some of my fellow students would be walking across the stage with me. Some barely passing, with terrible time management, didn’t pay attention in class, and couldn’t comprehend a thing. Would these be my potential co-workers? Yikes.

Not to say there weren’t brilliant people there as well…I mean, I was in attendance…but there was certainly a mix of IQ levels. So why? Why is it that people, who somehow find a way to make it through college, most likely with financial assistance from their parents, are considered the more qualified person next to a sharp, intelligent hard working candidate that does not have a bachelor’s degree?

I get the flip side of the argument. I understand that some hiring managers see that it shows perseverance, ambition, and intellect in order to make it through 120 credits. The same goes for getting accepted into college – one has to do well in high school in order to even be considered. And then there is everything that we all “learned” in college – especially business school – to be applied to our post-graduate jobs and corporate positions.

I know that 50 page paper I worked a semester on in my History course, or the hours I spent drooling over my Calculus text for the exam is really being applied to my current position as a recruiter…and helping me pay off my lifetime of student loan debt.

Everyone agrees that education is important, myself included. My point is that just because someone doesn’t have their degree shouldn’t mean they are automatically eliminated from a potential job opportunity. Reasoning for this personally includes that the smartest person I know does not have their college degree. I have had numerous phone interviews with candidates that I can’t wait to get in to see the hiring manager; only to cringe after they explain that they didn’t quite finish up college, knowing a company rarely will accept anything else. And, must I remind everyone of Bill Gates??

My point here is to urge companies to be more open-minded and flexible with this requirement. At least give candidates a chance that are qualified for the role, but don’t have that certain piece of paper. It’s more of what society “thinks” is the right thing to do – go to high school, then college, then get a job in an office and make tons of money! Anything off that route is looked down upon, but why? There are tons of candidates that could be a great fit, if not the best employee you’ve ever hired that may not have finished college. I just find it to be a false assumption that those who have not obtained their degree are not as smart as someone that has. It is estimated that about half of individuals that enroll in college go on to receive their Bachelors Degree. So, are some companies cutting their candidate pool by 50% automatically? Maybe more companies could offer tuition reimbursement to employees that are working on obtaining that degree, but may not have the financial means to do so. Do you think companies should look at resumes that don’t list a degree, or should they throw them out the window?