Here’s a recent question from a reader:
QUESTION: Hello, After hearing about your program on the Dave Ramsey show, I decided to check out your web site. Your course looks good, but what happens once you find the “work you love” and you aren’t “qualified”? I went to college for over 4 years, but never actually got a degree. That little piece of paper is holding me back from a lot of things. Does your course cover how to get jobs that you don’t have experience or qualifications for, but is the work you love? I really don’t want to get my hopes up and find my perfect job, only to find that they aren’t going to hire me. Thanks!
ANSWER: There are too many unknowns in your questions to give a very complete answer. If you are wanting to do brain surgery or design skyscrapers, then not having the degree will certainly hold you back. However, if you want to be a sales rep, in a management position, create beautiful logos, do web design, paint houses, develop phone apps, design video games, build furniture, sell products on Amazon, be a well-known sculptor, write a best-selling book, or design landscaping, then not having a degree is probably not an issue.
Yes it is a concern that you refer to getting a job where you don’t have experience or the qualifications — why would a company hire you? If you really don’t have those things, then No, I would not even recommend you waste your time pursuing those jobs. However, being “qualified” or “experienced” implies much more than just having a degree.
I commend you on moving forward and not being content with the status quo. And I can understand your frustration in thinking not having a degree is holding you back. But it’s never just a matter of having the right degrees. Actually, it’s less that now than ever before. In the last year at 48 Days LLC we have engaged a social media director, product fulfillment manager, webmaster, graphic designer, blog coach, podcast consultant, speaking coach, 48Days.net director, marketing director and several other positions. In not one case did I ask for a resume or even inquire about degrees or certifications. And right now I would love to add two people right now to head up the expansion of our new 48 Days to the Work You Love Seminar program.
Rather than being concerned about the right “degree, I am more likely I am going to look for:
1. Notes of recommendation from 3 people I know and respect.
2. A past project I can review.
3. Media buzz about what that person has already done. (What will I see if I Google you?)
4. Leadership of a group on a social networking site.
5. A regular blog that is compelling and engaging.
6. A high EQ (Emotional Quotient) vs a high IQ
Again, you may say, Well, I don’t have any of those things. Then that begs the question. Why would someone see you as an outstanding candidate?
The new 48 Days To The Work You Love does cover how to put yourself in the driver’s seat in the job search process. Yes, you can bypass people with more degrees and experience by doing an effective and creative job search. Start here with these free videos to see what I think is important. Work You Love Videos
And let me know how not having a degree is holding you back – or not.
LOVE IT! Easy to find excuses as to why we can’t do something versus looking at how we can. GREAT post Dan!
Jen – Yep, so often a better option is readily available but we get stuck seeing why it can’t be done.
Greetings Dan,
Great post and love the graphic which really sums it up! It really is interesting that our excuses take so many forms. In the case of the person who posed the question above, I hope they keep moving forward by continuing to seek answers with a healthy dose of action.
Paul,
I hope so as well. It’s too easy to get stuck in why something won’t work when a better solution is right in front of us.
Hi Dan,
I actually went back to school (Non-traditional Charter Oak State College in Connecticut) and finished my degree at 35 by just testing out CLEP, etc. I am 50 now and looking back was having or not having a degree critical to my success? No. All the person above would have to do is transfer all his credits to a non-traditional school and may have to take a test or two. He would then have a degree if he really felt held back by not having one.
Hi Dan,
I think the things you mentioned you look for in a candidate are great! My problem is this, I have applied for over 500 jobs in the last two years, all I am qualified for I might add, and not one of them asked for any of those things you mentioned. The days of walking in and applying for a good job is over, unless it is walmart or such. So many corporations have turned to these online applications and therein lies the problem. I know there are exceptions out there, but they are tough to find. So how do you get around these online applications and the corporate recruiters who monitor them? I am finding it tough to even get a phone interview. I even purchased a professionally prepared resume and cover letters done by one of the top companies in the business.
No, I don’t have a degree and have not applied for a single job that required one.
Trey, if you can’t find someone to hire you for a job you want-create one! In other words, start your own business. There are many ways to make money pursuing your passion. It will take time but it can happen.
So true! I believe in creating our own jobs but it’s so much easier to find one-even one you will hate for the rest of your life. I am currently doing my own creating as I am planning to move overseas where jobs are a luxury item in that country and the unemployment rate is almost 30%. I am looking to open up a childcare/education program of some sort and I am contemplating whether or not I should get a masters in education now before I move in a year’s time. Would that help in positioning me as an expert and gaining respect from parents or should I not bother spending that money right now? I already have a masters in management but no formal studies in childcare or education. The degree will cost around $8, 000. Any ideas?
Wow! Such a compelling post. I can certainly understand this individual’s frustration. However staying stuck in frustration in our heads is like walking with cement shoes on. I have had my share of cement shoes and I don’t like them one bit! Shaken ’em off by surrounding yourself with progressive thinkers and read daily something that moves your soul and heart to action. Go out of your way to help and serve someone else and most importantly, do whatever you need to do to find the place where your heart sings and your talents match. I guarantee the opportunities will follow. One last thing; Often our greatest opportunities are buried within our greatest obstacles.
I am a design drafter at a major snack cake company. very cushy job, good $.Have been a certified fitness trainer and LOVE to do this!I love to help people and still have people ask me to do this. This is my passion……….what should I do?