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Aug 11, 2021 · Four social media strategies you can use to stand out. Not having a college degree shouldn’t diminish your chances of securing a good job. One of the best ways to move forward is to create a ...
Mar 29, 2023 · Get certified. Some forward-thinking companies value certifications more than college degrees. It usually involves taking a course, online or in-person, that teaches an in-demand skillset for a ...
- Salesperson. Many sales jobs offer an average salary near six figures, often without requiring a degree. These jobs and their exact pay vary… for example, you can be a car salesman, or you can work in an office selling software to other businesses (this is known as B2B sales, or business-to-business.
- Software Developer. Software developers can also earn six figures, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a current average salary of $110,140.
- Digital Marketer. Many top-earning digital marketers have nothing but a high school diploma. They’re either self-taught or enrolled in digital marketing courses rather than spending four years to obtain a general college degree.
- Real Estate Agent. Many successful real estate professionals don’t have a college education. Instead, they obtain a high school diploma and then proceed to get their real estate license and begin working.
- Overview
- Why do employers ask, "Why don't you have a degree?"
- How to answer "Why don't you have a degree?"
- Example answers for "Why don't you have a degree?"
When applying for a position that requires or prefers candidates to have a college degree, an interviewer may want to learn why you don't have one. Preparing an effective and mature answer can help assure hiring managers and teams that you still possess the knowledge, experience and skills they're looking for in a candidate. By learning how to answer this question successfully, you can represent yourself and your decisions positively and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
In this article, we explain some reasons you might hear this question in an interview, offer steps you can take to deliver a successful answer and provide example answers you can use for inspiration.
To assess your knowledge
Depending on the job you're applying for, they might need to ensure your knowledge and experience qualifies you for the same role as a degree-holding candidate. They might want to hear about your work history, ability to self-teach or alternative career experience. Attending college can be a huge decision, and your reasoning for choosing another route can reveal a lot about your personality and goals. Related: Jobs That Don't Require a Degree
To understand your commitment
Completing a degree can show more than knowledge in a specific area. It can also show your ability to finish what you start, your commitment to professional and personal development and your sustained interest in a topic. These qualities aren't exclusive to degree holders, and you can use your answer to help assure prospective employers that, even without a degree, you possess these characteristics, too.
To evaluate your decision-making skills
For some, college isn't the best option. It's ok to choose a path that's less traditional, especially if you made that choice carefully and with intention. Expressing a well-thought-out decision to not pursue a degree can reflect maturity, awareness and critical thinking skills. For example, you might say you completed a certification course instead of a getting degree because it was more financially responsible or it aligned more with your career goals. You might explain that you took a professional opportunity out of high school and found the practical experience to be more beneficial. Related: Is It Possible To Get a Job Without a Degree?
1. Be confident
Many professional positions require candidates to have at least a bachelor's degree, even it's in an unrelated field. If you're applying for roles without a degree, you might encounter some obstacles in the application process. Candidates are most likely to hear this question if the job they're applying for caters to college graduates. Realize that not having a degree doesn't make you less qualified than anyone else. It's important to stay confident and to take ownership of your choice. Prepare an answer that isn't defensive or self-defeating and assure your interviewer of your professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm.
2. Keep your answer positive
Regardless of your reason for not pursuing a degree, keep your interview answer focused and upbeat. Be honest, but present your answer in a way that represents you and your experience well. For example, instead of saying, "I never liked school," try saying something like, "I was interested in pursuing other opportunities after high school. I think my early exposure to professional roles helped me develop important skills I may not have learned in a classroom setting." By framing your answer positively, you can show interviewers you're a thoughtful candidate with many relevant skills and lots of useful experience.
3. Explain the value of your alternative path
For interviewers who are trying to learn as much as they can about a candidate with few resources and little time, a college degree can reveal a lot. It's important you deliver an answer that eliminates any doubts they may have about your choice not to pursue a secondary education. Deliver a reason, but also highlight the value of your time outside of school. Tell interviewers if you took an early professional opportunity, traveled, taught yourself important skills or worked independently on a project. Help them get to know you in your answer, and show them how your alternate route holds the same value as a degree. Related: How To Make Money Without Having a Degree
Example 1: Graphic designer
"I've always been passionate about graphic design. In high school, I took elective courses and joined clubs to help develop my experience and skills. After finishing school, I worked with a local creative who offered me a position at his company. I learned many skills and techniques in a professional setting, and I honestly think my education there was better than one I would have received elsewhere. I'm excited to explore other professional opportunities, but I honestly think my portfolio and skill set have outgrown a college curriculum. Right now, I'm more excited about growing my professional experience and pursuing more practical applications for my work." Related: 40 Great Jobs You Can Get Without a Degree
Example 2: Marketing coordinator
"When I graduated from high school, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do. Because I would have paid for college myself, I wanted to wait until I had a clearer vision of my interests and career goals before attending. I quickly grew in my first professional role and started doing marketing projects for the store where I worked. I'm not opposed to attending school in the future, but I'm very excited about the trajectory of my career, and I think my talent and three years' experience more than qualify me for this opportunity."
Example 3: Project manager
"I started working construction when I was 19 years old, and I've worked every job along the way to prepare for this position. Many of my fellow candidates have degrees in construction management and engineering, but they don't have the practical experience that I have. I understand what it's like to work as a journeyman and as a supervisor on large-scale projects, and I think my history in the field makes me more relatable than a recent graduate who may have never worked on a job site or with a construction team. I don't doubt the value of a degree, but, for me, experience has proven more useful than a college education. I'm well-equipped to understand the realities of completing a project and fulfilling client goals, and I'm excited to use that knowledge to excel in this position." Share: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email
It really depends. You don't need a college degree to perform in sales and you may be able to work your way up depending on the industry/company, but if you ever work for a big company, you may find yourself hitting a road block anywhere after AE. Not having one will also make switching jobs harder.
Jun 28, 2024 · Limits ability to switch careers: Because college degrees showcase a student's ability to excel in a particular industry or career field, it might affect their ability to switch careers quickly. They may also need to earn additional degrees or certifications to qualify for other career options. Minimizes work experience during degree programs ...
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Feb 7, 2022 · 8. Welder. (NOC code: 7237) Out of all the careers that don't require college in Canada, this one has one of the highest pay rates. You will need a high school diploma and certification if the company calls for it. Because jobs in this field are in short supply, this job has one of the highest paying rates in Canada.
