by Kathryn Hood

Created on: February 20, 2009

Continuing your education and getting a degree through formal schooling is a wonderful goal and accomplishment. Anyone who has taken the time, spent the money, and done the hard work that is necessary deserves to feel good about themselves. He (or she) should be hopeful that the steps that they have taken are going to be rewarded with praise and higher consideration in the job market. But having formal schooling should not be the only determining qualifier in offering a potential candidate a job. Workers should not be held back due to the lack of formal schooling.

Many people do not have the opportunity to attend college, trade schools, or universities. Perhaps money issues, family responsibilities, job requirements, or other factors keep the person from getting a formal education. This does not mean the person is ignorant or un-trainable. Life itself and the challenges of working each day can teach a person many, many useful things. Would you as a business owner rather have someone who has worked the trenches, stood by your side through the good times and bad times of business trends, and rose through the ranks of seasoned employees through their own determination and fortitude or a "book smart" individual who knows only what has been taught through the experiences of others?

Education is a tool to help inform and teach people through knowledge gained by the trials and errors of many people. People should remember it is a tool, not a total solution or transformation of a person. Knowledge does gain power, but only when the knowledge can be utilized. For example a person may know the technical name of a piece of equipment. They may have memorized the dimensions, the inventor, and know the need for it in the business setting. But if the person has never turned it on and used it, then the knowledge is not as helpful as the non-schooled employee who knows how to make the equipment serve its purpose.

Many times people who gain formal education rely solely on the degree they have gained. The graduate feels the schooling/degree is all that is needed in the business world. With a tendency to forget the other qualifications, such as attitude and motivation, the graduate does poorly at job interviews. At the interview he (or she) explains how good they are when they should be explaining the benefits they will be bringing to the company. Instead of bragging on the straight "A's" they obtained, they should be talking of the hard work and determination it took to accomplish getting those grades. Many times it is the effort that convinces the employer more than the end results. In most cases, the hard worker has proven his/her worth.

In today's work force, technology makes learning a a standard requirement. Often times the employer will train, or arrange for training, to keep the loyal employees updated. The employees have earned the privilege through attendance and good work ethics. Employers realize some of their employees would have gotten a degree if they had not been spending their time helping to promote and protect the businesses. Those trusted and valued employees should be rewarded, not be overlooked.

Formal schooling will always be valued and worthwhile, but learning is not resigned to that exclusive mode of gaining knowledge. Workers should never be held back by the lack of formal education. Earning while learning is always a good option.

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