Recruiters and hiring managers, how important is a college degree as opposed to experience when looking for a job or advancing in your career?
I do not have a college degree, but after 10 years in my field, I actually know more industry knowledge than most of my coworkers who do have formal education. I catch on quickly, am self-aware about how I learn and knowing what I do and don't deeply understand and seek out knowledge on my own and take extensive notes. I've learned everything through experience and have had to basically teach myself some things.
However, I am living with some severe imposter syndrome feeling like I am less than because I do not have a degree. My employer has never mentioned it (and obviously hired me without it), not even sure if my managers realize it or not, and I am recognized as one of the top performers of over 90 employees in our division.
I feel I will be coming to a crossroads soon as more upper level positions will be opening up with pending retirements and some restructuring of duties. Is not having the formal education going to be a ding against me? Or are they even really going to pay attention at this point since I have my foot in the door? I have the urge explain WHY I don't have a degree even when it is never brought up or asked, but I know that just draws attention to it.
I've been considering getting my bachelor's degree from SNHU since I could work at my own pace (very quickly), but I am not convinced it is the most sound decision when I could instead take courses to get industry specific titles and designations.
*editing to add some better context about why this is weighing so heavily on me. My neurodivergence has been a huge proponent in the way I learn and retain information. I learned while attempting college after high school, that I would not be able to succeed with a traditional college education to get a degree. So I quit after a year. I get "bored" (and that isn't saying I know it all), and I know that when I am able to learn at my own pace, I am much more successful. I take things in quickly and am able to retain information better because I feel like my brain works a million miles a minute.
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I recently received a call from my Boss/Sole Proprietor while he was away on vacation, informing me of the reason for my termination(on a Tuesday after the holiday weekend) after he left for vacation on Friday.
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