Experience or Knowledge?

1. 61

   cindi hposted 12 years ago

   If you were an employer, who would you most likely hire? The person with a degree or the person who actually had experience in the field?

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   1. 58

      OutWestposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That totally depends on the job.  Some work cannot be done without the degree first.  Having said that there is no substitute for experience but people with "half a brain" can always be taught.  So I would still say the degree outweighs the experience only because assuming the job needs a degree it would be required.

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      1. 61

         cindi hposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         oh I certainly understand the need for a degree in specific fields but I came across a job for a receptionist which required an associates degree!!? So now I must assume I am not qualified to answer phones!!  haha

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2. 69

   Cagsilposted 12 years ago

   I would take the person who has experience, even a little over those who have a degree. The experience cannot be out done by a degree.

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3. 61

   Diamondrocksposted 12 years ago

   I believe that through experience you gain knowledge, so I would hire the person with the experience.

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4. 61

   iamsergellposted 12 years ago

   I disagree, without knowledge, you will not know what will you be doing. Knowledge is the basis for skills or experience. Yes, you had an experience but you do not know what's behind of doing that or so..

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5. 61

   cindi hposted 12 years ago

   2-1 so far.  thanks for taking the time to answer. The reason I asked was because I was curious as to why they all say that you NEED a degree of some kind to even be considered for a position. I personally would rather have an experienced person working for me. I find that knowledge from a text book is sometimes quite different from the actual application.

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      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I think it may depend somewhat on the type of job.
      
      In mechanical engineering both are vital to a full understanding.
      
      I believe many with long term experience will have a degree or be able to pass the test of understanding all the necessary theory.

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      1. 93

         Paul Kuehnposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         In the EFL teaching field in Thailand it seems like most employers are more than happy with someone who has experience teaching overseas and knows how to entertain people and make them feel happy when they are learning English.

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6. 0

   klarawieckposted 12 years ago

   I would pick the one with the best people's skills, and personality. If you have the degree and no experience, you can always be taught and gain that experience within the company. Employees with experience might also have acquired some 'bad habits' along the way, or some preconceived attitude about what falls under his specific job description and what doesn't. They can't be molded according the the needs of the company.

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      Baileybearposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      agree.  It depends on the job.  In my current position, they wanted someone with the right kinds of skills etc but not specific to that job.  They actually didn't want someone too experienced or qualified in that area, because they wanted to train them their way. 
      Qualifications and/or experience may get you a foot in the door, but it doesn't guarantee success. 
      It seems the more socially savvy employee retains their job, rather than the most competent.

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7. 77

   shoganposted 12 years ago

   I'd hire the applicant who has both.
   
   The choice of one over the other, however, would depend on the job.  Some employers might want to mold a new employee (preferring the degree), while others might need an instant fix (preferring the experience).

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