#DegreeMeaning #CareerGrowth #TechFields #HumanitiesDegree
Hey everyone! 👋 Have you ever wondered what exactly people mean when they talk about having a “degree”? I often see this term thrown around, especially in discussions about career advancement. 🤔
So here’s the big question: does having a “degree” specifically refer to a degree in a tech-related field, or could a humanities degree like mine also fit the bill? Can I leverage my humanities background to move up from my current helpdesk role? 🎓💼
Here’s what I think could be a possible solution:
– While having a degree in a tech-adjacent field can be beneficial for certain roles, many employers value the critical thinking, communication, and research skills that humanities degrees cultivate.
– Highlight transferrable skills from your humanities degree, such as analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving abilities, that are highly sought after in various industries.
– Consider pursuing certifications or additional training in specific tech areas to complement your humanities degree and show your commitment to expanding your skill set.
What are your thoughts on the significance of having a “degree” in career progression? Share your insights and experiences below! 🚀💡 #CareerDevelopment #SkillsDevelopment
I have a bachelors degree in Information Technology.
What I mean is a Bachelor’s degree.
What most people seem to mean is an Associate’s degree.
Generally it means tech adjacent. If you’ve already got experience and a degree in a non adjacent field, a tech degree won’t help too much more.
Associate’s minimum, but I generally mean a bachelor’s. Usually in something like information systems, computer science, or digital media.
Bachelors minimum is the standard now. It used to mean a 9-month trade program or 2-year Associates but that is not competitive anymore.
Currently working on my bachelor’s in computer science. But from what I’ve been told tech adjacent degrees
For me it refers to any type of post-secondary program from an accredited school that is at least a 3 year program somewhere. They are offering 2 year programs and in some cases 1 year programs which I think are inadequate and only set people up for failure.
It depends on the org.
Many want a degree in the field in which you intend to work. Many want proof that you were able spend some years ingesting and regurgitating information, managing time and deadlines, learning to navigate rules and policies, and taking care of your responsibilities.
Many feel like a BA/BS are table stakes, some will take any degree, including an AA/AS.
Your question is really kind of like asking “how bad does a tattoo hurt?”
The only real answer is: It depends.
Any degree used to be enough I can tell you I went out and got a masters in cyber just to deal with all the fucking companies insisting on a tech degree. I would still try without the degree tho get some certs you can get the degree later if it doesn’t work out although at that point I would probably look at a different career. The roí on a tech degree is far from guaranteed anymore.
Usually a bachelor’s is what they’re looking for. In your field or adjacent to it is best, but in a lot of cases they’re simply checking a box for HR and any degree will do. More than a few people are working in tech with a humanities degree, they’ve just built up enough experience and certifications to do their jobs.
I’ve been reading a lot of job descriptions lately and some ask for specific tech degrees (always a Bachelor’s at minimum) and some just say four year. It depends on the role. Usually if it’s a very technical role they want a tech Bachelor’s.
because every job asks for a Degree
I have my “degree” in Information Systems Management. Were you an athlete in college? If not, why the EFF did you get a general degree that doesnt actually focus on anything? Durrrrrr
Bachelors. Your humanities degree coupled with some really solid experience will usually suffice.
Networking will win in the end though. Don’t just do the work, make sure others know the work that you do.
It almost always means tech-adjacent. However, if you have a degree in English or History, you could figure out how to leverage that as a unique skill set. Position yourself as the person with a unique perspective and speak to how your degree applies to tech. With an English degree for example you could discuss how important structure and wording are for getting the meaning across to the reader. You apply this same technique to your technical writing and coding. Discuss how proof-reading is a skill that translates nicely to tech.
TBH, in my experience, it really depends on the organisation. I’ve seen both that aren’t bothered about the specific subject, as gaining the degree demonstrates the development of alot of the required soft skills (this is demonstrated by the skills matrix of the job vacancy). But then I have seen specific named degree (eg Engineering, Cyber Security, Computing/Computer Science) due to the role (and again demonstrated by the skills matrix of the job vacancy).
Personally, if you want to move up the career ladder, and a vacancy lists degree, I would apply. Best case, you get an interview and a new job. Worse case, you’re still developing your experience in your helpdesk role.
>What exactly do people mean by “degree”
Generally means college degree from accredited institution. Other “degrees” generally aren’t wort the paper they’re printed on (or the even cheaper digital bits meant to emulate the paper they couldn’t even be bothered to print on).
>if that specifically means a degree in a tech-adjacent field or if my humanities degree
Generally the more relevant the degree, the better, likewise better institution, higher degree (e.g. typically looking for Bachelor’s or above), etc. But a degree is almost always going to be better than no degree.
>humanities degree will be enough to check the box
Accredited institution? It’s enough to check the box that indicates “college degree”. It’s not enough to check the box that indicates “college degree majoring in IT or closely related field”. So, depends what you’re trying to move (up) into, and what the requirements are – and that will often vary quite a bit by both employer and position.
Anyway, the more knowledge, skills, and experience – and time – the less the degree matters. But the degree never becomes totally irrelevant. Some doors will remain closed without degree or relevant degree, or such at required level (e.g. BS). For some/many employers, degree also factors into consideration for compensation.