100 and Under

3 Ways Experience Can Beat A Master’s Degree

Higher education isn’t always the answer. Here’s another way to think.

My college degree was in theater. But the real reason, if I have any success in that milieu, so to speak, is because I spent a lot of years directing, I spent a lot of years behind the camera.

— Alton Brown

Is it possible we put too much stock in college degrees? They have been around for hundreds of years. They’ve gotten many people into many high positions in life. Yet, do you need to go into more debt for this coveted piece of paper?

Is Your Master’s Degree The End All Be All For Your Career?

Most people will answer with a resounding “Yes”, but let’s give it some thought. I have a degree in materials physics, and I haven’t used it yet. Well, I should say I haven’t used it to get a high-level physics job. I have, however, used the knowledge I gained from going through a physics curriculum to my advantage.

Quite honestly, the lessons you learn from your time in college are much more valuable than most curriculums. Moreover, the structure you get from balancing class with extracurriculars also has a place in your skillset. Also, the connections formed in college can allow for an easier time finding jobs. The phrase “It’s not what you know but who you know” rings true in a slew of situations.

There are multiple reasons why building experience is a better option. Mainly, you’re not digging yourself into a giant debt hole. On average, it takes 10–30 years for a person to pay off student loans coming out of undergrad. It doesn’t make much sense to waste time racking up more debt.

A bachelor’s degree will not get you the high-paying job that you dreamt of having. However, it will get you in the door of employment that will build your experience. The experience you gain from starting young is a better long-term investment.

Master’s Degree vs. Experience

Weighing the pros and cons of postgraduate education and experience is an excellent way to continue this discussion. Let’s begin with postgrad education since that is the more popular choice.

Master’s Degree

Pros:

• Higher paying jobs from the start
• You demand more respect from your employers.
• Much more likely to receive a job if competition does not have a degree.

Cons

• Costly loans
• Additional school work and time
• Not guaranteed a job

Experience “Degree”

Pros:

• Start a career early.
• Make connections in your field earlier.
• Save money.

Cons:

• Job seekers overlook you
• Will have to work from the bottom up
• Will not get the same respect as a master’s degree holder

Now, A master’s program isn’t wholly experience-lacking. Many programs require you to go out into the field and complete many of the actions that your area needs. But, this experience comes with a high cost that may be too much for your average Joe or Jane. Plus, a master’s degree is not a sure-fire way in the door.

Now that laying the groundwork is done onto the meat of the article. I have some insight into how you can use your undergrad college effectively without needing more schooling. Here are three ways to succeed with your bachelor’s degree.

Surround Yourself With People In Your Field.

In the age of social media, it is straightforward to get information out. Starting a Facebook page or YouTube channel is a matter of getting a Gmail account. With these resources, you can very quickly start producing work that is relevant to your field. Not only does this help practice your skills but also attract the eyes of interested parties.

If you’re a writer, go on medium and start writing. Starting a YouTube channel and speaking passionately about your subject is a great way to get your expertise seen. Start a Facebook group and invite all like-minded people to join. It will be effortless to surround yourself with people like you.

Get A Job In Your Field.

Entry or medium-level jobs may not seem like an attractive option since master’s candidates get first picks. But you still need to make money. It is better to earn money while gaining experience than to spend time racking up debt from loans and interest. A job will also help make connections that you can use later down the line.

Starting your career earlier will also save you from future heartache. Nothing is more depressing than going through a master’s program and finding out you do not like what you’re doing. Ferociously studying and putting in the work only to find out that you hate the path you are on. Early exposure will allow you to get your feet wet without the commitment.

Keep Learning

Never stop learning! The lack of a master’s program does not mean the absence of learning. Research your favorite school’s textbooks and curriculum to buy them online. Study these books on your own to acquire new skills. Refine your skills every day with practice you can easily find online. Apply your skills at work so that your employer may take notice.

In Conclusion

Master’s degrees are nice but not necessary. If you have the money to spend on a master’s degree, then do it. There is nothing wrong with padding your resume or gaining more experience. My point is, don’t feel that you need to have one to be successful. Many successful people do not have a master’s degree. Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard, Jeff Bezos only has a bachelor’s, and Steve Jobs also didn’t finish.

Once you figure out that hard work and dedication are worth more than a master’s degree, you’ll go far. Gone are the days where employers shun prospects because of their lack of high-level education. Information is easy to disseminate, and there’s never been an easier time to show your skills. Go out there and show them that you are a master of your work without that piece of paper!