pwhittle

If you recruit people, and ask for, or give credit for a degree, does the subject matter?

I know how I do it, just wondering what others do, as it's time for me to be thinking about career development.

NotoriousREV

I personally don't put a lot of faith in degrees. I don't know anyone who is doing anything remotely related to their degree subject and I don't have one but am doing fine, ta very much.

pwhittle

I don't give that much credit to them - though I have a HND and a chip on my shoulder! I interview people for jobs from £15-22k, many with degrees (and PHDs in some cases). Sadly at work they're getting a bit more keen on them.
There isn't really a relevant degree for what I do - or training for that matter - but I'm doing a photography degree for personal reasons.

worley

If the degree is dedicated to a relevant suject they are of value; ie Software Engineering for a Database Administrator. I would not show any bias towards an applicant with a degree if it wasn't relevant ie Philosphy for a technical job; In fact the inverse might be true.

I look for people who present themselves correctly, speak correctly and can spell as well as use a computer.

You might be suprised at the number 'professional' people who cannot communicate effectively.


Nik

jods

Mickey Mouse Degrees (See pwhittle above, no offense meant PW - I am sure you are doing that for your own interest) carry a detrimental effect at the company I work at.

Core degrees - Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, English etc still carry weight.

BTW - I also have an HND and probably earn the same or more than a lot of people with degrees. My sister in law has a desmond from Cambridge in Maths and she works as a cheese packer on close to tuppence an hour! (well, national minimum)

Miniman

iTrader: (2)

When recruiting telecomms engineering staff an engineering degree was looked for (computer, electronic, electrical). Engineering in a general sense - mechanical or civil was not relevant for us, plus other media degrees were put at the bottom of the pile. We wanted telecomms engineers and for that a degree or HND in engineering gave us a view that the person wanted to be an engineer in that field. Although we did give a lot of weight to diplomas and/or lots of experience too.

Put it this way...
A relevant degree definitely opened the door. A non relevant degree (and no experience) closed the door. When you're looking at a load of CV's you want to make sure yours is not one of the first in the bin.

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

I would assume it depends upon the job/career.

If the job role is very specific or specialised, then most likely the degree would have to be relevant. If on the other hand, it allows some flexibility, then I suppose some employers would just like to see people (especially when young) could stick at something, and achieve.

Depending on the role, maybe a degree isn't necessarily required at all. I mean real hands on experience is far more relevant than going to uni and getting through it.

Terminator X

iTrader: (7)

We recruit mostly for people with relevant degree albeit also like to get peeps on board from non related sectors. This increases the size of the "gene pool" as you then have people from all sorts of backgrounds ... gives an alternative view. Has to be said that these peeps need training so cost us initially albeit seem to be worth it.

TX.

Leslie

I always thought you went to get a degree that was in something that interested you and was indeed relevant to the kind of job that you wanted eventually.

Some of the modern degree subjects subjects are laughable are are probably read because they may seem to be easier and the person concerned is only hoping that it might impress later.

Firms these days are saying that those types of degrees mean nothing and that the actual abilties demonstrated are pretty poor anyway.

All part of the great rounding down of abilities to a common lower level!

Les