Six Years Later, 40 Percent Have Not Graduated
According to the U.S. Department of Education, after six years, more than 40 percent of those who started at a four-year institution have not finished. So writes Phyllis Korkki in her article, "Degree Required, but You Don't Have One," for The New York Times.
In Korkki's look at the issue, she finds the most common excuse is that life intervenes. So what do you do when job searching with "some college" and no degree?
Don't lie.
"Don't lie on your résumé about having a bachelor's degree, but if you spent some time at college, write down "bachelor's studies," with the name of the institution you attended, said Katy Piotrowski, a career counselor based in Fort Collins, Colo., and an author of career books. That could get you past the initial screening.
"If you have only a few credits to go, why let them dog you for the rest of your life? For some people, Ms. Piotrowski said, the hours spent worrying about not having a degree could be spent actually getting one."
Excellent points. Don't lie about your degree, go get it.
Comments
Hello Deb:
This is a great post, it does take about six years or so to get a degree, national average, this is why so many are looking to taking classes online so that they are not held back by some of the concerns, such as scheduling that contributes towards many who are not able to finish a degree in the traditional four years.
Students I’ve worked with that are looking to get hired while they’re in college also put similar information on their resume.
They’ll state their posted graduation date and under experience include some of the classes they’ve taken to demonstrate what they can do, and what they’re learning in college. This has done a world of good for my students.
This way you are being proactive in looking for a job, and using what you’re currently learning to meet the requirements for the job position and your’re giving them a projected graduation date, so that they know you’re planning to finish your degree.
Additionally this is a great way to get your foot in the door, or to build a relationship for future hire. As you take more classes with indepth knowledge contact the college and update them. This type of networking is very helpful when it comes to getting the career you want.
Sophie
Deb:
As always, another great post. You’re right – don’t gripe about not having the degree, GO GET IT! Nothing ventured, nothing gained!