Is having a degree really necessary? I have nothing against anyone that has gone to college and graduated. I actually have a child going to college right now, but it seems that my lack of a degree still overshadows my 25 plus years in the financial industry. Almost to the point of giving up my search in this sector!!!

likesmartupliftinghelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

I’ve placed people without degrees but it’s tough. I think it holds people back to some degree but you can still get a great paying job without a degree probably just not move up into a high level position within a large company. It’s more the competition you’re up against vs you not having it. Your competition brings similar experience plus the degree

likesmart

Ignore the degree requirements and apply anyways. Unless it’s something like a CPA, most recruiters and hiring managers won’t care. They just want the person with the most relevant experience and proven track record.

like

Your resume may need more work. Not all companies use AI but they do need to be able to quickly and easily see that you’re a great fit. Be sure to bullet out your “skills”. Don’t include lengthy descriptions of your day to day responsibilities, but rather focus on accomplishments that have saved money, time, increased client satisfaction, etc. Quantify how you add value. There are amazing resources online to get a beautiful resume. Ladders and Heather Austin are some of my go-to’s.

like
Recent IconRecent

I’m curious your gender and race. Only because as an African American female, I would never have been able to achieve manager level success in this field without a degree AND my CPA.
It was not an option for my child to not go to college.
As minorities, I feel like an undergrad is the bare minimum education.

like

Not a minority, but a bachelors was needed or a job would not have been possible .

I am african american male. I have no degree and have had to scrap and claw for every promotion I've received. I typically find myself at every position I've had looking around and feeling like I'm out performing 80% to 90% of my peers but under paid. I couldn't afford college and have worked at my institution since high school. That is the only reason I've had any success at all. I generally build a good reputation for myself at every position I've had and that is the only reason any doors have opened up for me. Anything I've needed to learn, I go online and/or analyzed it and learn it. Hasn't been an easy road.... I value the soft skills I've picked up in my career more than any degree I could have earned but that doesn't translate to dollars...

like

Do a part time degree through scholarships, ask at work if they offer help towards uni etc. where there is a will, there is a way!

It shouldn’t unless the roles you’re applying for are specific to an area that requires a degree, even then experience can be of higher value.

like

Have you taken a finance, economics, or accounting class? How far can you go in banking without fundamentally understanding those?

like

You're a VP, you did good!

I think it's necessary to start your career, but once you're in the industry, it's who you know.

Network with your contacts. (I hate even writing that because I hate doing it ). Can you take certifications to keep your knowledge base up to date?

like

Actually important - no.
A box to check to get in the door - yes.

like

I make 250k. No degree

like

I know two Executive Vice Presidents and neither has a degree. However for those roles you are 'chosen' in a way and then groomed. You go through very different hiring procedures. The two people I know the companies helped them lie about their skills and backgrounds and had a team of people completely make up their backgrounds. And these folk are very high at venture capital funds. So yeah.. with your title anything goes.

Unless you're a well connected white male with an important name, yes you'll need a degree.

Source: an over educated & well connected white female, who has over performed for 15 years but gets passed by for white males without education or performance (but who carry a good name with my same network)

like

Many people say they “over perform” and I always wonder what they mean

like

Apply anyway.

like

I don’t think it is and I have one lol.. no one talked about also needing experience with the degree when the push was to go to college back in the day . I’ve watched for years others with experience getting promoted as managers etc., meanwhile I was always told I don’t have the experience and have never held a management position and that was what my degree is in. I don’t think I am ever paid more for having one either.

like

I am similarly boat in the UK. I have a masters but don’t possess a accounting qualification and hence limited career progression. I have also lost the appetite to complete my qualification. I kinda hear you!

like

If you’re good in sales no

like

I'm considering it..... for the record, I don't feel sorry for myself and ultimately I'm in charge of my career, just hate the idea of spending my time and money on a degree at this point in my career

like

More companies are realizing a degree is not as important as experience.

like

Depends on the role. Experience trumps education after 25 years. I feel like a degree just gets your foot in the door.

like

It’s not the degree. It’s the recruiting opportunities. Sometimes it can have results.
Personally if I see a degree and only analyst-associate experience I do not move forward with hire.
Give me a candidate that has had some real world, practical knowledge and faced down an angry customer in a front line role every time over an office jockey that has only joined an alumni association.

like

So you want me to put my retail experience back on my resume? The jobs I had from 15-22?

I don’t have a degree, yet I’ve gotten high paying positions based on my skills. I’ve also been overlooked and received the “we’ve chosen a candidate more suitable” then 3 months later I’m getting an email asking if I’m still seeking employment. Apply anyway, highlight your achievements and software experience. If you have any effective projects, highlight those as well. Also, call and ask for someone to “review your resume for qualifications”, that’ll get a human to actually read your resume. Hope that helps.

like

Totally, 100%, agree, support and root for you!

Depends on what specific financial industry you’re in. Bottom line is more important for trading and sales. If you’re corporate though (compliance, financial services, IB, banking, etc), your pedigree absolutely matters. In fact, for those areas, you’re competing against MBAs and other advanced degrees.

If you’re well-networked, then you shouldn’t have a problem leveraging it to leap to another role. If you’re applying cold though, you’re going to struggle. Most people on the trade operations side have degrees now.

like

Related Posts

Anyone gone from PA to CBRE ? Do you like it ?

like

Hi Everyone...i have offer of Publicis Sapient as SA level1.Can anyone please help me out about how the company is in term of work culture,career growth, work life balance, yearly hike.I am really confused as my joining is near.
Tech stack : Java Backend
Thanks

like

Starting a new job at Applied Materials on Monday as a Manufacturing Engineer III. I’ve been out of college for 5 years and all of my work experience till now has been in R&D for start ups and small businesses . So not only is this a new experience for me going into such a large company but also a industry (semiconductors). Does anybody has tips or advices on what I should expect as a new hire and how I can set myself up for success? Thanks!

like

Is it worth making the time/money investment to make the switch from big 4 FDD to MBB. This would require getting into and paying for a top MBA program and my net worth would be way negative after that. Are the MBB financial returns worth it? Im 26 years old for reference

like

Had anyone gone from consulting in to diplomacy/International organization like the UN/EU or similar?

like

Has anybody made the jump from agency to Microsoft? Job is in Digital Production working w/ the Cloud/AI team. $ is on par. Requires leaving a full time role (rather quickly) for a 18mo contract. 🤔

I have an interview with McKinsey - Senior Associate, the role pays 50k more than my current role. (3YOE)
I have no consulting experience nor do I have an MBA. Somehow I’ve passed the first 3 stages and I am now onto the case study interviews.
Has anyone went from product management into consulting, is it worth it, Am I making a mistake? (London, UK)

like

Wondering potential exit ops for a PM in financial services. Fintech seems like a clear path, but wondering if I’d be a contender for FAANG-like companies as well?

like

Anybody with Big4 exp made the switch to salesforce as business architect recently? What does this job entail and qualification needs? The jd says “extensive” big4 exp

like

Hi friends I have offers from HSBC as well as Visa Inc. what would you recommend to join from better career perspective and brand ?
Software engineer with 3+ YOE

uplifting

Anyone here moved from EY to Accenture? Curious to know how was the shift, pros and cons for each company, any regrets? Waiting for an offer from Accenture but very conflicted on whether I should leave EY. Been there all my career and going to be a big jump.

like

Good morning all I hope all is well. So I'm currently a Computer Engineer (Glorified Help desk support) for the MGM Resorts International Corporate IT office here in Vegas.

I currently have a Bachelor's in Computer Science but want to be Cloud Security Engineer. I'm debating whether to go for second bachelors at WGU in Cybersecurity while self studying Cloud certifications, or doing the Cloud Computing while self studying Cybersecurity certifications. Or just go Masters with IT concentration.

like

McKinsey & Company Any advice to help prepare for data science analyst role at top consulting firms (McKinsey & Company EY Boston Consulting Group etc)? Any materials, open source platform recommended to take on freelance data science project? When should I start actively looking and applying? I am a new grad who is working in tech as a marketing analyst I’m looking to pivot to marketing& sales data science consulting next year. Would like someone with similar backgrounds offer some practical tips.

like

MSFT or AWS? As Tech Pre Sales and why?

like

Hi Fishes, need your guidance. I am having below offers. Please help me to decide.

Publicis Sapient - 16LPA + PWFH
Valuelabs - 18LPA + PWFH

I want to know in terms of Brand value, WLB, career growth, learning opportunity & job security.

*Also is it safe to join service based company with such a high package in respect to my YOE?

My Info:
YOE - 2.3Yrs
CCTC - 7.25LPA
Techstack - Frontend Development (React) College - Tier-3

likeuplifting

I want to exit to a GM or Senior ops director role. Currently 3 yrs in consulting, 10 yrs in ops at well-known manuf. firm, CPIM, CSCP, T20 MBA, Ind Eng undergrad. Anyone have recs on how to prepare?

like

Any consulting -> Tech sales people out there? Curious how consulting experience is perceived both from a compensation and placement standpoint in the tech world…? What should my expectation be? For context — I SDR’d as a senior in college and was promoted to AE right as I took a BA offer from McKinsey. Wanted to get broad exposure & become a more analytical problem solver… dont regret my decision at all but really loved sales and would like to get back around my 2-3 yr mark.

like

Any fish that have done MBA after Masters in the USA as an international student? Need to talk

like

Ive been a copywriter for ~5 years but finding more interest in UX copywriting. (aka short form copy) I’m trying to get into the tech side of things while keeping some of my creative as well. I also just got my UX certificate through a writing academy so I feel pretty confident about switching.

Does this sound like a realistic transition?

like

Just spent a whole year doing SOX testing... excited to actually go back into external audit.

like

More Posts

Accenture vs ZS for WLB?

I have technology backgorund but if ZS WLB is good might consider strategy too.

like

Hi fishes

My package is 25.5 LPA fixed. Can someone suggest which tax regime would be better for me. As of now I do not have a home loan to claim tax benefit.
Also what could be the in hand salary in my case.
PF deduction : 153000

like

Done with the Diwali food. Onto steak and potatoes 🥃.

Post Photo
likefunny

I’ve got a reservation for 2 at the Aviary for this Friday, 5/6, at 7:30 pm that I no longer can attend. It’s for the 5 course tasting menu.

Is anyone interested in buying the res off of me? It seems my only options are to transfer the res to someone else.

likefunny
like
like

I’m in real estate tax group and looking for good books about RE fund/investments/accounting during non busy season. Any recommendations? Thanks!

Family luddites ask about my work and immediately behave annoyed when I start to answer.

like

I don't know if anyone can answer this. But how much do most civil engineers make? There are so many conflicting reports about "overpaid consultants" and it's almost impossible to get an actual answer

like

In how many days, BDO rise give reply to your interview 2nd round? Anyone here from BDO rise here?

Hi all. I’m looking into potentially transitioning to PE with a background in Finance Transformation consulting @KPMG of 4yrs. Do I stand a chance? Any advice on how to best approach this would be super helpful, thanks.

like

How is the career growth in Apisero as Salesforce Developer. Is it good company to join Apisero as Salesforce Developer

like

Any product managers who wouldn’t mind me DM’ing to ask a few questions? Currently a tech consultant looking to leave consulting and considering PM

like

Hello Fishes, i will be joining Salesforce as Datorama Support Engineer. Can anyone tell me about the wlb (rotational shifts) and growth and learning opportunities?Salesforce

like

Any Open position for Salesforce Admin with 3 years of experience?

Please help me to refer for the role.

Salesforce

like

What would happen if I don't join a company after accepting offer letter?

like

I tutor ESL after school and recently switched over to Zoom. Students are stating that they are unable to annotate. I’ve read that this is common for Chromebook users. Does anyone know of a way to bypass this and/or any video/picture tutorials? Otherwise, it looks like we’ll just have to add an additional open tab with a google share doc. Many thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.

Building out private investment platform for a growing company. Where can I find example docs of allocation policies, expense policies, etc. in order to create my own? Are there any good resources?

like

Is USCIS closed temporarily? Are they still processing h1b extensions?

like

Has anyone else told their religious parents that they were moving in with an SO before marriage? I did, it didn’t go super well- they disapprove of it (cont)

like

Additional Posts in Finance

If you could live anywhere in the world where your firm has an office, where would you choose to go?

like

How much notice period does your firm require and has anyone quit without giving the full notice period?

like
like

What date does your bonus hit your bank account? State firm and overall division.

like

Ladies, where do you shop for versatile work outfits?

like

It’s 2020. Is a small dainty nose ring still perceived as unprofessional in the workplace? I work in the finance industry.

like

How are holiday party expenses handled at your firm? The MDs on my floor usually split the cost out of pocket.

like

Is it a good time to start looking for jobs now? Are hiring freezes starting to lift and do you think they will go back into effect if they have been lifted?

like

My friends and I brought up the black and blue dress, and it's amazing to me how many of them still see white and gold. What do you see?

like

What are the designation levels in the major financial institutions? It's confusing because some consider VP and SVP more senior than a Director, and some have SVP one level lower than a Director like in Citi. If you know the levels of whichever org you work for, please comment on this post. For example in Standard Chartered:
it's Associate, Associate Director, Director, Executive Director, Managing Director (3 levels).

like

So I jump ship in Hong Kong and make my way over to Tibet...

like

For new hire who’s struggling, will going back to office actually makes things better and easier?

like

Do you use a roth or traditional 401(k)?

like

Did anyone have a hard time transitioning into a full-time job/adulthood after college?

like

Transitioning from line of business familiarity (understanding financial statements) to... real(?) Finance (bonds and cap markets and other debt sales) any advice on books or resources to learn really from step 0?

like

Shoutout to the MS hardo with the Vail Patagonia

like

So sick of these pat-on-the-back posts on LinkedIn, and the ensuing circle jerk that follows

likefunny

Thoughts on Reputation?

like

Hi everyone,
I was hoping someone could give me some advice. I’ve been taking care of my extremely sick (literally on the verge of dying) dog. I work from home so it’s not too much of a nuisance but I feel distracted all day long and can hardly get anything done because I worry about my dog. I feel like I’d benefit from a day off or even half a day off but I’ve only been working for my firm for a month now, plus I have “discretionary time off.” Would it be okay for me to ask for a day off?

like

I have a meeting tomorrow to sit down and network with an MD mentor. Anyone have any good conversation topics/ questions? Trying not to appear green and naive...

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal