Community college degrees give employers a snapshot of your experience in a given field, but you don’t necessarily have to spend your post-high school years hitting the books to obtain certain degrees. Life experience degrees boost your marketability, even if you've never set foot in a university classroom.
● What is this type of degree?
Unlike traditional academic degrees, these degrees are awarded to individuals demonstrating that the ability and knowledge they gained through years of life experience equals or exceeds what they would have learned at college.
Schools require you to pass a Prior Learning Assessment Bar before awarding your degree. In addition to passing the Prior Learning Assessment Bar, your experience must be verifiable by the school from which you wish to receive your degree.
● How can I compete against college graduates?
Competition for jobs is stiff, with or without a degree. Fair or not, a degree gives the bearer an edge over others who may have the experience and know-how to step in and excel at a job, but never graduated college or pursued a degree at all.
A degree based on the merit of your life experience helps even the playing field. This new type of degree can help you land the high-quality job you deserve in your chosen field.
● What types of experience are accepted
A wide variety of skill sets can be applied toward a degree of this sort. Whether you have a military background, have traveled extensively or boast in-depth work experience in various fields, you may be eligible.
Other types of experience qualify as well. Volunteer or community work, achievement certificates, previous college coursework, professional development workshops and courses and other activities may be included.
● What will this type of degree do for me?
You've worked hard throughout your career, and learned a great deal as a result. You have a lot to offer employers, but some are unwilling to consider your vast experience without the benefit of a degree.
Now is your chance to make your dedication pay off. Having a degree will help you get past the gatekeepers who never make it to the work experience portion of your resume because they looked first for evidence of a college degree.
Taking advantage of your years of hard work makes sense. A degree can help you get your foot in the door at a new company or earn more from your current employer. Life experience degrees offer the perfect way to make your knowledge and skills work for you.
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About The Author:
Mercedes Potter is an elite writer and education enthusiast. She loves learning new things and teaching others. Follow her @CedesPotter.
