No Degree
I am completely disheartened with my job search in the Pharmaceutical / Healthcare industry. As an individual that has consistently performed and contributed (well documented in resume, as well as by professional references), I can't for the life of me, understand WHY HR professionals in these industries are AUTOMATICALLY discounting potential employees simply because they don't have a Bachelor's Degree. Recently, I was SPECIFICALLY told by more that one HIRING MANAGER, that although I was solid in every area important to them, there is NO WAY HR will allow them to hire someone like me, without a degree. "It's company policy to ONLY hire staff/professional level (exempt) employees that possess a Bachelor's Degree". In my many years in the industry, I have been fortunate enough to meet many individuals that were "grandfathered" into the staff/professional level (exempt) employee class and they are probably some of the most competent / humble individuals, I have ever met. Is there some LEGAL or SUBSTANTIATED FEAR, pharmaceutical / healthcare companies have, with respect to hiring NON-DEGREE holding staff/professional level (exempt) employees? (very specialized technical/scientific roles excluded) It's been my personal experience that most COMPETENT/EFFECTIVE/SUCCESSFUL managers KNOW: College Degree DOES NOT EQUAL instant COMPETENCE. WHAT'S THE DEAL? REALLY! They "employers" are using the degree requirement as a filter. that is why I am back in school at age 43 to get my degree... The filter is obvious. Although, i have to say i have met brilliant people with degrees and i have met people so dumb i could not figure out for the life of me how they managed to get it. I think it is total BS. I understand totally why a company would want someone with a degree... it is simple to figure out. They want a person who is dedicated enough to stick it out and get the diploma.. .although, most companies do not care what the degree is in... most companies "train their employees" so yes once you are hired.. its back to school.. being trained by your new employer.. What is the point? there is none other than a filter. Is it a good filter.. Not at all. If companies want elite employees that have stuck it out through thick and thin.. then they would select that drop down menu and change it from BS degree... to 4 years Active Duty military Experience... How interesting would that be if every company in America decided to be patriotic and discounted BS degrees as a plus, yet not necessary... and moved up Military Experience too Must have or no hire. Anyone could sit in a classroom if they are serious enough about it.. Not everyone can even pass basic training. I am sure alot of people aggree with me.. if its filtering elite potential employees... Going with Veterans is the way to go. WHY HR professionals in these industries are AUTOMATICALLY discounting potential employees simply because they don' t have a Bachelor' s Degree. 1. Because this is a very technical field. More than demanding a degree, generally these jobs require a degree in biology or a related science. 2. Because Pharm Sales is the dream job of the week and is VERY competitive. Thus, they have their choice of applicants. With 2 guys who are both equally wonderful, one with a degree and one without, why "settle" for the undegreed? 3. Because completing a degree shows that if nothing else you' ve got some stick-to-it-tiv-ness. In my many years in the industry, I have been fortunate enough to meet many individuals that were "grandfathered" into the staff/professional level (exempt) employee class and they are probably some of the most competent / humble individuals, I have ever met. Those days are nearly gone. We' re approaching the point where someone starting out now without a degree is never going to advance into the management ranks. In pretty much any company. It is what it is. When/If you' re in charge of the company, you can make your own rules. | |
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