Facing Job Discrimination With No Degree
Maybe, my statement comes on strong. But, I was laid off a few months ago, and I have been looking for administrative work, with no success. But, I have been noticing that most job advertisements state outright that they are only hiring students. And on some employer websites, when you click on job openings, it will state, professional or student opportunities. Does this seem fair. In my opinion, it seems like discrimination. Everyone does not have a college degree. What about SAHM’s (stay at home moms) returning to the workforce.
Answer: I successfully worked for a software company as a computer programmer (self-taught, no degree) for 5 years. Our company was acquired by some behemoth Fortune 500 company and I worked for them for 7-1/2 before I got laid off. Oh, I could apply for another position within the company, but I wouldn’t get hired because I don’t have a degree. Wow. 12-1/2 years as a very successful programmer and suddenly I don’t cut the mustard because I don’t have a degree. Assholes. Go here to find a new job.
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4 Responses to Facing Job Discrimination With No Degree
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Put yourself in the employer’s shoes: You will post a job and 500 people will apply for it. Would you hire someone with little or no experience/no degree; or someone who has a degree and experience? It is an employer’s market; there are many more people who need jobs than there are jobs. Employers can be very picky. People who have invested in themselves, who have 20+ years experience have found themselves out of their jobs, so they are applying for administrative jobs and getting them (education and experience). No discrimination, and ‘fair’ has nothing to do with it; it is just good business sense.
(Btw, some ‘student’ opportunities are another way to say ‘unpaid internship’)
I paid over 150K for my 3 degrees………dig into you pocket and go and invest the time and money……..I deserve a return on my investments……..If your a stay at home mom….that’s your choice now live with it……..
I know, I’ve noticed the same thing. And what sucks more is that I got laid off in Oct and I was already planning to go back to school in the spring to finish my final semester of school – but you can’t get financial aid and unemployment at the same time, according to my financial aid office. so I can’t even correct the situation now!! And why do you need a college degree for a lower level admin job anyway? I can see why they might want "some college" but requiring a BA or BS is stupid. I saw one the other day that was requiring a masters for a $30k/year admin assistant job at a financial consulting firm. What??
(I’m not taking sides, but) – why are some people who answered here hard/smug on this SAHM?
Kapn has the arrogent attitude of "If I can get mine out of my pocket, you should do the same." Easy for him to say. Suppose Questioner doesn’t/can’t qualify for a student loan-and can’t afford paying out-of-pocket. What then?
Whatever her reasons for not pursuing a college degree before-the reality is, this economy’s hitting everyone-even those with degrees; some forced to work outside their chosen fields. Some with degrees cannot find work/are being laid off. Having a degree does not guarantee you’ll get, and keep that job for years.
Reality Check: Doesn’t matter how many degrees you have: you’re only as good as that company needs you. When they don’t need/want you anymore – Guess what? Forget "company loyalty." Forget degrees. You’re packing your belongings, turning in your ID, and another number on the UI like every other unemployed worker.
Questioner: Here’s a suggestion – Find out what your passion is, if you haven’t already. Photography, Cooking/Baking, Sewing, Painting, Writing, Crafts, Drawing, Web design, Jewelry-making, the list is endless. Explore and take some courses. You may even turn your passion into working for yourself.
Good luck