As the pandemic reshapes the world, it's also transforming the job market. Employers are now reconsidering the necessity of college degrees for certain roles. This shift could redefine professional qualifications and open new doors for non-degree holders.
Pandemic silver lining: fewer employers are demanding college degrees for jobs you can do without one
Degree inflation keeps competent workers out of good jobs and makes life more precarious for those without a degree
- Competing for a limited pool of college-educated workers forces businesses to overpay for talent
- Thanks to the Covid-related labor reshuffle, employers might finally be seeing the light about requiring unnecessary college degrees
One of the pandemic’s few silver linings
The pandemic is actually making a dent in whether employers are requiring degrees
- Employers are resetting degree requirements in a wide variety of roles
- This is most noticeable for middle-skill positions
- Two interlocking factors: a general refocusing on skills over degrees during the hot job market of 2017-2019, and the recent pandemic-related labor shock
Is degree deflation here to stay?
The pandemic is, hopefully, temporary.
- Will employers’ newfound open-mindedness towards workers without degrees last? It’s hard to say
- Academics will keep a close eye on job requirements as the virus fades, but for entrepreneurs and hiring managers the message is already clear: It’s time to take a hard look at how you hire.
