College Degree Vs. Microcredentials

What is the most efficient way to hire?

For now, a college degree is still the ticket to a good-paying job. It is the easiest way to get a sense for the applicant’s general academic foundation. But employers recognize that a bachelor’s degree does not guarantee breadth or depth of knowledge in the field, experience and skills, or passion and drive.

In the next 10 years, microcredentials (degrees that specialize in a specific area) may become more valuable than a general 4-year degree. Employers want enthusiastic people with expertise in specific areas to meet their unique needs.

With the high cost of onboarding new employees who may look good on paper but tank in the job, many companies are giving pre-hire assessment tests to job candidates. This can determine the gap between a prospective employee’s competencies and the employer’s needs. While there may be some legal challenges in setting up pre-hiring assessments that don’t cause discrimination issues, these pre-hire assessments look like they will become part of the new hiring protocol.

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