Schoolwork vs. Experience - What matters?

United States
November 17, 2008 8:06pm CST
I am graduating college soon and I was wondering, what do employers look at more, your college coursework / grades or your experience in the workforce?
4 responses
@marisriel (1156)
• Philippines
18 Nov 08
It really depends on the position that you are going to apply to. Usually, on entry level positions, meaning the lower type of position such as administrative positions or clerical or associates, they may look for persons according to their college course and the schools they went in. Higher type of positions such as supervisory and managerial kinds will look for experience as they will require proofs of employments and how good you did or what have you contributed on your past employer.
• United States
18 Nov 08
I will be applying to be an elementary school teacher. However, my ultimate goal is to go into educational administration or public policy. I have a lot of different work experiences (from government intern to web designer) but none of the traditional jobs pre-teachers get (like camp counselor). I have a great GPA and academic record, but I don't want to be let down because I never had a job related directly to my field.
• Philippines
30 Jan 09
you know what. education is really important. without it,,we are ignorant of the things that surround us. but experience is also as important, as it will teach us new knowledge of what hasn't been taught in school . its a fact that we can't learn anything from school.
@soooobored (1184)
• United States
18 Nov 08
I read through the other responses, and I see you are going to become an elementary school teacher before stepping into admin. That's a great plan! Depending on where you go, they may prefer a Master's Degree for admin positions, but if you get in as a teacher first they will very likely pay for your degree. As far as getting the foot in the door as a teacher, the academics matter and it will greatly help that you have a good GPA. But specifically for elementary school teacher they will want to see experience working with children, and some non-resume items, like your personality and how well you operate under pressure. For me, the ONLY help my college degree gave me was from my GPA and various honors and awards. These days BA degrees do little more than show that you can complete assignments and think critically. And there are ways to highlight your strengths through school experience on a resume, even if you have little work experience. And from there, the interview seals the job! So either way, you should be fine! Good luck with your job search!
@jazel_juan (15747)
• Philippines
18 Nov 08
everything matters, who you are as a person, not just your academic matters but also your experience and your totality as a person. How you look at things matter, how you handle things matters, your emotional quotient matters ..