QUESTION: Hello, After hearing about your program on the Dave Ramsey show, I decided to check out your web site. Your course looks good, but what happens once you find the “work you love” and you aren’t “qualified”? I went to college for over four years, but never actually got a degree. That little piece of paper is holding me back from a lot of things. Does your course cover how to get jobs that you don’t have experience or qualifications for, but is the work you love? I really don’t want to get my hopes up and find my perfect job, only to find that they aren’t going to hire me. Thanks!
ANSWER: There are too many unknowns in your questions to give a very complete answer. If you are wanting to do brain surgery or design skyscrapers, then not having the degree will certainly hold you back. However, if you want to be a sales rep, in a management position, create beautiful logos, do web design, paint houses, develop phone apps, design video games, build furniture, sell products on Amazon, be a well-known sculptor, write a best-selling book, or design landscaping, then not having a degree is probably not an issue.
Yes, it is a concern that you refer to getting a job where you don’t have experience or the qualifications — why would a company hire you? If you really don’t have those things, then No, I would not even recommend you waste your time pursuing those jobs. However, being “qualified” or “experienced” implies much more than just having a degree.
I commend you on moving forward and not being content with the status quo. And I can understand your frustration in thinking not having a degree is holding you back. But it’s never just a matter of having the right degrees. Actually, it’s less that now than ever before. In the last year at 48 Days LLC, we have engaged a social media director, product fulfillment manager, webmaster, graphic designer, blog coach, podcast consultant, speaking coach, 48Days.net director, marketing director and several other positions. In not one case did I ask for a resume or even inquire about degrees or certifications. And right now, I would love to add two people right now to head up the expansion of our new 48 Days to the Work You Love Seminar program.
Rather than being concerned about the "right" degree, I am more likely I am going to look for:
1. Notes of recommendation from three people I know and respect.
2. A past project I can review.
3. Media buzz about what that person has already done. (What will I see if I Google you?)
4. Leadership of a group on a social networking site.
5. A regular blog that is compelling and engaging.
6. A high EQ (Emotional Quotient) vs. a high IQ
Again, you may say, "Well, I don’t have any of those things." Then that begs the question. Why would someone see you as an outstanding candidate?
