I keep seeing people say you need a degree to get a good job, but my gym is full of trainers who prove that wrong.

For the last 2 years, I've worked with over 20 trainers who got certified online for under $500 and now make $60k plus. The other side is my friend in HR who says their company's software automatically filters out resumes without a 4-year degree. I think hands-on skills and results matter more, but a lot of systems are still built for the old way. Which side is right for someone starting out today? Should you skip the degree and build a portfolio, or is that paper still the golden ticket?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer_wood2mo ago

Honestly, it's like we built a system where the key to the front door is a diploma, but the back window is wide open. Your friend's HR software is real, so that paper gets you in the room. But once you're in, nobody cares if you can't actually do the job. My take? Get the paper if you can, but for fields like training, a proven track record is what keeps you paid.

shah.matthew2mo ago

Wow, I always thought the degree was the whole game. But @spencer_wood is right, it's just a ticket in the door. You still gotta prove you can actually do the work once you're inside. That track record part is what really matters.

the_wendy1mo ago

Totally agree with this... I got my first real job because of my degree, but I kept it because I learned how to actually solve problems on the fly. The degree just made my resume look legit to the hiring manager. After that, it was all about showing up every day and getting stuff done right. The paper gets you the interview, but your work is what gets you the next job.