A Degree Might Not Be Enough as Employers Look for Skills Training, According to Human Resource Experts
New HR insights show employers increasingly prioritise demonstrable skills over degrees alone. Here’s what that means for professionals building careers in tech and project management.
For years, a university degree was seen as the main gateway into professional careers. That assumption is starting to shift. According to HR leaders, skills and demonstrable ability are becoming just as important as formal education.
HiBob APJ Head of People and Culture, Anna Volkova, recently explained that hiring teams are increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications. In fact, 64% of HR professionals say a degree alone doesn’t guarantee the digital or AI capability modern roles require.
This reflects conversations I have every day with people who want to strengthen their employability. Employers still value degrees, but they also want evidence that you can apply your knowledge. That’s why many professionals now complement their education with practical training, such as online courses in tech and project management.
The question many people are asking is: what do employers expect if a degree isn’t enough?
Written by
Sophi Barnes is an experienced Careers Services Consultant with a strong background in career coaching and deep expertise in the tech and project management job markets. She's passionate about supporting people through career transitions and into roles where they can thrive.
AI and the Rise of “New Collar” Hiring
Many employers are now shifting toward what’s often called “new collar” hiring. Instead of filtering candidates primarily by degrees, they focus on practical skills and job readiness.
Volkova explains that one reason for this shift is that “the half-life of knowledge is shrinking.” In fast-paced sectors like tech, what you learned during a four-year degree can quickly become outdated as tools and platforms evolve.
AI is accelerating this change. Many routine administrative tasks that once formed the foundation of entry-level roles are now automated. As a result, employers increasingly look for people who can think critically, solve problems, and contribute value quickly.
It’s clear hiring processes are changing. Rather than relying solely on academic qualifications, some organisations now use scenario-based assessments to test how candidates would handle real workplace challenges.
For people starting their careers or considering a transition, this creates both pressure and opportunity. Employers want evidence of capability, not just credentials. And with the growing demand for tech professionals, building demonstrable skills is becoming one of the clearest ways to stand out.
Why Practical Skills and Certifications Now Carry More Weight
So, what should you do if a degree alone isn’t enough?
Practical qualifications demonstrate things employers struggle to see on a transcript, such as:
- Hands-on technical skills
- Adaptability in fast-paced industries
- The ability to solve real workplace problems
In my conversations with career changes and graduates, this comes up often. Many people already have a degree but feel they need practical capability that employers recognise immediately.
Structured skills training can bridge that gap. It strengthens your academic background while helping you build real-life experience. And with it being such a strong time to move into project management and tech sectors, adding targeted certifications can significantly improve your career prospects.
Building Skills That Employers Recognise
Degrees still matter. They show commitment and provide a strong foundation of knowledge. But in today’s job market, skills and experience are what turn that foundation into opportunity.
You’ll stand out if you combine education with practical capability. That might mean building experience with AI tools, gaining recognised tech certifications, or learning how to apply project management frameworks in real situations.
At Learning People, we support this every day. Many of the people we speak to already have degrees but want to strengthen their employability with structured training in AI, tech, and Project Management.
If you’re looking to build practical skills that translate into real career opportunities, book a call back from one of our expert Career Consultants today. Hit the button below and take 20 seconds to leave your details to get started.
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