The Insufficient Degree

Kevin Fleming
2 days ago
4 min read

We live in an economy that rewards skills more than ever before. Every year, we celebrate record numbers of college graduates while employers report record numbers of unfilled job openings. These two realities coexist simultaneously. A diploma alone no longer serves as an automatic ticket to a successful career. Employers seek workers who bring both knowledge and skills. Although the shift to a skills-based education plan may appear challenging, it is entirely achievable. Through the use of current resources and collaborative partnerships, schools and colleges can deliver an approach that equips students for advanced study as well as for entry into the workforce.

Skills Gap (Tech and Employable)

The term ‘skills gap’ describes a pressing issue that demands our immediate attention. While many individuals hold degrees, employers struggle to find qualified candidates who meet the demands of open positions. Academic content alone does not meet the full expectations of today’s modern workplace. Candidates need employability skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, manage time effectively, collaborate, and adapt to complex situations. These skills do not appear automatically after graduation. They develop through intentional practice, mentorship, and relevant experience.

In nearly every economic sector, the combination of technical and employability skills determines who stands out. Employers say they want problem solvers and creative thinkers as much as they want credentials. The result of not addressing this need is easy to see, but it does not have to stay that way. Many graduates struggle to find meaningful work while industries leave positions unfilled. The data reveals that we cannot ignore this gap.

Career Before College Degrees

The pathway to a meaningful career does not start with a college visit, catalog, or website. It begins with clarity. We must help students of all ages think first about what type of life and work they seek, then align education around that vision. This approach does not remove the importance of degrees. It simply makes sure the degree serves a purpose.

For example, a student who aspires to a career in public service is often advised to major in political science. That degree offers value, but a skills-focused journey provides the student with a broader advantage. They might join Toastmasters to strengthen their public speaking skills, complete an internship with a city council member, take a community college course, volunteer with a voter registration initiative, or assist with nonprofit fundraising efforts. Each of these experiences gives direct skills that support long-term ambition. This same concept applies to every career interest. Starting with the end goal ensures that learners acquire the skills that open doors, while their formal education complements, rather than replaces, this foundation.

When career planning comes before college planning, students see the relevance of every class and every training opportunity. As a result, their motivation changes. The focus shifts from earning credits to building a portfolio of experiences and skills that employers value.

Skills-Based Education Plan

A skills-based education plan looks different from the traditional approach. It combines academic classes, industry-recognized credentials, internships, and certifications with ongoing mentorship and support. It values apprenticeships, project-based learning, and non-traditional experiences. This method creates graduates who are ready for both college-level work and workforce demands.

A high school or college transcript tells only one part of the story. A student with work-based learning, technical training, and employability skills becomes much more competitive. Even if that student holds fewer degrees than others, the skills and confidence gained through this plan lead to a smoother transition into high-wage, high-demand jobs. This path connects opportunity with true preparedness.

While implementing a skills-based education plan may seem daunting, it is entirely feasible. By leveraging existing resources and partnerships, schools and colleges can offer a comprehensive education that prepares students for both further academic pursuits and immediate employment opportunities.

Get Focused, Stay Focused

Get Focused, Stay Focused provides a valuable set of tools that align with a skills-first approach to education and career planning. Through the program’s structured modules, students learn how to set goals, identify strengths, and build a 10-year plan that connects their personal interests with career opportunities. Educators and counselors use these resources to guide learners beyond simply choosing a major or degree. Instead, they help them create a roadmap that integrates technical skills, employability skills, and academic preparation. This type of structured planning gives students clarity, confidence, and a competitive advantage as they navigate an economy that increasingly rewards skills alongside knowledge. Visit my friends at https://getfocusedstayfocused.org/ for more!

Acknowledge Different Learning Methods

Business leaders and hiring managers must recognize that the future of talent development encompasses more than a single pathway. Both corporations and universities benefit when they support and acknowledge the value of multiple learning methods. Certificate programs, stackable credentials, industry partnerships, short-term training, and traditional four-year degrees all matter. The key is how these options combine to create a complete skill set.

I encourage every professional to ask: Are we preparing learners for jobs or only for diplomas? The answer requires a design of educational systems that align with skills. It is time to build a culture where skills stand as the bridge between education and employment. A culture shift is crucial for the future of our workforce.