While on a plane, I read an article written by a futurist. In the article, he claimed that in the near future, 10 to 15 years from now, employment opportunities would be about credentials. He suggested that education and training would confer the authority, status, rights, and privileges a person needed to move ahead.
I believe he is totally wrong. Most of the time, the more initials I see behind someone’s name, the more suspect I become. In fact, a few years ago, I stopped using the initials behind my name for that very reason (except when it was legally pertinent). Of course, we never hold futurists accountable for the validity of their predictions. But quite frankly, I’m glad the world hasn’t ended yet.
Focus on the Future
In contrast, I believe in the future, employers will focus on aptitude, passion, and proven competence, regardless of education level.
Home schooling has demonstrated that placing our children in public education mills isn’t necessary, and it is likely unsuitable. In our society, we want to ensure everyone goes to college and gets a degree. At one time, a person with a degree had a distinct advantage over someone with only a high school diploma. But when everyone has a degree, how will we measure its value? At one time, a person with a degree had a distinct advantage over someone with only a high school diploma.
Practical Demonstrations of Competence
I believe that skilled measurements will replace diplomas. Not standardized tests or years of experience, but practical demonstrations of competence. In the near future, employers will ask, “Can you do this job and achieve these results?” They’ll examine resumes that indicate “5 years of experience” with more skepticism. Having been an employer most of my life, that usually translates to “5 years of getting by.” If not, why are you applying for the same job here, or why hasn’t your current employer advanced you?
Increase Your Compensation and Value
Employers promote people based on outstanding performance. This is what widens the gap between your compensation and value, not more initials behind your name. I explain this clearly in my book “Build Your Career 180, 5 Street Smart Strategies To Never Be Unemployed or Underemployed In Any Economy (link to: http://ronhequet.com/business-management-and-leadership-series/).”
Over the course of many years, I have successfully founded, owned, and operated 8 different businesses in 6 different industries. Furthermore, I’ve consulted with clients across the United States in as many as 20 different industries. In all those years, I do not recall any client or potential client asking me where I went to school or if I had a degree (and I attended well-known schools and have degrees). Why? Because I demonstrated competence as a business owner and management consultant. I was then, and I am now, driven by results…but guided by experience. As a result, I have become known as America’s Leading Profit and Cash Flow Strategist.
Let’s admit it. Too many people are highly educated and incompetent, while many others are uneducated and brilliant. Whom would you rather have working for you?
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