Degree Free
Why College Degrees Shouldn’t Be Required For Entry Level Jobs & Unveiling the Truth Behind ”Highest Paying Jobs for College Grads” (DF#101)
Wed Jun 14 2023Description
The episode explores the impact of the court case Griggs versus Duke Power Company on the use of college degrees as a measure of skills. It discusses the shift towards aptitude tests in hiring practices and highlights high-paying job opportunities that don't require a degree. The episode also emphasizes breaking stereotypes and expanding career options beyond traditional expectations.
Insights
College Degrees as a Paywall
The use of college degrees as a hiring standard created a paywall that restricted access to certain jobs, leading to increased discrimination against black Americans and minorities.
Return to Aptitude Tests
Some companies are now returning to using aptitude tests instead of relying solely on college degrees as a way to measure job aptitude.
Degree-Free Job Opportunities
There are high-paying jobs, such as software engineering and data analytics, that don't necessarily require a college degree. Bias exists in job lists that only focus on certain industries or professions.
Expanding Career Options
Having a college degree does not limit career options, and there are various roles available beyond blue-collar work.
Chapters
- The Impact of Griggs versus Duke Power Company
- The Shift Towards Aptitude Tests
- Exploring Degree-Free Job Opportunities
- Breaking Stereotypes and Expanding Career Options
The Impact of Griggs versus Duke Power Company
00:00 - 07:43
- In 1971, the court case Griggs versus Duke Power Company ruled that aptitude tests were discriminatory, leading companies to seek alternative ways to measure skills.
- As a result, college degrees became the standard for validating skills, but this created increased discrimination against black Americans and minorities who couldn't afford college.
- College degrees became a paywall that restricted access to certain jobs.
- Nowadays, college degrees are not necessarily equivalent to education or job aptitude.
- Some companies are now returning to using aptitude tests instead of relying solely on degrees.
The Shift Towards Aptitude Tests
07:14 - 14:14
- Companies initially started requiring college degrees as a response to lawsuits, but now they are creating aptitude tests that align with specific roles.
- These tests cover material that is more relevant to the actual jobs.
- In addition to aptitude tests, behavioral tests like personality assessments are commonly used in pre-employment screening.
- The decision by companies to require college degrees may have been influenced by the Griggs decision in 1971.
Exploring Degree-Free Job Opportunities
13:46 - 20:53
- There are high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree, such as software engineering and data analytics.
- Only a small percentage of jobs actually require licenses obtained through formal college education.
- There are degree-free individuals who can excel in various jobs with the right training and opportunities.
- Bias exists in job lists that only focus on certain industries or professions.
- All the mentioned jobs have value and importance in a functioning economy.
Breaking Stereotypes and Expanding Career Options
20:35 - 23:13
- Having a college degree does not limit your career options.
- There are various roles available beyond blue-collar work, such as business analysts and drafting technicians.
- The goal is to break the mindset that certain jobs are only for certain people.