My Dirty Little College Secret

Comments | Add yours

I have a lot of people ask me where I went to school, and what I studied in order to set myself up for the career path I have now. So it’s time for me to come clean with my dirty little secret:

I don’t have a college degree.

 

Moreover, when I was in school? I was a music major. Flute performance, to be exact. I am, actually, a professional band nerd.

To some of you, that’s not a biggie. To others, you’re sitting there going “but how on earth do you have a successful career in social media if you don’t have a marketing degree or something?”

My career path went something like this.

I went to school, and while I was fortunate to have some of it paid for, I changed majors and didn’t graduate in four years. And after my fifth year, I couldn’t afford to continue (bartending is awesome but not quite lucrative enough for rent AND a college education). I loved music, passionately, and wanted to be in the industry but not necessarily on the stage.

I walked in the door at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and asked for a job. Any job. Entry level, unglamorous. I got a job as a development assistant in the fundraising department earning $17,000 a year. I worked hard, and I learned.

That took me through 7 years of professional fundraising roles, both in the arts and in social services. From there I was recruited by a former colleague to lead first client services, then marketing and communications at a design and architecture firm, and I did that for several years. Then I left and started my own online communications business, worked my tail off to make it work – I would have been willing to work part time at Target to pay the bills if I had to – and did. A bit more than a year later, I got hired by my then-client, Radian6.

I overcame the lack of a degree with hard work. It’s that simple, and yet not.

In my first few jobs, people asked about the degree.  I addressed that discussion by saying that I didn’t complete my degree for financial reasons, but I could point to tangible professional results in the positions I’d had to date, and that I believed they illustrated my capabilities in a more practical way.

Some people listened, some didn’t. The ones that didn’t weren’t the right culture for me. And after that, people stopped asking, because my work spoke for itself. Yes, I’ve heard the “degree is proof that you can finish something” mantra, but I don’t buy it. Wouldn’t you rather know I can finish a project for you that can help build the business?

I earned the role I have today because I have a track record of results, no matter what role I was in, and when I was an employee or a consultant. Period.

But enough about me…

I’m a bit of a heretic. I’ve always defied convention just a little bit, but it’s demonstrated to me that in the career path I’ve walked, the degree wasn’t the important part.

You can do this too.

And even if you have a degree, it IS possible to make it relevant to a new career, a new industry, a new role. It’s about demonstrating how hard you can work, what results you’ve achieved (and what you learned when you missed the mark), and what you’re willing to do to earn credibility and trust that goes beyond your education.

If you don’t have a degree, or the “right” degree, you can very much still build a case for why you can do the job you want without it. That might require being willing to take a more junior role in order to earn your stripes. That might require meticulous attention to tracking the results of your projects, and illustrating how you’ve succeeded without it.

You might take volunteer or internship work (even as an established professional) in order to earn relevant experience in a new field. You might seek out a mentor in your desired field, and patiently spend your own personal time learning outside your current gig in order to build up a library of knowledge that can help you earn the gig.

The point is this: if you want to make something happen bad enough, you do what you have to do, and find ways around the obstacles instead of whining about their existence.

What will you do next?

I feel kind of odd writing a post that’s so me-focused, but I’m hoping that you can take something away from this that’s relevant to you. It is, after all, the perspective and experience I have. And folks ask about it so often that perhaps there’s something in this story or experience that translates, gives you some ideas, or helps you see things through a new lens.

Do you have a similar story to share? Has your degree or college experience helped or hindered you, or have you overcome a challenge on that front? Are you proving your value through demonstrated results and practical examples?

I’d love to hear your stories.

Special thanks to my colleagues at Radian6, most especially David Alston and Marcel Lebrun, for believing in me for what I could accomplish, and not the piece of paper that wasn’t in my pocket.

image credit: pthread1981

Find more like this: personal, Self Improvement , , , , ,

← Older Comments
Newer Comments →
  • http://www.drewsmarketingminute.com Drew McLellan

    WHAT?? Say it ain’t so. So all of the really smart things you’ve said and shared are in reality dumb or wrong? I mean come on…no college degree? How can you be credible, helpful, experienced or smart without one of those?

    This is exactly the same reason that Winston Churchill, Whole Food founder John Mackey and George Bernard Shaw were total failures too.

    Shame on you! Now go take an English Lit class! ;-}

    Drew
    .-= Drew McLellan´s last blog ..5 ways to building a committed team =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Hey, I loved English Lit. And lots of other classes for that matter. I just didn’t finish, which is what kind of confuses me. All the work I did TO that point isn’t valid unless I take the last few classes? That’s what bugs me. I learned plenty, but how I’m applying it now is totally different.

      And yeah, it’s encouraging to me to see more and more world leaders that haven’t taken traditional education paths. It’s eye opening.

  • http://www.drewsmarketingminute.com Drew McLellan

    WHAT?? Say it ain’t so. So all of the really smart things you’ve said and shared are in reality dumb or wrong? I mean come on…no college degree? How can you be credible, helpful, experienced or smart without one of those?

    This is exactly the same reason that Winston Churchill, Whole Food founder John Mackey and George Bernard Shaw were total failures too.

    Shame on you! Now go take an English Lit class! ;-}

    Drew
    .-= Drew McLellan´s last blog ..5 ways to building a committed team =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Hey, I loved English Lit. And lots of other classes for that matter. I just didn’t finish, which is what kind of confuses me. All the work I did TO that point isn’t valid unless I take the last few classes? That’s what bugs me. I learned plenty, but how I’m applying it now is totally different.

      And yeah, it’s encouraging to me to see more and more world leaders that haven’t taken traditional education paths. It’s eye opening.

  • http://www.financialexecutives.blogspot.com/ Edith Orenstein

    Amber,
    Bravo on a great post, most importantly, very inspiring. I saw you speak in New York at a mediabistro event and people hung on your every word, I don’t think you’re ‘dirty little secret’ diminishes that, if anything, I think it enhances your story.

    In a world in which financial strains can keep people from attending or finishing college, or pressuing them to get a degree in something that will enable them to pay back their student loans (circular reasoning, perhaps, but reasoning based on necessity, which I can personally relate to), vs. going to college to ‘follow your dream’ … I think its important for younger folks (and older folks and everyone in between) to know that there is a path to ‘following your dream’ even if a person can’t fulfill the standard educational requirement of a college degree for some reason, particularly if its a financial reason largely beyond their control, but not beyond their abilities, which can be proven in other ways, and particularly for jobs in which on-the-job training can make up a lot of the difference (as opposed to, e.g. medical school, as someone noted above).

    A twist on this which I have seen, is when someone starts out with a Bachelors degree in one field (e.g. Accounting), and has talent to become a Trader, or otherwise ‘do deals’, even getting an MBA at night, and still being told “No, you’re an accounting, we don’t want to move you to the Trading Floor.” That happened to two of my colleagues when I worked in banking in the mid-1980s, they both got their MBA at NYU at night, they could not transfer to the Trading Floor, because they started out with Big Eight (at the time, it was the Big Eight) CPA firms; they both ended up leaving the bank, with one becoming a Trader at Merrill, and one becoming a Trader at Chase Manhattan Bank. I had a similar experience, in which I wanted to transfer from Accounting Policy to a credit analysis function, I actually had an interview scheduled with someone in the credit analysis function, and my interview was cancelled by the HR person for my department. In the longrun, one department’s desire to keep a ‘lock’ on its people, and other department’s views that an ‘accountant’ could never become a ‘trader’, only served to send a message to people to seek opportunity somewhere else.

    Thanks again for your encouraging message, I think it is very, very important when a highly respected person in their field steps out with a story like this, it will definitely provide hope and inspiration for people at various stages in their careers.

    • Amber Naslund

      Edith – glad you were in NYC for the panel! And you raise some very important issues that Teresa touched on too; sometimes financial opportunity just doesn’t exist for some people, so they NEED to find alternatives. I want to keep advocating for the idea that there’s more than one way to skin the “knowledge and education” cat.

      Interesting about the transferrable skills thing, though. I hadn’t seen that sticking point before, but I can see how it would emerge, for sure.

  • http://www.financialexecutives.blogspot.com/ Edith Orenstein

    Amber,
    Bravo on a great post, most importantly, very inspiring. I saw you speak in New York at a mediabistro event and people hung on your every word, I don’t think you’re ‘dirty little secret’ diminishes that, if anything, I think it enhances your story.

    In a world in which financial strains can keep people from attending or finishing college, or pressuing them to get a degree in something that will enable them to pay back their student loans (circular reasoning, perhaps, but reasoning based on necessity, which I can personally relate to), vs. going to college to ‘follow your dream’ … I think its important for younger folks (and older folks and everyone in between) to know that there is a path to ‘following your dream’ even if a person can’t fulfill the standard educational requirement of a college degree for some reason, particularly if its a financial reason largely beyond their control, but not beyond their abilities, which can be proven in other ways, and particularly for jobs in which on-the-job training can make up a lot of the difference (as opposed to, e.g. medical school, as someone noted above).

    A twist on this which I have seen, is when someone starts out with a Bachelors degree in one field (e.g. Accounting), and has talent to become a Trader, or otherwise ‘do deals’, even getting an MBA at night, and still being told “No, you’re an accounting, we don’t want to move you to the Trading Floor.” That happened to two of my colleagues when I worked in banking in the mid-1980s, they both got their MBA at NYU at night, they could not transfer to the Trading Floor, because they started out with Big Eight (at the time, it was the Big Eight) CPA firms; they both ended up leaving the bank, with one becoming a Trader at Merrill, and one becoming a Trader at Chase Manhattan Bank. I had a similar experience, in which I wanted to transfer from Accounting Policy to a credit analysis function, I actually had an interview scheduled with someone in the credit analysis function, and my interview was cancelled by the HR person for my department. In the longrun, one department’s desire to keep a ‘lock’ on its people, and other department’s views that an ‘accountant’ could never become a ‘trader’, only served to send a message to people to seek opportunity somewhere else.

    Thanks again for your encouraging message, I think it is very, very important when a highly respected person in their field steps out with a story like this, it will definitely provide hope and inspiration for people at various stages in their careers.

    • Amber Naslund

      Edith – glad you were in NYC for the panel! And you raise some very important issues that Teresa touched on too; sometimes financial opportunity just doesn’t exist for some people, so they NEED to find alternatives. I want to keep advocating for the idea that there’s more than one way to skin the “knowledge and education” cat.

      Interesting about the transferrable skills thing, though. I hadn’t seen that sticking point before, but I can see how it would emerge, for sure.

  • http://buzzsensemedia.com Nicole

    Thank you for sharing. I am currently running my social media biz, managing 5 kids under 13 and attempting to complete my degree online. The idea of finishing what I started and adding credibility to my work was the reason I decided to go back to college online. To be honest, I absolutely HATE it;I have learned more through my 10 years of hands on experience in advertising and marketing then I have in the 3 years I have put into it the extended education. My children have less time with me and my Saturdays are spent reading textbooks and writing papers. To be honest, I don’t recall a college degree ever being discussed in any job offer ..my work always spoke for itself.

    Now… if you would have shared your secret 3 years ago I may have saved $50k and many hours of what I sometimes feel to be a waste of my time. :-)

    Amber, you have inspired many individuals to look beyond a piece of paper and to look at the individual and what they can bring to the table. Thank you for sharing your story.

    • Amber Naslund

      Nicole – I wouldn’t say you’re wasting your time. Education has value in many ways. What I’m arguing against is the notion that a degree is the only valid proof of a solid education. However, if you’re truly hating the online schooling, the key question is why? I loved school, I just couldn’t complete it. What you’re saying is that you aren’t enjoying it, so you’re wondering if it’s worth anything. That’s only a question you can answer, but it’s important to look at WHY you’re not getting anything out of it.

  • http://buzzsensemedia.com Nicole

    Thank you for sharing. I am currently running my social media biz, managing 5 kids under 13 and attempting to complete my degree online. The idea of finishing what I started and adding credibility to my work was the reason I decided to go back to college online. To be honest, I absolutely HATE it;I have learned more through my 10 years of hands on experience in advertising and marketing then I have in the 3 years I have put into it the extended education. My children have less time with me and my Saturdays are spent reading textbooks and writing papers. To be honest, I don’t recall a college degree ever being discussed in any job offer ..my work always spoke for itself.

    Now… if you would have shared your secret 3 years ago I may have saved $50k and many hours of what I sometimes feel to be a waste of my time. :-)

    Amber, you have inspired many individuals to look beyond a piece of paper and to look at the individual and what they can bring to the table. Thank you for sharing your story.

    • Amber Naslund

      Nicole – I wouldn’t say you’re wasting your time. Education has value in many ways. What I’m arguing against is the notion that a degree is the only valid proof of a solid education. However, if you’re truly hating the online schooling, the key question is why? I loved school, I just couldn’t complete it. What you’re saying is that you aren’t enjoying it, so you’re wondering if it’s worth anything. That’s only a question you can answer, but it’s important to look at WHY you’re not getting anything out of it.

  • http://blog.thesalesmatrix.com/ David Benjamin

    Amber,

    So glad you wrote this, for all those that find excuses instead of answers. Your lack of a degree was not going to stop you from reaching goals you set out for. You demonstrate that learned experiences in the workforce at various positions is every bit if not more important than finishing a college degree.

    Two years ago as a recruiter I could see the writing on the wall. Companies weren’t hiring rather laying people off and when they were hiring, they sure weren’t interested in paying the fees as they previously had. I had to make a choice.

    I choose getting my MBA in social media. I read, studied, reviewed, and watched more content than the average person dabbling in the new phenomenon. Some laughed, thought I was crazy but I wasn’t going to be deterred.

    Two years later, I have expanded my role at The Sales Matrix to become their recruiting and digital communications manager. I also started my own consulting practice working with several clients across many industries. The most exciting of which was being a part of the NFL/Ticketmaster social media campaign for this past Super Bowl.

    Within the next couple of months I will be launching a new sales and marketing e-learning company with a handful of other guys which I’m super excited about. I’ve been a part of a business roundtable podcast series and have been happier in my career than ever.

    If it weren’t for guys like you, Chris Brogan, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, and so many others I wouldn’t be where I am today. The many tips, lessons, and great content you all have shared has been very influential to me.
    .-= David Benjamin´s last blog ..Step by Step or Seat of the Pants? =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      I’m so glad you shared your experiences too, Dave. I’ve enjoyed watching your career shift and change over the last couple of years, and know you work very hard at what you do. Thanks for the support and encouragement.

  • http://blog.thesalesmatrix.com/ David Benjamin

    Amber,

    So glad you wrote this, for all those that find excuses instead of answers. Your lack of a degree was not going to stop you from reaching goals you set out for. You demonstrate that learned experiences in the workforce at various positions is every bit if not more important than finishing a college degree.

    Two years ago as a recruiter I could see the writing on the wall. Companies weren’t hiring rather laying people off and when they were hiring, they sure weren’t interested in paying the fees as they previously had. I had to make a choice.

    I choose getting my MBA in social media. I read, studied, reviewed, and watched more content than the average person dabbling in the new phenomenon. Some laughed, thought I was crazy but I wasn’t going to be deterred.

    Two years later, I have expanded my role at The Sales Matrix to become their recruiting and digital communications manager. I also started my own consulting practice working with several clients across many industries. The most exciting of which was being a part of the NFL/Ticketmaster social media campaign for this past Super Bowl.

    Within the next couple of months I will be launching a new sales and marketing e-learning company with a handful of other guys which I’m super excited about. I’ve been a part of a business roundtable podcast series and have been happier in my career than ever.

    If it weren’t for guys like you, Chris Brogan, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, and so many others I wouldn’t be where I am today. The many tips, lessons, and great content you all have shared has been very influential to me.
    .-= David Benjamin´s last blog ..Step by Step or Seat of the Pants? =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      I’m so glad you shared your experiences too, Dave. I’ve enjoyed watching your career shift and change over the last couple of years, and know you work very hard at what you do. Thanks for the support and encouragement.

  • http://www.bevisibleassoc.com Betsy Kent

    Amber, Thanks for sharing this. I am very touched. I think
    we all have something that we feel insecure about
    even if we are very successful in our careers.
    It took a lot of courage to write this post. Congrats!

    • Amber Naslund

      Thanks, Betsy. It’s not so much courage anymore, as I’ve very much come to terms with this. But I was hopeful that some others could take some encouragement from my unconventional path, and I’m really amazed at the outpouring on this post. Fascinating and encouraging. :)

  • http://www.bevisibleassoc.com Betsy Kent

    Amber, Thanks for sharing this. I am very touched. I think
    we all have something that we feel insecure about
    even if we are very successful in our careers.
    It took a lot of courage to write this post. Congrats!

    • Amber Naslund

      Thanks, Betsy. It’s not so much courage anymore, as I’ve very much come to terms with this. But I was hopeful that some others could take some encouragement from my unconventional path, and I’m really amazed at the outpouring on this post. Fascinating and encouraging. :)

  • http://www.momblebee.com/blog Cheryl Andonian

    I do have a degree in broadcasting and film. Did I ever become a filmmaker? No. But what I did learn is how to communicate and write well, how to translate ideas into something tangible and appealing to an audience. My path has been a winding one. I’ve ended up out on my own for many years as an entrepreneur starting several different businesses of my own, mostly small, and one pretty big. I like to think of my entrepreneurial experience as my honorary MBA. I earned that one, trust me! I’m so much smarter now than I was when I started my first business. It’s that hands on, thinking on your toes in the trenches kind of learning that just can’t happen in a classroom or from a book.
    .-= Cheryl Andonian´s last blog ..The Cashier At Walgreens Is My Consultant =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      The in-the-trenches thing is just it, though I’d say that is necessary whether you complete your degree or not. There’s just no substitute for learning with your feet on the ground. And very cool that you took some tangible things about communication away from your film and broadcasting education. Those soft skills are present in lots of fields, and so very critical in the “Real” world.

  • http://lifedestiny.net Tanner @ Life Destiny

    I would have to say my degree has substantially helped me in finding some client work. Although I am still in school, I do consult with some companies and individuals outside of school.

    My degree is actually focused basically on social media (social informatics to be exact) in Information Sciences & Technology with an emphasis on People, Society, and Organizations. Penn State has a new school built for the type of revolution we are experiencing and I am just lucky enough to be in the program. Quite a few other iSchools have popped up all over the United States in response to the need to build leaders in technology, not just computer sciences or computer engineering people, but actual business minded tech people.

    The computer science and computer engineering people build the hardware and software and the program I am in (College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State) is to bridge the gap between builder and consumer. We are meant to understand how this technology will impact people, society, and organizations. It is rather quite interesting.
    .-= Tanner @ Life Destiny´s last blog ..How the Digital Divide Works =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Tanner, I’m definitely going to be interested in watching how the education system changes and responds to emerging technologies and new attitudes about learning. It’s a slow moving system, I’ve found, but there are bright and innovative people in higher Ed that are really doing some great things. I’m hopeful we can make education in the future more tangible and relevant and less, well, academic. :)

  • http://www.momblebee.com/blog Cheryl Andonian

    I do have a degree in broadcasting and film. Did I ever become a filmmaker? No. But what I did learn is how to communicate and write well, how to translate ideas into something tangible and appealing to an audience. My path has been a winding one. I’ve ended up out on my own for many years as an entrepreneur starting several different businesses of my own, mostly small, and one pretty big. I like to think of my entrepreneurial experience as my honorary MBA. I earned that one, trust me! I’m so much smarter now than I was when I started my first business. It’s that hands on, thinking on your toes in the trenches kind of learning that just can’t happen in a classroom or from a book.
    .-= Cheryl Andonian´s last blog ..The Cashier At Walgreens Is My Consultant =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      The in-the-trenches thing is just it, though I’d say that is necessary whether you complete your degree or not. There’s just no substitute for learning with your feet on the ground. And very cool that you took some tangible things about communication away from your film and broadcasting education. Those soft skills are present in lots of fields, and so very critical in the “Real” world.

  • http://lifedestiny.net Tanner @ Life Destiny

    I would have to say my degree has substantially helped me in finding some client work. Although I am still in school, I do consult with some companies and individuals outside of school.

    My degree is actually focused basically on social media (social informatics to be exact) in Information Sciences & Technology with an emphasis on People, Society, and Organizations. Penn State has a new school built for the type of revolution we are experiencing and I am just lucky enough to be in the program. Quite a few other iSchools have popped up all over the United States in response to the need to build leaders in technology, not just computer sciences or computer engineering people, but actual business minded tech people.

    The computer science and computer engineering people build the hardware and software and the program I am in (College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State) is to bridge the gap between builder and consumer. We are meant to understand how this technology will impact people, society, and organizations. It is rather quite interesting.
    .-= Tanner @ Life Destiny´s last blog ..How the Digital Divide Works =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Tanner, I’m definitely going to be interested in watching how the education system changes and responds to emerging technologies and new attitudes about learning. It’s a slow moving system, I’ve found, but there are bright and innovative people in higher Ed that are really doing some great things. I’m hopeful we can make education in the future more tangible and relevant and less, well, academic. :)

  • http://thewearypublicist.blogspot.com Laura Scholz

    Thanks for opening up–we share a music geek past! Except I went on to get a master’s degree in arts administration that didn’t serve me very well in my professional life–ironically enough, in the non-profit arts world, where I spent almost ten years! I then managed to get two agency communications jobs–including one starting a communications pratice–without a drop of previous agency experience and eventually parlayed that into my own business.

    I’ve never taken a marketing, communications or public relations class in my life (but I’ve taught one!). I do think my liberal arts degree (political science) was useful, but I was lucky enough to have most of it paid for via scholarships. I hate that college is becoming so cost prohibitive and agree that employers need to be open to accepting people with drive and a track record of accomplishments.

    Another salient point you’ve articulated here is that life is what you make of it. If you work hard and get results, it really doesn’t matter what your major was, whether or not you have a degree or what your prior experience is. I’ve managed to cobble my very random, non-linear career path into something I love, mostly because I always followed my heart.

    Congrats to you–you’ve earned all of your success!

    • Amber Naslund

      Helloooo fellow music nerd. :) We’re all over the place, lurking…

      Always glad to find another non-conformist that carved their own path. I love it. Thanks for sharing. :)

  • http://thewearypublicist.blogspot.com Laura Scholz

    Thanks for opening up–we share a music geek past! Except I went on to get a master’s degree in arts administration that didn’t serve me very well in my professional life–ironically enough, in the non-profit arts world, where I spent almost ten years! I then managed to get two agency communications jobs–including one starting a communications pratice–without a drop of previous agency experience and eventually parlayed that into my own business.

    I’ve never taken a marketing, communications or public relations class in my life (but I’ve taught one!). I do think my liberal arts degree (political science) was useful, but I was lucky enough to have most of it paid for via scholarships. I hate that college is becoming so cost prohibitive and agree that employers need to be open to accepting people with drive and a track record of accomplishments.

    Another salient point you’ve articulated here is that life is what you make of it. If you work hard and get results, it really doesn’t matter what your major was, whether or not you have a degree or what your prior experience is. I’ve managed to cobble my very random, non-linear career path into something I love, mostly because I always followed my heart.

    Congrats to you–you’ve earned all of your success!

    • Amber Naslund

      Helloooo fellow music nerd. :) We’re all over the place, lurking…

      Always glad to find another non-conformist that carved their own path. I love it. Thanks for sharing. :)

  • Cheryl Fehlberg

    Amber congratulations on a few counts. Primarily for having the confidence to open up to the community in such an open and honest way and secondly for persevering and becoming successful in what you’ve wanted to achieve. Good for you!

    • Amber Naslund

      Thanks, Cheryl. We learn from others, so I love being able to encourage those that don’t think they “fit the mold”. I sure as heck don’t. :)

  • Cheryl Fehlberg

    Amber congratulations on a few counts. Primarily for having the confidence to open up to the community in such an open and honest way and secondly for persevering and becoming successful in what you’ve wanted to achieve. Good for you!

    • Amber Naslund

      Thanks, Cheryl. We learn from others, so I love being able to encourage those that don’t think they “fit the mold”. I sure as heck don’t. :)

  • http://lukemysse.com Luke Mysse

    I think a college education is great and it’s certainly something I want for my two kids. Statistics show that generally college graduates make more money and get better jobs.

    However, all of that being said, it’s not the only way. I don’t have a degree and at this point I wouldn’t trade my 13 years of real world experience for one. Sometimes the focus is on earning a piece of paper and not on learning.

    For me it’s all about continuing to learn. I’m shocked by the number of business people I meet, college graduates even, that haven’t read a book since graduating…or have read very few. They have basically allowed people like me to pass them up in the market place because my marketing knowledge is more relevant.

    College degree or not, what have you learned lately? That’s what I think matters.

    • Amber Naslund

      That’s a good point, Luke. Do you think we tend to rest on our formal education laurels to an extent, and not feel we have to put in any other learning effort once we get the degree? I’d be curious on other people’s take on that one too.

  • http://lukemysse.com Luke Mysse

    I think a college education is great and it’s certainly something I want for my two kids. Statistics show that generally college graduates make more money and get better jobs.

    However, all of that being said, it’s not the only way. I don’t have a degree and at this point I wouldn’t trade my 13 years of real world experience for one. Sometimes the focus is on earning a piece of paper and not on learning.

    For me it’s all about continuing to learn. I’m shocked by the number of business people I meet, college graduates even, that haven’t read a book since graduating…or have read very few. They have basically allowed people like me to pass them up in the market place because my marketing knowledge is more relevant.

    College degree or not, what have you learned lately? That’s what I think matters.

    • Amber Naslund

      That’s a good point, Luke. Do you think we tend to rest on our formal education laurels to an extent, and not feel we have to put in any other learning effort once we get the degree? I’d be curious on other people’s take on that one too.

  • http://www.misadvenutreswithandi.com Andi

    Love your blog, read your posts religiously, but first time commenter. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this post. I too do not have a college degree, I started and never finished because I had a part time job in an office that had me quickly following in love with the corporate world. I eventually dropped out and never looked back. I have been very, very successful and yet I wait for “that day” when not having a degree is going to prevent me from something. It is very brave to post about this and I am thrilled that you did. I was at SOBCon last year, will be there this year and look forward to meeting you.

    • Amber Naslund

      Andi – So glad you spoke up. :) Nice to see you here. Looking forward to seeing you in May at SobCon. Please say hello, and thank you for sharing your similar experience!

  • http://www.misadvenutreswithandi.com Andi

    Love your blog, read your posts religiously, but first time commenter. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this post. I too do not have a college degree, I started and never finished because I had a part time job in an office that had me quickly following in love with the corporate world. I eventually dropped out and never looked back. I have been very, very successful and yet I wait for “that day” when not having a degree is going to prevent me from something. It is very brave to post about this and I am thrilled that you did. I was at SOBCon last year, will be there this year and look forward to meeting you.

    • Amber Naslund

      Andi – So glad you spoke up. :) Nice to see you here. Looking forward to seeing you in May at SobCon. Please say hello, and thank you for sharing your similar experience!

  • http://www.smorty71.com Shawn Morton

    I could totally tell you didn’t have a degree the first time I met you… I’m kidding, of course :) Great post. Looking forward to catching up at SXSWi.
    .-= Shawn Morton´s last blog ..The World’s Greatest PSAs in the World! =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Yeah, I’m totally unrefined. Can’t wait to see you! :)

  • http://www.smorty71.com Shawn Morton

    I could totally tell you didn’t have a degree the first time I met you… I’m kidding, of course :) Great post. Looking forward to catching up at SXSWi.
    .-= Shawn Morton´s last blog ..The World’s Greatest PSAs in the World! =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Yeah, I’m totally unrefined. Can’t wait to see you! :)

  • http://jamiefavreau.wordpress.com Jamie Favreau

    Thank you for this.

    I did finally graduate after ten years for a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Technology. Needless to say the degree is more graphic design than communication. Have I used it? No. But I have learned more about business in the past year than I ever have if I had gone back to school for a degree in Communications.

    I admire your gumption to go into the company and just ask for the job. You need to have a plan when you are trying to do what you are passionate about.
    .-= Jamie Favreau´s last blog ..Help a PR Pro out (#HAPPO): Candidate Detroit =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Sometimes, you just have to say What the Heck? (to loosely and more politely quote Risky Business) and take a chance. The biggest chances I’ve taken in my life have often led to the biggest lessons, and sometimes even rewards. :)

  • http://jamiefavreau.wordpress.com Jamie Favreau

    Thank you for this.

    I did finally graduate after ten years for a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Technology. Needless to say the degree is more graphic design than communication. Have I used it? No. But I have learned more about business in the past year than I ever have if I had gone back to school for a degree in Communications.

    I admire your gumption to go into the company and just ask for the job. You need to have a plan when you are trying to do what you are passionate about.
    .-= Jamie Favreau´s last blog ..Help a PR Pro out (#HAPPO): Candidate Detroit =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Sometimes, you just have to say What the Heck? (to loosely and more politely quote Risky Business) and take a chance. The biggest chances I’ve taken in my life have often led to the biggest lessons, and sometimes even rewards. :)

  • http://www.ChristopherSPenn.com Christopher S. Penn

    Irony:

    I am a credentialed professor at a prestigious university teaching a field of study in which I have never once even taken a course. My undergraduate and graduate degrees are in something completely and totally different.
    .-= Christopher S. Penn´s last blog ..The reason why your personal brand sucks =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Funny, that. And it’s the experience that qualified you, yes?

  • http://www.ChristopherSPenn.com Christopher S. Penn

    Irony:

    I am a credentialed professor at a prestigious university teaching a field of study in which I have never once even taken a course. My undergraduate and graduate degrees are in something completely and totally different.
    .-= Christopher S. Penn´s last blog ..The reason why your personal brand sucks =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Funny, that. And it’s the experience that qualified you, yes?

  • http://www.techipedia.com Tamar Weinberg

    This is an awesome post, Amber. I love the me-centricity (yes, I made up that word) because you’re telling a great story. It’s one that has caused me to want to share mine.

    I discovered “social media” before it was social media in 1992. Because it all happened through a “computer,” I knew I wanted to do something with computers, so stupidly enough, I majored in computer science (and minored in psychology, which was a lot closer to the things I’m doing today!) I went through a few jobs in technical support, sysadmin work, and then landed as a hosting administrator at a search engine marketing firm. When hosting work ran dry, I dabbled in the SEM/SEO/SMO work and realized that this is why I fell in love with the Internet to begin with in the 90s: connecting with other people online was what I had been longing for all along!

    My degree has no relationship to what I’m doing now, but I love what I’m doing all the same and am happy that it “led” me to this career path. I wouldn’t change it for anything!

    Thanks for sharing your story :)
    .-= Tamar Weinberg´s last blog ..11 Characteristics of Highly Influential Blog(ger)s =-.

    • http://buzzmedia.com.my David Wang

      Hi Tamar, I can totally relate to you. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college too and it wasn’t a few years after I graduated that I really found my calling.

      Amber, thanks for sharing this post. You may not have a degree but you’re absolutely kicking butt! :)
      .-= David Wang´s last blog ..How to grow your Facebook Fan Page: WOW Photo gets 3000 fans in 2 months =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Tamar, I’m so glad you shared. Another example of the winding path of serendipity mixed with passion and a few doses of hard work to go with it. Good on you. Looking forward to catching up soon. :)

  • http://www.techipedia.com Tamar Weinberg

    This is an awesome post, Amber. I love the me-centricity (yes, I made up that word) because you’re telling a great story. It’s one that has caused me to want to share mine.

    I discovered “social media” before it was social media in 1992. Because it all happened through a “computer,” I knew I wanted to do something with computers, so stupidly enough, I majored in computer science (and minored in psychology, which was a lot closer to the things I’m doing today!) I went through a few jobs in technical support, sysadmin work, and then landed as a hosting administrator at a search engine marketing firm. When hosting work ran dry, I dabbled in the SEM/SEO/SMO work and realized that this is why I fell in love with the Internet to begin with in the 90s: connecting with other people online was what I had been longing for all along!

    My degree has no relationship to what I’m doing now, but I love what I’m doing all the same and am happy that it “led” me to this career path. I wouldn’t change it for anything!

    Thanks for sharing your story :)
    .-= Tamar Weinberg´s last blog ..11 Characteristics of Highly Influential Blog(ger)s =-.

    • http://buzzmedia.com.my David Wang

      Hi Tamar, I can totally relate to you. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college too and it wasn’t a few years after I graduated that I really found my calling.

      Amber, thanks for sharing this post. You may not have a degree but you’re absolutely kicking butt! :)
      .-= David Wang´s last blog ..How to grow your Facebook Fan Page: WOW Photo gets 3000 fans in 2 months =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Tamar, I’m so glad you shared. Another example of the winding path of serendipity mixed with passion and a few doses of hard work to go with it. Good on you. Looking forward to catching up soon. :)

  • http://www.annabarcelos.me Anna Barcelos

    Amber:
    In a world filled with “societal pressures” such as having a college degree, getting married, having children, etc. it’s refreshing to meet people who stay true to themselves like you (believe me I understand it’s not easy but does get easier as you get older; I promise). No matter what, people will always ask things like where you went to college, what your background is, and more personal questions. You can’t avoid that. What you can do is never let anyone compromise who you are. We’ve all fallen victim to that from time to time wondering if we are smart enough, nice enough, and more. With time we not only get to know the types of people who aren’t healthy for us, but more importantly we get to learn more about ourselves. It always happens through others.

    When I graduated from high school (’85) I went to a one year business school to take an executive assistant course (Remember Working Girl with Melanie Griffith in the 80′s? Secretaries were in demand back then). I later was hired at a technology company by the VP of Marketing who found something different in me compared to other applicants who had marketing degrees/MBA’s. The reason I was even considered was because of the name of the one-year business school I went to, but the rest was truly selling my value.

    I did go back to college to get my marketing degree because the technology company had tuition reimbursement, and I found I was really liking the world of marketing. Eight years later, I did get a degree. Has it helped me? Maybe to formalize my marketing education and resources, but my passion and drive for what I do tops that any day.

    Bottom line is it depends on the individual and how bad he/she wants something. No college degree, screening process or other person can ever get in the way of that. That’s you Amber. Thanks so much for being you. Realize your writing helps others more than you will ever realize.
    .-= Anna Barcelos´s last blog ..Five Confessions of an Integrated Marketing Communications Marketer =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Anna, thank you so much for saying that. I’m truly kind of humbled at the stories, experiences, and comments folks have shared on this post. Who knew what a nerve I’d hit?

      I’m grateful that you shared your encouraging story. Yet more reasons to admire the work you do. :)

  • http://www.annabarcelos.me Anna Barcelos

    Amber:
    In a world filled with “societal pressures” such as having a college degree, getting married, having children, etc. it’s refreshing to meet people who stay true to themselves like you (believe me I understand it’s not easy but does get easier as you get older; I promise). No matter what, people will always ask things like where you went to college, what your background is, and more personal questions. You can’t avoid that. What you can do is never let anyone compromise who you are. We’ve all fallen victim to that from time to time wondering if we are smart enough, nice enough, and more. With time we not only get to know the types of people who aren’t healthy for us, but more importantly we get to learn more about ourselves. It always happens through others.

    When I graduated from high school (’85) I went to a one year business school to take an executive assistant course (Remember Working Girl with Melanie Griffith in the 80′s? Secretaries were in demand back then). I later was hired at a technology company by the VP of Marketing who found something different in me compared to other applicants who had marketing degrees/MBA’s. The reason I was even considered was because of the name of the one-year business school I went to, but the rest was truly selling my value.

    I did go back to college to get my marketing degree because the technology company had tuition reimbursement, and I found I was really liking the world of marketing. Eight years later, I did get a degree. Has it helped me? Maybe to formalize my marketing education and resources, but my passion and drive for what I do tops that any day.

    Bottom line is it depends on the individual and how bad he/she wants something. No college degree, screening process or other person can ever get in the way of that. That’s you Amber. Thanks so much for being you. Realize your writing helps others more than you will ever realize.
    .-= Anna Barcelos´s last blog ..Five Confessions of an Integrated Marketing Communications Marketer =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Anna, thank you so much for saying that. I’m truly kind of humbled at the stories, experiences, and comments folks have shared on this post. Who knew what a nerve I’d hit?

      I’m grateful that you shared your encouraging story. Yet more reasons to admire the work you do. :)

  • http://www.jennbowen.com Jennifer Bowen

    Amber,

    What a fantastic post! I’m in the same boat as you. I didn’t finish my degree, not for financial reasons but husband and kids…oops guess that is financial:)

    It does take some work at first to overcome, but after awhile your degree becomes irrelevant. Especially if you have the work history to back it up. As a business owner now, I can tell you that an applicant’s work experience and attitude towards putting in the work necessary to complete a project are much more important to me than a degree.

    Thank you for putting this so eloquently and I hope others take note of your most important line “I overcame the lack of a degree with hard work.” That trait seems to be missing in many nowadays.

    Jenn

    • Amber Naslund

      What’s great is that I think your hiring mindset is probably much more open and curious as a result of your nontraditional background. Which is awesome. Keep that up! The business world needs more like you.

  • http://www.jennbowen.com Jennifer Bowen

    Amber,

    What a fantastic post! I’m in the same boat as you. I didn’t finish my degree, not for financial reasons but husband and kids…oops guess that is financial:)

    It does take some work at first to overcome, but after awhile your degree becomes irrelevant. Especially if you have the work history to back it up. As a business owner now, I can tell you that an applicant’s work experience and attitude towards putting in the work necessary to complete a project are much more important to me than a degree.

    Thank you for putting this so eloquently and I hope others take note of your most important line “I overcame the lack of a degree with hard work.” That trait seems to be missing in many nowadays.

    Jenn

    • Amber Naslund

      What’s great is that I think your hiring mindset is probably much more open and curious as a result of your nontraditional background. Which is awesome. Keep that up! The business world needs more like you.

  • http://pianotutor-pete.com Pete

    I feel like showing this post to every highschooler in the country, but their parents would probably kill me. There’s so much emphasis on getting that degree these days. Many are being pushed into degrees for “safe” careers instead of figuring out what they actually want.
    .-= Pete´s last blog ..Learning To Play Music Is Good For Discipline =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Yeah, and I’m not trying to say that kids shouldn’t pursue an education. But I think learning takes on many forms, and I know from my experience what I “Wanted to Do” emerged over several years and many, many experiences, not a major I picked when I was right out of high school.

  • http://pianotutor-pete.com Pete

    I feel like showing this post to every highschooler in the country, but their parents would probably kill me. There’s so much emphasis on getting that degree these days. Many are being pushed into degrees for “safe” careers instead of figuring out what they actually want.
    .-= Pete´s last blog ..Learning To Play Music Is Good For Discipline =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Yeah, and I’m not trying to say that kids shouldn’t pursue an education. But I think learning takes on many forms, and I know from my experience what I “Wanted to Do” emerged over several years and many, many experiences, not a major I picked when I was right out of high school.

  • http://www.momblebee.com/blog Cheryl Andonian

    I feel the need to interject here…although I commend Amber for finding her way and succeeding without a college degree, to dismiss a college degree as simply “a piece of paper” is not quite accurate. There is a lot to be learned in college if your goal is to learn. If your goal is to simply get a piece of paper then following another route might be a good idea. I learned a lot in college AND learned a lot in the field. I would caution not to encourage kids to forget about college and go the route of the school of life. The reality for most people is that there are many more opportunities that will be open to them if they go to college. Some will be like Amber and succeed without college, but unless they have the natural smarts and drive and perception on their own without honing it in college, life will be a more difficult path…
    Just my two cents.

    • Amber Naslund

      That’s fair Cheryl, though I don’t think I dismissed a degree (maybe others did). There’s lots to be learned in school, and I did. The point is that college isn’t the only way to learn things, and while yes the conventional approach and wisdom makes the path more challenging for those who choose alternatives, there ARE alternatives. And college doesn’t make up for the LACK of natural smarts and drive, either. Just because you get a degree doesn’t mean you won’t need those things after you leave school.

  • http://www.momblebee.com/blog Cheryl Andonian

    I feel the need to interject here…although I commend Amber for finding her way and succeeding without a college degree, to dismiss a college degree as simply “a piece of paper” is not quite accurate. There is a lot to be learned in college if your goal is to learn. If your goal is to simply get a piece of paper then following another route might be a good idea. I learned a lot in college AND learned a lot in the field. I would caution not to encourage kids to forget about college and go the route of the school of life. The reality for most people is that there are many more opportunities that will be open to them if they go to college. Some will be like Amber and succeed without college, but unless they have the natural smarts and drive and perception on their own without honing it in college, life will be a more difficult path…
    Just my two cents.

    • Amber Naslund

      That’s fair Cheryl, though I don’t think I dismissed a degree (maybe others did). There’s lots to be learned in school, and I did. The point is that college isn’t the only way to learn things, and while yes the conventional approach and wisdom makes the path more challenging for those who choose alternatives, there ARE alternatives. And college doesn’t make up for the LACK of natural smarts and drive, either. Just because you get a degree doesn’t mean you won’t need those things after you leave school.

  • http://writingonpurpose.com Teresa Basich

    Cheryl –

    I have to fight back a little bit. Not a bunch, because I do believe in the power of higher education, but…

    My mother is a junior high school teacher and works with more than a few kids who will never have the book smarts or family support to even consider college. This isn’t just hypothesis, this is fact. It’s not a feasible option for them, and they hate school because there aren’t other options to make them feel like they’ve got a way to succeed. In our educational system, you to go school to get to college, that’s it. We put no emphasis on trade or vocational schools, on following your passions even if they’re not academically inclined, and that leaves kids without the chops for college feeling like societal rejects and failures. I’ve seen it in my mom’s students, and it’s heartbreaking.

    I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to go to college and earn my degree, but I love that there’s a discussion like this happening to show kids these days that aspirations to walk outside the borders of the traditional academic college path are fantastic and should be pursued. At least those aspirations and goals are things they can feel positive about and actually push toward.

    Just had to put that out there.
    .-= Teresa Basich´s last blog ..Shut Up With Your “I Don’t Read Long Blog Posts” Crap =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      what you said. :)

  • http://writingonpurpose.com Teresa Basich

    Cheryl –

    I have to fight back a little bit. Not a bunch, because I do believe in the power of higher education, but…

    My mother is a junior high school teacher and works with more than a few kids who will never have the book smarts or family support to even consider college. This isn’t just hypothesis, this is fact. It’s not a feasible option for them, and they hate school because there aren’t other options to make them feel like they’ve got a way to succeed. In our educational system, you to go school to get to college, that’s it. We put no emphasis on trade or vocational schools, on following your passions even if they’re not academically inclined, and that leaves kids without the chops for college feeling like societal rejects and failures. I’ve seen it in my mom’s students, and it’s heartbreaking.

    I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to go to college and earn my degree, but I love that there’s a discussion like this happening to show kids these days that aspirations to walk outside the borders of the traditional academic college path are fantastic and should be pursued. At least those aspirations and goals are things they can feel positive about and actually push toward.

    Just had to put that out there.
    .-= Teresa Basich´s last blog ..Shut Up With Your “I Don’t Read Long Blog Posts” Crap =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      what you said. :)

  • http://www.kherize5.com Suzanne Vara

    Amber

    My story is quite different from yours however we share the same love of learning and I would be a student forever if I could. I do also love to learn and through clients and the SM community I almost feel like I am still in school everyday. I have a bachelors in criminal justice which holds a minor in sociology however when I started college, I was business admin. So on that degree, I am 18 credits or something in the degree of business admin. My second run at a bachelors was in marketing. So, add this all up I have 2 bachelors degrees, almost a 3rd and a minor in sociology. Fabulous. Really? Applying for jobs was a nightmare to explain it all. To further complicate or in my mind to level it all out, I was ready to pull the trigger on grad school but a life changing wonderful “surprise” changed that 5 yrs ago. As a single mom, I am thrilled to get to start school over with teaching son things everyday.

    You worked really hard, harder than I did as I had the piece of paper(s) and I did not have to “prove” what I could do. I just showed my pretty degrees and viola, I was a superstar. In the grand scheme of things, those degrees are great to look at and mean something to employers but are not representative of the work I can do as the only work I can do is working harder than anyone else and when someone notices, work even harder.

    It is more than you being an inspiration for others, it is one of the few times we can say do exactly as Amber did – work hard, learn all you can and apply it and then keep working hard.

    @SuzanneVara
    .-= Suzanne Vara´s last blog ..Mardi Gras: A Family Experience? =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Thanks for sharing your experiences, Suzanne. It’s an interesting phenomenon, how we take the degree accomplishment to mean a certain level of expertise and ability, for better and for worse. I know you’re working hard, too, at all the things you believe in. Keep that up.

  • http://www.kherize5.com Suzanne Vara

    Amber

    My story is quite different from yours however we share the same love of learning and I would be a student forever if I could. I do also love to learn and through clients and the SM community I almost feel like I am still in school everyday. I have a bachelors in criminal justice which holds a minor in sociology however when I started college, I was business admin. So on that degree, I am 18 credits or something in the degree of business admin. My second run at a bachelors was in marketing. So, add this all up I have 2 bachelors degrees, almost a 3rd and a minor in sociology. Fabulous. Really? Applying for jobs was a nightmare to explain it all. To further complicate or in my mind to level it all out, I was ready to pull the trigger on grad school but a life changing wonderful “surprise” changed that 5 yrs ago. As a single mom, I am thrilled to get to start school over with teaching son things everyday.

    You worked really hard, harder than I did as I had the piece of paper(s) and I did not have to “prove” what I could do. I just showed my pretty degrees and viola, I was a superstar. In the grand scheme of things, those degrees are great to look at and mean something to employers but are not representative of the work I can do as the only work I can do is working harder than anyone else and when someone notices, work even harder.

    It is more than you being an inspiration for others, it is one of the few times we can say do exactly as Amber did – work hard, learn all you can and apply it and then keep working hard.

    @SuzanneVara
    .-= Suzanne Vara´s last blog ..Mardi Gras: A Family Experience? =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Thanks for sharing your experiences, Suzanne. It’s an interesting phenomenon, how we take the degree accomplishment to mean a certain level of expertise and ability, for better and for worse. I know you’re working hard, too, at all the things you believe in. Keep that up.

  • http://www.momblebee.com/blog Cheryl Andonian

    Teresa,
    I absolutely agree with you. College isn’t for everyone for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s a lack of opportunity because of money or family situations or simply no interest in going that route, everyone has a different path or motivation in life. Vocational schools, internships, apprenticeships and hard work all can lead to very successful futures, no doubt. My comment really was directed at those who say a college degree is simply a piece of paper. It hit a nerve with me personally because I didn’t go to college, get loans, apply for scholarships, live in dumpy apartments with scary roommates, and work odd jobs while doing my coursework just to get “a piece of paper.” I went to college to learn. I worked hard and sacrificed to earn my degree. That’s all I’m saying. Not trying to pick a fight at all :) Just finished reading Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers. Pretty interesting and relevant to this discussion regarding success and how different opportunities lead different people on the path to success. It’s not just about being smart or rich – there are a myriad of factors that play a role in an individual’s likelihood to succeed. A recommended read…
    .-= Cheryl Andonian´s last blog ..The Cashier At Walgreens Is My Consultant =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Ah, thanks for the clarification, Cheryl. (Reading in line so caught this after I responded). No you didn’t do that all to “get a piece of paper”, but some do. And to some people, it’s just that. And would you have done all of those things in the name of learning if you weren’t able to finish? Was the experience and the knowledge still worth it without the degree at the end? I sacrificed too – for many years – and never got to the finish line. Not to say that the degree is worthless, but is my education and effort any less valid for having stopped 12 credits short?

      To the business world, the answer is sometimes yes. And I think that’s a shame.

  • http://www.momblebee.com/blog Cheryl Andonian

    Teresa,
    I absolutely agree with you. College isn’t for everyone for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s a lack of opportunity because of money or family situations or simply no interest in going that route, everyone has a different path or motivation in life. Vocational schools, internships, apprenticeships and hard work all can lead to very successful futures, no doubt. My comment really was directed at those who say a college degree is simply a piece of paper. It hit a nerve with me personally because I didn’t go to college, get loans, apply for scholarships, live in dumpy apartments with scary roommates, and work odd jobs while doing my coursework just to get “a piece of paper.” I went to college to learn. I worked hard and sacrificed to earn my degree. That’s all I’m saying. Not trying to pick a fight at all :) Just finished reading Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers. Pretty interesting and relevant to this discussion regarding success and how different opportunities lead different people on the path to success. It’s not just about being smart or rich – there are a myriad of factors that play a role in an individual’s likelihood to succeed. A recommended read…
    .-= Cheryl Andonian´s last blog ..The Cashier At Walgreens Is My Consultant =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Ah, thanks for the clarification, Cheryl. (Reading in line so caught this after I responded). No you didn’t do that all to “get a piece of paper”, but some do. And to some people, it’s just that. And would you have done all of those things in the name of learning if you weren’t able to finish? Was the experience and the knowledge still worth it without the degree at the end? I sacrificed too – for many years – and never got to the finish line. Not to say that the degree is worthless, but is my education and effort any less valid for having stopped 12 credits short?

      To the business world, the answer is sometimes yes. And I think that’s a shame.

  • http://jorge.threefivesup.com Jorge

    Very Inspiring post Amber. I find myself in a sort of similar position. I got my degree in Business last year, it was focused on international business and commerce. I had some work in Marketing and lot’s on strategy, but for sure none in communications or customer service. As you I’ve always defied convention so as a very geeky person I loved the web 2.0 and all the improvements that made it a more social experience and decided I wanted to focus my career on the internet while I was in my 3rd university year. Too late to change my major, but early enough to learn on my own (it always is) and I’m learning a lot by reading, working and executing. I took my consultancy firm and changed it to fit what I wanted, we struggled a lot to make it work, it barely did (financially). And finally I’ve just took a job as a community manager where my biggest challenge is to evangelize of the importance of social in business. It’s a very junior position, making less than 10,000 dollars a year and for me they have not the best approach to social, but i get to execute and do what I love and evangelize for them to learn how to do it.

    I figure out the experience I will get from this job will be priceless as are the teachings I get from people who share their experiences offline and online (like you do here and that’s something I’ll be forever thankful for).

    So degrees doesn’t matter, what matters is wanting it so much you learn how to do it and do it in a great way.
    .-= Jorge´s last blog ..Freemium for education =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Degrees CAN matter, but they’re not the end all be all. I’m really glad you’ve landed in a role you can really sink your teeth into. Looking forward to seeing and hearing your adventures along the way.

      • http://jorge.threefivesup.com Jorge

        Well in fact Degrees can matter, my point was that if you’re passionate about what you study then your degree is cool because you wanted to learn. But getting a Degree in something you’re not passionate about just for the sake of getting a degree is useless, it’ll be much better to learn from other sources (as valid an academic as college) something that you love.

        Finally this shows that with a degree or not what matters is passion and not the degree. If you decide to educate yourself formally it’s fine, if you do it on your own it’s also good.
        .-= Jorge´s last blog ..Make it remarkable =-.

  • http://jorge.threefivesup.com Jorge

    Very Inspiring post Amber. I find myself in a sort of similar position. I got my degree in Business last year, it was focused on international business and commerce. I had some work in Marketing and lot’s on strategy, but for sure none in communications or customer service. As you I’ve always defied convention so as a very geeky person I loved the web 2.0 and all the improvements that made it a more social experience and decided I wanted to focus my career on the internet while I was in my 3rd university year. Too late to change my major, but early enough to learn on my own (it always is) and I’m learning a lot by reading, working and executing. I took my consultancy firm and changed it to fit what I wanted, we struggled a lot to make it work, it barely did (financially). And finally I’ve just took a job as a community manager where my biggest challenge is to evangelize of the importance of social in business. It’s a very junior position, making less than 10,000 dollars a year and for me they have not the best approach to social, but i get to execute and do what I love and evangelize for them to learn how to do it.

    I figure out the experience I will get from this job will be priceless as are the teachings I get from people who share their experiences offline and online (like you do here and that’s something I’ll be forever thankful for).

    So degrees doesn’t matter, what matters is wanting it so much you learn how to do it and do it in a great way.
    .-= Jorge´s last blog ..Freemium for education =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Degrees CAN matter, but they’re not the end all be all. I’m really glad you’ve landed in a role you can really sink your teeth into. Looking forward to seeing and hearing your adventures along the way.

      • http://jorge.threefivesup.com Jorge

        Well in fact Degrees can matter, my point was that if you’re passionate about what you study then your degree is cool because you wanted to learn. But getting a Degree in something you’re not passionate about just for the sake of getting a degree is useless, it’ll be much better to learn from other sources (as valid an academic as college) something that you love.

        Finally this shows that with a degree or not what matters is passion and not the degree. If you decide to educate yourself formally it’s fine, if you do it on your own it’s also good.
        .-= Jorge´s last blog ..Make it remarkable =-.

  • http:/www.mizzinformation.com Maggie McGary

    I love this post! As a parent with a kid going into high school and college looming in the near future, I have been thinking a lot about the worth of a college degree. I was lucky–my parents paid for me to get my degree–but that was also back in the days before college cost a fortune. I majored in English and spent 4 years writing poetry and short stories–which was fun, but not exactly a job skill. I graduated in 1990, which was a crappy job market, so had to take the only job I could get at that time–a secretarial position. From there I worked my way up and around, but I can say with confidence that college had absolutely nothing to do with my career path.

    My thing now is that I keep reading how Gen-Y is the most over-educated yet under-employed, and I’m having trouble understanding whether it’s going to be worth it financially to take on a ton of debt to help put my kids through college. I feel like a college education is such a given in this country, yet the number of people who actually use anything they learn in college–well, debatable. The way I learned what kind of career I wanted was by working, not by spending 4 years of taking classes that were fun at the time but had nothing to do with the real world.

    • Amber Naslund

      I’m thinking that too Maggie. My daughter is three, and I keep wondering how I’ll treat that choice for her, knowing what I know. I want to give her every opportunity, but not stifle her by shoving her in a predetermined box. My folks didn’t insist on any one thing for me, so I’m hopeful my head and heart will guide me, along with her dreams and passions.

  • Pingback: Social Media Storytelling Marketing PR Curated Stories Feb. 26, 2010

  • http://www.twitter.com/glasshalffullpr Jessica

    Amber, great post! I agree that a college degree is not a golden ticket to the perfect job. I really do. However, as someone with both a BA in Communications and a Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications, its not easy for us either. I didn’t go to school to find the perfect job. I am honestly, a constant learner. In both education and “grin and bear it” hard work. I participated in four different internships in college (all unpaid) while working at a large technology company. After undergrad I worked in higher education and healthcare communication departments. All full-time, while working on my master’s. Then last year I moved halfway across the country with my significant other for his job. And yet, after a year and a half I have not been able to find a David and Marcel. So you are incredibly lucky, as I’m sure you know. I can’t help to be a bit bitter at those in the industry, especially marketing, who actually look down on those of us with an education. Not alluding that you are, however, I find it a lot in this industry. And I find it really disheartening. While many can learn a lot just plain working in the industry. I still think there is something to be said for those who have an education, as well.
    .-= Jessica´s last blog ..GlassHalfFullPR: RT @unmarketing: I know he’s Canadian, but if Justin Bieber performs at the closing ceremonies, I’m gonna lose it #van2010 (Haha, agreed!) =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Jessica – Remember something: I DID go to school. For over five years. I worked my tail off, worked several jobs to stay in school, and learned as much as I could. It wasn’t easy, not at all. And it broke my heart when I couldn’t continue. I commend anyone that works hard to earn an education that’s important to them.

      Education is valuable. It’s just not the ONLY thing. And I see so many people like me that couldn’t finish, for whatever reason and circumstance, and feel lesser-than (so that attitude of looking down on people cuts both ways, trust me). They don’t pursue some things because they think they’re not qualified, or not worthy. And THAT is the mold I’m trying to shatter. Education is great, but there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

      I don’t wear my lack of a degree as some sort of badge that education is worthless, but rather hope that it can illustrate that those without the opportunity to do as you did still have hope for their future, too.

      • http://www.twitter.com/glasshalffullpr Jessica

        I wasn’t trying to make a personal attack. I don’t think a degree is needed to be successful at all. You are fabulous testament to that. Does it suck that financially you didn’t finish? Yes it does. Obviously though you didn’t need to, to be successful and not everyone does.

        I’ve read a good majority of the comments in this post. It’s definitely got people talking, that’s for sure. But I felt the need to speak up for those who have one and are proud.

  • http://www.twitter.com/glasshalffullpr Jessica

    Amber, great post! I agree that a college degree is not a golden ticket to the perfect job. I really do. However, as someone with both a BA in Communications and a Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications, its not easy for us either. I didn’t go to school to find the perfect job. I am honestly, a constant learner. In both education and “grin and bear it” hard work. I participated in four different internships in college (all unpaid) while working at a large technology company. After undergrad I worked in higher education and healthcare communication departments. All full-time, while working on my master’s. Then last year I moved halfway across the country with my significant other for his job. And yet, after a year and a half I have not been able to find a David and Marcel. So you are incredibly lucky, as I’m sure you know. I can’t help to be a bit bitter at those in the industry, especially marketing, who actually look down on those of us with an education. Not alluding that you are, however, I find it a lot in this industry. And I find it really disheartening. While many can learn a lot just plain working in the industry. I still think there is something to be said for those who have an education, as well.
    .-= Jessica´s last blog ..GlassHalfFullPR: RT @unmarketing: I know he’s Canadian, but if Justin Bieber performs at the closing ceremonies, I’m gonna lose it #van2010 (Haha, agreed!) =-.

    • Amber Naslund

      Jessica – Remember something: I DID go to school. For over five years. I worked my tail off, worked several jobs to stay in school, and learned as much as I could. It wasn’t easy, not at all. And it broke my heart when I couldn’t continue. I commend anyone that works hard to earn an education that’s important to them.

      Education is valuable. It’s just not the ONLY thing. And I see so many people like me that couldn’t finish, for whatever reason and circumstance, and feel lesser-than (so that attitude of looking down on people cuts both ways, trust me). They don’t pursue some things because they think they’re not qualified, or not worthy. And THAT is the mold I’m trying to shatter. Education is great, but there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

      I don’t wear my lack of a degree as some sort of badge that education is worthless, but rather hope that it can illustrate that those without the opportunity to do as you did still have hope for their future, too.

      • http://www.twitter.com/glasshalffullpr Jessica

        I wasn’t trying to make a personal attack. I don’t think a degree is needed to be successful at all. You are fabulous testament to that. Does it suck that financially you didn’t finish? Yes it does. Obviously though you didn’t need to, to be successful and not everyone does.

        I’ve read a good majority of the comments in this post. It’s definitely got people talking, that’s for sure. But I felt the need to speak up for those who have one and are proud.

← Older Comments
Newer Comments →