May 13, 2025
In our society, there's a long-standing belief - you need a good degree to get a good job. But is this still true in today's world? Is having just a degree enough or have skills become more important?
As a female psychologist in Gurgaon , I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences on this important topic with you.
In my practice, I've seen people from both sides - those who are highly educated but struggling due to lack of practical skills and those who have achieved success based on their skills despite having limited formal education.
On my YouTube channel Compassionate Minds by Amita Devnani , I recently had an interesting conversation with Meenu Bhargava, an experienced parent educator, teacher trainer and career counselor. Our topic was "Passion vs. Career."
In this podcast, we explored several important questions that many students and parents are asking today.
Meenu shared an interesting perspective that resonated with me. She said, "A degree helps you open the door, but you need skills to stay in the room."
Watch Full Podacst - Degree Zaroori Hai Ya Skills?
In today's era, employers look not just at your degree, but at your practical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and how well you work with teams. The landscape has shifted from simply having qualifications to demonstrating what you can actually do with them.
Many successful professionals have shared that their formal education got them their first interview, but it was their skills that helped them build their career. This doesn't mean education isn't important - it means education alone isn't enough.
A significant issue we discussed in our podcast was why unemployment is increasing today despite more people having degrees than ever before.
Meenu pointed out that there's often a mismatch between what students learn in educational institutions and what industries actually need. Many courses focus heavily on theory with minimal practical application. Additionally, industries are evolving rapidly, and educational curricula sometimes fail to keep pace with these changes.
This creates a situation where graduates have degrees but lack the specific skills employers are looking for. Understanding this gap is crucial for anyone planning their career path today.
During our conversation, we tackled the common concern about English proficiency and employment opportunities. While knowing English well can certainly open doors, especially in multinational companies, it's not the only factor that determines success.
Specialized knowledge in your field, the ability to communicate effectively (even if not in perfect English), and a willingness to continuously learn are equally important. Many successful professionals excel in their fields despite not having perfect English skills.
What matters more is your ability to understand your field deeply and communicate your ideas clearly, whatever language you use.
The job market is constantly evolving, and certain skills are particularly valued today. Meenu highlighted that employers are increasingly looking for digital literacy, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
The ability to work well in teams, adapt to changing circumstances, and demonstrate leadership when needed are soft skills that complement technical knowledge. As technology continues to transform industries, the capacity to learn new tools and approaches quickly has become invaluable.
Many students and parents worry excessively about college rankings. While rankings can provide some insights, they tell only part of the story.
Our discussion revealed that it's equally important to consider the institution's curriculum relevance, the quality of faculty and their industry connections, the track record of placements, and opportunities for hands-on learning. Some lower-ranked institutions might offer excellent specialized programs that better meet your specific career goals.
As a psychologist and career counselor, I've observed that successful career choices usually involve aligning your innate strengths with your interests while also considering market realities.
Take time to reflect on what you enjoy doing and what you're naturally good at. Research growing fields and talk to professionals already working in areas you're interested in. Consider seeking structured guidance through career counseling to gain clarity about your options.
Career decisions have become increasingly complex in today's rapidly changing job market. Professional career counseling can help you navigate these complexities by providing personalized insights based on your specific circumstances.
A good career counselor helps you identify your unique strengths, introduces you to career possibilities you might not have considered, and provides a roadmap for achieving your goals. This guidance can save you years of trial and error and help you make more informed decisions about your education and career path.
After our in-depth discussion with Meenu, it became clear that the question isn't really "degree or skills" but rather how to combine both effectively. Formal education provides important foundations and credentials, while practical skills make you valuable in the workplace.
In today's world, learning doesn't stop after getting a degree. Continuous skill development, staying current with industry trends, and adapting to changing requirements are essential for long-term career success.
You can watch our entire podcast on the "Compassionate Minds by Amita Devnani" YouTube channel, where we discussed all these issues in detail.
If you or your child is facing career-related challenges, I'm available to help. Book an appointment and give your career a new direction. Together, we can explore options that align with your unique strengths and aspirations.
Dr. Amita Devnani
Psychologist | Career Counselor
Gurgaon
