Intelligent.com has released a comprehensive survey report shedding light on a notable trend in the job market: companies are increasingly removing bachelor’s degree requirements for various roles. This shift is driven by a desire to prioritize practical skills and broaden the pool of job applicants. The survey, which included responses from 750 business leaders across the United States, provides valuable insights into this evolving hiring trend.
Survey Findings
- Degree Requirement Removal:
- 33% of business leaders report their companies have eliminated the bachelor’s degree requirement for certain positions.
- 63% of companies have retained the requirement.
- Roles Affected:
- 59% of companies that removed the degree requirement did so for entry-level positions.
- 54% applied this change to mid-level roles.
- 18% removed the requirement for senior-level positions.
- Retention of Degree Requirement:
- 40% of companies still retain the degree requirement for “many” roles.
- 43% retain it for “some” roles.
- 16% retain it for “a few” roles.
Reasons for Change
- Skills Over Formal Education: Companies are increasingly focusing on practical skills rather than formal degrees.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Eliminating degree requirements is seen as a way to create a more diverse workforce.
- Broader Talent Pool: Removing degree requirements helps attract a larger number of job applicants.
Current and Future Perspectives
- Work Experience Valued: 77% of business leaders favor work experience over a bachelor’s degree.
- Degree Value: Despite the shift, 66% of respondents still “highly value” a bachelor’s degree, and 31% “somewhat value” it.
- Success Rate:
- 29% of companies view the removal of degree requirements as “very successful.”
- 47% see it as “successful.”
- 17% consider it “somewhat successful.”
- 2% deem it “not successful” at all.
- Future Trends:
- 25% of companies plan to eliminate or further reduce degree requirements by 2025.
- 56% have no plans to do so.
The trend of removing bachelor’s degree requirements reflects a growing recognition of the value of practical skills and real-world experience. This shift is expected to continue, with many companies aiming to increase access to talent and foster a more inclusive hiring process.
