Joseph M. Chuffa ⋅ Clayton, NC NC Army/National Guard ⋅ 40 years experience

With today’s record keeping requirements HR is overloaded so degrees are stumbling blocks or speed bumps to keep them from getting overrun with applicants. Additionally in big business most minimum requirements are a check-box from the position description on file, office or division paperwork and maybe NOT specified by the one who may hire you?

If you are very interested in a company or industry ask if you can speak to a person within your field as a mentor, request assistance on their behalf of just 15-30 minutes and then you can ask if degrees or experience is most important within their company/division. Some demand degrees, other are more willing to consider experience and some would rather train you without “bad habits” themselves.

You will need a “elevator pitch”, just 3-5 minutes explaining what your request is and your desire to learn what they know, listen to their insight into company ideology. Sure you will get lots of NO’s, a few maybe’s but just a few OK’s. This can be done through any communications; voice, text or written as each person has their preferred methods.

Next issue is rewrite your resume/self-sales pitch from a list of trophies (got this/did that) to an abilities, knowledge and accomplishments document highlighting all your “tools” that have prepared you for a future position with your degree as a minimum issue.

Finally it is and will always be a personality question, sorry the truth hurts, they like you - you get a job, they don’t - you don’t; independent of degrees or experience.

Good luck!

Barbara Kennedy ⋅ Salisbury, NC Wells Fargo ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi David,

I second all these suggestions with respect to going ahead and apply.

In addition, I might also suggest seeking assistance from your school's career development office. Many times, they have postings of jobs from local employers and internships.

You can also search for internships in job boards like Monster, Indeed, etc.

Jeff Martin ⋅ Ashburn, VA The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ⋅ 25 years experience

I’d suggest that you apply. Usually degrees are preferred but not an absolute. Smart companies will be flexible, and you want to work for a smart company. Best of luck.

Hugh McShane ⋅ Alpharetta, GA Verizon ⋅ 24 years experience

Take a good look at your resume and make sure that you have not omitted some of your collateral duties. They may not seem important to your service, but can have value to employers. Also, if you have not done so already, ensure that you avoid using military jargon and translate your military experience into language that will show your value to potential employers.

Chuck Burger ⋅ King Of Prussia, PA Lockheed Martin ⋅ 47 years experience

In addition to what Carly and Gerald have recommended which is spot on, your availability date plays a key role in any potential employer’s decision. For example, if you are not available until Oct 2021, a company having an immediate need is less viable than say one that is looking to staff an expected contract some time in the future. This likely applies to rare skill sets that take time to fill on a good day, but the point remains valid for less rare skill sets. However, since you are unlikely to get a read on that kind of information, apply openly and honestly as I have always felt that nothing ventured is truly nothing gained, and there is no decisions to be made until the phone rings, and it can’t unless you are proactive!

I would further recommend attending target company recruiting events to get your name and face out there; to begin to establish your network, and potentially seek out internship opportunities while you are still in school.

Gerald Mannikarote ⋅ Houston, TX dMann Training Technologies ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi David,
Most of the time, it's skill set that recruiters look at. What you could do is apply and provide your graduation date. Focus on selling the skills you have that will make you successful in the role. That would help you land the job.
I hope this helps.
Warm regards,
Jerry

Carly Jones ⋅ Boulder, CO Lockheed Martin ⋅ 14 years experience

If your resume expresses when your expected graduation date is, hiring managers & recruiters may still consider you and simply plan for the on-boarding once you graduate (if it's a hard requirement). Never be afraid with showing intent by applying to a position, any position. Expressing your motivation goes a long way. Companies are also starting to make a shift to looking at folks w/trade skills & not necessarily a full degree for entry level, if your need for a job is sooner than your graduation date, look at those opportunities as well, stay a year, then make the shift to an alternate position.