Tech workers don't need degrees to be successful

Because the tech industry is so lucrative, it's often assumed these roles require expensive degrees. Yet looking beyond the traditional educational pipeline can benefit employers and employees alike.  

More than 60% of U.S. workers don't have a college degree, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. It's important that change is reflected in recruiting, too, and research from job search platform Indeed shows that 59% of employers are considering eliminating college degree requirements altogether. This can be particularly beneficial in the tech industry, as 61% of employers are looking to fill roles in 2024, according to Robert Half Technology.  

"Four-year degree requirements created a paper ceiling that's blocking millions of Americans from higher-wage jobs and unnecessarily limiting tech talent pipelines," says Connor Diemand-Yauman, co-founder and co-CEO of Merit America. "Our economy was leaving talent on the table, creating a missed opportunity for both families and communities. Hiring non-degree workers dismantles this barrier."

Read more: Need talent? Why employers should look beyond college degrees

In June 2020 and January 2021, the White House announced limits on the use of educational requirements when hiring IT professionals in favor of a skills-based approach, in an effort to grow the sector. More recently, a 2022 study by Harvard Business School found that among middle-skilled occupations, the openings that require college degrees are similar to jobs where no degree is required. 

"Non-degree workers are tech's secret edge," Diemand-Yauman says. "The industry has experienced non-stop evolution — one that a traditional college degree alone can't keep up with. Alternate pathways like skills development programs offer the agility companies need."

Real talent shines through skills as much as experience, Diemand-Yauman stresses. Non-degree candidates typically have valuable practical skills, project portfolios and essential soft skills like problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration and communication that they bring to the table that can make up for any lack of educational background. 

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"Degrees are just a piece of the puzzle," he says. "Employers need to move beyond degrees as the only measure and instead focus on how candidates apply their skills in real-world scenarios."

This means that companies will need to change the way they invest in their workforce, according to Diemand-Yauman. They may want to look into strategies such as targeted onboarding, training and mentorship to bridge any gaps in foundational knowledge. Non-degree workers will bring their skills to the recruiting process, but it's up to companies to unlock their full potential.

"When companies focus on what people can do, not just what paper they have, they unlock new potential in their workforce," Diemand-Yauman says. "This is a benefit for everyone — more communities gain access to better jobs, and companies find the talent they need to stay ahead."