InformationWeek

June 30, 1998

I have 15+ years of experience in IS, doing everything from managing a large client-server development project to programming, DBA, systems management, and account management. But I have no degree. In this new job market, does this still hurt my long-term prospects? I have only a few credits from a community college. Am I right to feel at risk because I don't have a piece of paper?

Your real risk is not whether or not you'll have a job because its very apparent that you do all of the things associated with keeping yourself marketable and up to date, and you have some real good experiences. But the real risk lies in what companies will consider you as a candidate, and that pool of companies will shrink substantially at the senior levels. Of the Fortune 100, at least half have restrictions around educational pedigree.

More Questions:
I have a lot of experience as a government contractor, will that hurt my chances for moving to a job in the private sector?

What can I do to increase my net worth to a company?