9/8/25: Education vs. Experience: Which Matters More for Career and Business Success?

As you enter or entered the working world, do you/did you wonder what employers would value more-education or experience?  As you consider or considered starting your own business, did you wonder if you had enough of one or both these things?  This is a common struggle in today’s world, and here’s the truth—there isn’t one simple answer. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Our daughters are 13 and 9, and yes—we’re already talking about college. At one point, one wanted to be a vet, the other a counselor, so for them, college would be essential. But when my youngest told me she wanted to ‘be a mom like me,’ 🥲 I reminded her that no degree is required for that.  Judge us if you like, but I will not encourage my children to go to college because it is the status quo.  I will, however, fully support their continuing education if they have a plan for their future. 

Clearly, some career paths require education, but here is the flip side-I worked in healthcare administration for 12+ years with no college degree.  I started at the bottom and worked my way up through hard work and eagerness to learn.  Similar could be said with starting my own business.  This is something new, I did not finish my business degree, but I am excited, willing to learn and listen to the people around me, and know that I will have to work hard.  One benefit of skipping college? I wasn’t $60,000+ in debt (and that was 20 years ago!). Now, looking at private art schools for my oldest, I can only laugh—and cry—at the price tags. 😂

There will always be employers who value one over the other; sometimes that is right and sometimes that is wrong.  I can say, when I was a Manager or screened and interviewed applicants in Human Resources, I was looking for the right character fit over the right education fit. 

If you fall into that group where you are considering starting your own business, but wonder if you have enough education or enough experience, I want you to push these thoughts aside.  Instead ask yourself:

• Do I have a willingness to learn?
• Am I willing to do the hard work it takes to be a business owner?
• Am I willing to adapt and grow as the world evolves around me?
• Will I embrace what those around me have to offer as I grow?

If you can say “yes” to these things, regardless of education or experience, or both, you are ready to be a business owner.  If you say “no” to any of these, you may need more education, you may need more experience, but honestly, you may just need some personal growth.  

So whether you’re chasing a job or starting a business, remember—education and experience are tools, but character and drive are what employers and customers are really looking for. And if you are job hunting and want help standing out, I’d love to support you with resume reviews or interview prep. Click here to schedule your call:  https://zoee.com/find-a-coach/2001073/services/2001296