Is a College Degree Still the Key to Success?

Is a College Degree Still the Key to Success?

From SHRM All Things Work by SHRM

April 22, 2026 · 32 min · Season 1 · Episode 37

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and opportunities of forgoing a traditional college degree in favor of skills-first hiring and alternative credentials.

Rethinking the traditional college degree? You’re not alone. With rising tuition costs and student debt, plus the growing appeal of alternative credentials, today’s workforce is exploring new ways to build successful careers. But what challenges do professionals face when they skip the degree route, and how can organizations adapt to unlock untapped talent? Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, program director for the Widening Pathways to Work initiative at the SHRM Foundation, breaks down the rise of skills-first hiring, the barriers encountered by nontraditional job-seekers, and how employers can bridge the divide when looking for talent from different educational backgrounds. Subscribe to the All Things Work newsletter to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/fg444d --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

People in this episode

Guest: Isaac Agbeshie-Noye

Topics covered

  • college degree
  • skills-first hiring
  • nontraditional job-seekers
  • workforce development
  • alternative credentials

Keywords

  • college degree
  • skills-first hiring
  • student debt
  • alternative credentials
  • workforce

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SHRM Foundation, SHRM

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