The Benefits of a College Degree: More Than Just One Path to Success

For far too long, various industries and job markets have relied on a simplistic and outdated model for assessing talent: a college degree is viewed as superior, some college experience is deemed less favorable, and a lack of degree disqualifies candidates—regardless of whether the education genuinely equips young individuals for their desired careers.

Hiring methodologies have mirrored this trend, with job listings primarily emphasizing college degrees or degree-based qualifications over practical experience or mastery of applied skills. A recent study highlighted that 75% of new jobs necessitate a bachelor’s degree, yet only 40% of the workforce possesses one. Simultaneously, vital, high-paying positions, particularly in skilled trades, remain unfilled.

This preference for degrees over practical skills has broadened a gap in both talent and fresh viewpoints in sectors that urgently need them. Furthermore, universities do not always focus on equipping students for the current job landscape, diminishing the relevance of their degree programs in connecting individuals with substantial employment opportunities.

Many American workers are educated, but are they truly prepared to enter the workforce?

Unemployment statistics among college majors reveal a particular field of concern: Fine Arts — our area of specialty. Graduates from music programs embark on their job searches with a shiny new degree, only to discover that success in the music industry doesn’t necessarily hinge on having formal college education.

The majority of music majors often secure only part-time music employment or end up pursuing careers in unrelated fields for a steadier income. The reality is that obtaining a traditional music degree doesn’t always guarantee advantages.

Music students typically dedicate extensive hours in classrooms within a rigid curriculum, immersing themselves in music theory and history, with a greater emphasis on classical and jazz studies rather than on a diverse range of genres. Consequently, they often miss the personalized, immersive, and collaborative environments that characterize the music industry, including learning about its essential components: distributors, venues, labels, A&Rs, managers, PROs, festivals, brands, and influencers.

As is true in many fields, music students frequently prioritize becoming college graduates over adequately preparing for their careers. Industry professionals from New York to Los Angeles would agree that gaining entry into the field goes beyond merely possessing a music degree. For the majority, the essential skills and connections are cultivated through years of hands-on experience.

In music and other industries, it’s time to shift away from the degree-centric mentality, focusing instead on effectively preparing young people for success in their chosen careers.

For aspiring music professionals, we have developed an industry-focused learning approach that prioritizes interactive, personalized, in-studio experiences. Participants collaborate to build a comprehensive music portfolio, engage in live mentorship—with past mentors including icons like Ne-Yo, Diplo, and Benny Blanco—and access networking opportunities that are crucial for launching and developing careers in the music sector.

The initial outcomes are promising. In just three years, alumni have worked with global artists like Roddy Ricch, Lady Gaga, and John Legend, with some receiving Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations. Their tracks have accumulated 480 million streams on Spotify.

However, the most intriguing aspect is what the “alternative path” could signify for various fields. The four-year degree option is one choice, but it shouldn’t be the sole choice.

We are witnessing this acknowledgment at all levels, from individuals working on the ground in their industries to state governors—like Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania—who have removed college degree requirements for numerous state roles. Such actions pave the way for change, but it is the responsibility of business owners, company leaders, and hiring managers to implement this new approach. We must all prioritize skills and preparation over simply looking at a college degree as evidence of a candidate’s readiness for a job.

Over 70 million people within the workforce lack degrees. This represents a vast reservoir of untapped potential that hiring managers often overlook. According to a study by Jobs for the Future, some 72% of employers do not consider degrees a reliable indicator of a candidate’s likelihood of success in a role. Thus, the time has come to transform the way we prepare for and recruit within the workforce.

The future of education and employment should embrace a preparation-first mindset, emphasizing skills, talents, and passions.

We’ve proven this model effectively in the music industry. Which sector will be next to discover a new path?

Mikkel Eriksen and Tor Hermansen are co-founders of the Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Production (LAAMP), and as the Grammy-winning production duo Stargate, they have created No. 1 hits for artists like Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Beyoncé. Colette Weintraub leads Stand Together Music, Sports & Entertainment.