Better to have a degree

If you’re a degreed engineer or programmer, stop reading.

This column is for those who have aspirations of being an engineer or programmer who do not have a college degree. Those without a degree probably have a tougher time, because they have more to prove than their degreed colleagues.

Let’s first look at some job requirements that a manufacturer might post when seeking a manufacturing, process or industrial engineer: a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or industrial engineering, demonstrated knowledge of machining, ability to read blueprints and shop drawings, strong written and verbal communication skills, computer literacy, CAD/CAM experience, attention to detail and accuracy, and the ability to manage, prioritize and balance multiple tasks while working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Many of the requirements are necessary. How else can someone be a manufacturing, process or industrial engineer without knowledge of machining and the ability to read blueprints? Strong written and verbal communication skills? Of course. And how can an engineer function without being computer literate in this day and age? Highly organized with attention to detail and accuracy? Perhaps it’s OK at some companies to ship parts without the required surface finishes or with incorrectly sized O-ring grooves, but I don’t think so. As anyone who has worked for a manufacturer or job shop knows, it is a given that workers must manage, prioritize and balance multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

However, what does the first listed requirement really have to do with these positions? Is a degreed person any better at performing the job than an individual without a degree? I’ve also seen preferences for MBAs. Why? Are we just breeding more managers who are strictly interested in the bottom line rather than the production of high-quality parts at a fast cycle time?

Sure, a degree shows someone has dedication. Nonetheless, the individuals without a degree show dedication to manufacturing by being in the business for 10, 15, 20 or more years, going through the blood, sweat and tears of our industry, and knowing products and processes intimately. So what if they didn’t study humanities or know the philosophies of dozens of dead people.

Based on my experience, the people in charge of hiring don’t feel that experienced people with only high school degrees are not as educated. I’ll bet more non-degreed, experienced individuals can tell the feed and speed differences between Inconel and stainless steel and tool steel from memory than those with degrees.

It is easy for a hiring manager to add the degree requirement for a position. But is it really needed? Does a humanities class help program a clockwise arc going into a counterclockwise one? Will an art class help to determine how to reduce cycle time on that 3½-minute part to 3 minutes and save the company $230,000 over the next 2 years? Let’s be realistic. If you’ve earned a degree, great. More power to you. But for hiring managers, look at what the experienced individuals bring to the table.