Getting a Grad Job: Are Skills or Qualifications More Important?

As graduation approaches, many students ask themselves: “Do I need a degree, or are skills more important to land a great grad job?” With the job market becoming more competitive every year, graduates face the challenge of determining how they should invest their time and energy to give themselves the best chance of securing that all-important first job.

This debate is not unique to just a few industries either. Whether you’re pursuing a career in tech, engineering, creative arts, or healthcare, balancing the right qualifications and developing practical skills is a common struggle. Should you spend more time focusing on enhancing your technical abilities, or should you continue acquiring qualifications?

Shift towards skills in grad job

Over the past few years, skills have gained increasing importance. This is especially true in industries where technology, creativity, and adaptability take priority. While your qualifications might get you noticed, it’s your skills that will convince employers to hire you.

Skills can be divided into two categories: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills refer to specific, measurable abilities—coding, data analysis, graphic design, etc.—whereas soft skills are your people skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence.

So, why skills over qualifications you may be asking? The bottom line is, that companies are looking for graduates who can hit the ground running. Employers want proof that you can apply what you’ve learned within your degree to their company, without the need for sufficient training or micromanagement. 

For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, it’s less about whether you can explain the principles of SEO and more about whether you can create a winning social media strategy that increases engagement.

Soft skills, on the other hand, have become increasingly critical in the workplace. A survey by LinkedIn found that 92% of hiring managers place a greater emphasis on soft skills than technical ones during the interview process. Why? Because technical skills can often be learned on the job, but people who lack the ability to work in teams or struggle to work under pressure can disrupt the flow of an organisation and may not fit in with the team dynamics.

Striking the balance with a degree

That said, having a degree is often essential to get your foot in the door for certain roles. In fields like engineering, finance, or medicene, qualifications are a must, and your academic achievements will typically carry a lot of weight. However, even in these industries, showcasing your real-world skills—through internships, projects, or extracurricular activities—can set you apart in a crowded pool of candidates. Be sure to highlight both your technical abilities and soft skills on your CV to stand out.

So, which should you focus on?

If you’re unsure whether pursuing a degree is the right path for you, it’s important to remember that a degree serves as a solid, credible foundation for securing jobs in many fields. In some professions, a degree is often a strict requirement. These industries demand a formal qualification as proof of your knowledge and ability to perform in highly specialised roles. A degree signals to employers that you’ve acquired the necessary expertise to meet the professional standards of these fields. While some sectors may place greater emphasis on practical skills or experience, a degree remains essential for building a successful career in many industries, so rest assured, it’ll never be a waste of time or money.

If you’re aiming to build a career within a specific industry, doing research on which skills are most in demand is a smart move. For example, If you’re interested in tech, learning specific programming languages or familiarising yourself with tools like GitHub or cloud platforms can make you more competitive and give you the edge over other candidates.

Equally important is taking time to reflect on what your future employers are likely to need. Industries evolve quickly, and the skills in demand today may not be the same in five years. Stay up to date with the latest friends and remain forward-thinking. And, don’t forget about developing your soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, and leadership—as these are highly transferable across industries and are consistently sought after by employers.

Final word

Remember, a well-rounded candidate who has both strong qualifications and real-world skills will always stand out in a competitive job market. It’s no longer enough to just have a reputable degree under your belt; being able to demonstrate practical experience makes you far more appealing in the eyes of hiring managers.

Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can adapt to the fast-paced, ever-changing demands of the workplace. In the end, it’s about proving you can not only understand concepts but also execute them with confidence. So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t found your dream graduate job yet, check out our jobs board for our latest grad job roles.