“When you see people who didn’t go to school and make their own way in the world, those are special people,” a former Google executive once said. “We do everything we can to find those people.”
Job search site Glassdoor has compiled a list of top corporations and companies across a range of industries that are no longer requiring candidates to have a college degree. Major companies like Google, Apple and IBM are all in this group.
In 2017, IBM's vice president of talent Joanna Daley told CNBC Make It that about 15 percent of the company's American employees do not have a college degree.
Instead of just looking at college credentials, IBM now considers candidates with real-world experience through coding bootcamps or industry-related vocational classes, Joanna said.
Below is a list of 15 major US and global companies that no longer require candidates to have a college degree when applying, according to CNBC:
Google:Google has placed a greater emphasis on skills and experience than college degrees, especially for technical positions. Its hiring process emphasizes coding skills, problem-solving abilities, relevant experience, and a passion for technology. This approach is especially evident when hiring for technical positions like software engineering and data science.
Apple:Apple is also known for valuing skills and experience over degrees for many positions. The tech giant recognizes that talent can come from a variety of educational backgrounds and aims to create a diverse and inclusive workforce.
IBM:IBM has introduced a concept called “New Collar” hiring, which aims to focus on skills and competencies rather than traditional educational credentials such as college degrees.
The “New Collar” approach recognizes that valuable skills can be acquired through a variety of pathways beyond the traditional four-year degree program.
Penguin Random House:One of the world's largest publishing companies has moved towards assessing candidates for certain roles based on skills and qualifications rather than strictly requiring a university degree.
Costco Wholesale:The retail giant is known for hiring based on experience and skills rather than strictly requiring a college degree for many positions. Costco values candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, customer service skills, and the ability to effectively contribute to the company’s team culture.
Whole Foods Market:The popular organic and natural foods retailer considered candidates without college degrees and focused on factors like relevant experience, passion for the industry and alignment with company values.
Hilton Hotels:The renowned hotel company, Hilton, has considered candidates without college degrees for certain positions in the industry. It values relevant experience, customer service skills and a passion for the hospitality industry.
Publix:The popular supermarket chain is known for valuing experience and skills over college degrees for many of its positions. Publix emphasizes customer service, teamwork, and a positive attitude, which are often more important factors in their hiring decisions.
Starbucks:The popular coffee chain, known for considering candidates without college degrees for many of its retail positions, values qualities like customer service skills, a positive attitude, and a passion for coffee and community.
Nordstrom:The popular fashion retailer has re-evaluated its hiring practices and is considering candidates without college degrees for various positions. Nordstrom aims to prioritize skills, experience and qualities, a positive attitude and a passion for fashion and retail.
Home Depot:The popular home improvement retailer is known for considering candidates without college degrees for a variety of positions. Home Depot values qualities like practical skills, customer service experience, and a strong work ethic.
Bank of America:The multinational bank has reassessed its hiring criteria and focused on skills and experience for certain roles, sometimes including considering candidates without a college degree. Bank of America recognizes that skills such as financial expertise, communication skills and customer service skills are valuable assets in the financial industry.
Chipotle Mexican Grill:The fast food chain is known for its approach to hiring for various positions, emphasizing qualities like a positive attitude, work ethic, customer service skills, and a passion for food. Chipotle's hiring philosophy prioritizes these qualities over strict college degree requirements.
Lowe's:The major home improvement retailer is known for considering candidates without college degrees for a variety of positions. Practical skills, customer service experience, and a strong work ethic are highly valued by Lowe's when hiring for positions in their stores.
Ernst & Young (EY):The global professional services firm has removed the university degree requirement for employees at its London (UK) headquarters and focused on assessing candidates based on skills, potential and experience.
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