學歷 vs. 實務經驗

People have a tendency to accept that in today’s job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. However, in my opinion, I firmly believe both are equally significant for job applicants to master a better career path. Speaking about professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants, fundamental education establishes basic understanding of that specific field. Certifications or licenses are essential to verify their capabilities for practice. In addition to practical skills, professionals can possibly explore more insights to advance the industry to a new era. Take organ transplantation for example, despite medical expertise is critical, while coping with patients and family relatives, emotional comforting skills and regulations acknowledgement are also decisive. Considering each case of organ transplant is unique, doctors would learn more from practical practice and benefit to the medical industry, not only domestic but around the world.

Despite the fact that recently, more and more recent graduates face difficulties of job hunting, some people suggest university education can be related to future occupations in order to facilitate career planning. This is a very short-sighted point of view toward university education. Universities are not defined as vocational schools. While studying in universities, students are required not only to broaden knowledge of expertise, but also to learn ways of independent thinking for analysis, problem solving and reasoning. For example, a person majored in history could specialize in information technology because adapts the logical thinking of historical theories into engineer programming. It shows that academic studies should not be rigid. More importantly, how to apply theories to work, even to daily life, should be the primary thought. Many people argue that learning mathematics is not relevant to daily life. Yet, mathematics is not solely defined as arithmetic. It associates with logics, philosophy, and critical thinking. These skills are practical to deal with life issues and how to manage finance for living.

If theoretical knowledge is not important, why so many courses continuously appear in the job market? This is a simple economics theory of supply and demand. Theoretical knowledge has been discussed for a long time and been viewed worthy of academic advanced study. Take EMBA for example, it requires applicants with years of working experiences, at certain position and also having specialty in their career field. Without those criteria, no arguments of comparison between theories and practices could be developed in school. It is also helpful to enhance competence and expand proficiency when returning to work. Especially when meeting some barriers or bottle necks, historical research and studies could assist in developing creative ideas and solutions. What’s more, during the time period of pandemic, digital transformation becomes the main business challenge. Nevertheless, most people do not know how to run an e-Commerce campaign even though very familiar with using the Internet every day. Online education platforms have become very popular because demands of raising own competence in the job market.

With working in a changing world, theoretical knowledge could be considered as a basic foundation, and practical skills are the tools to form the shape of a person. Thus, people are able to learn and adapt within continuously moving trends in order to survive in the job market. An old saying proves that learning never ends.