Degree Free

Join us as we delve into the misconception that college graduates have about job opportunities. 

We discuss that colleges have given graduates a false sense of security, and address the criticism of the podcast focusing too much on tech careers. 

We highlight that Degree Free individuals have a wide range of options and explore the myth that degrees are necessary for most jobs.

What you’ll learn: 

- The realization is that college graduates are competing with Degree Free individuals for the same job opportunities.
- Exploring a variety of career paths beyond trades for Degree Free individuals.
- The importance of acquiring necessary skills or certifications for job success.
- The shift in hiring practices towards prioritizing skills and experience over college degrees.
- The benefits of hiring Degree Free individuals for companies.
- The trend of reducing or eliminating college degree requirements for job positions.
- The need to focus on acquiring skills rather than pursuing traditional degrees in the changing job landscape.

Join us as we navigate the evolving job market and the opportunities available to Degree Free individuals. 

We appreciate your feedback, so please leave us a 5-star review and share your thoughts!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

Are high school students stressing over classes that don't contribute to their future life skills? In this episode, we explore the frustration of wasting energy on meaningless pursuits and the importance of parents' guidance. We also delve into the value of branded tech certifications, career opportunities in software tools, and the relevance of subjects in school. Join us for an eye-opening conversation!

What you’ll learn:

- Discover how SAS and similar companies create certification programs to educate and enable talent to maintain their systems.
- Learn how gaining experience, developing a portfolio, and applying for jobs are crucial even with certifications.
- Explore how parents can set their children up to be degree-free in 2024 by researching their skills, focusing on practical skills at school, and emphasizing financial literacy and job-seeking skills.
- Examine the importance of viewing education as a lifelong process of self-study and discovery, with the idea of graduating high school with a resume to enter the workforce or pursue chosen careers.
- Understand the significance of practical experience, building a resume, and taking initiative for teenagers aiming to enter the workforce without a degree.

Don't miss this enlightening episode as we challenge the college system, embrace practical skills, and empower high school students to create their own paths. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiration on how to make yourself more appealing to employers. Let's redefine success together!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

2024’s gonna be crazy! We got all the predictions that you need to know about in today’s episode. To the rise of Degree Free healthcare, AI taking over the world, and more!

What you’ll learn:

- Explore the concept of down credentialing in medicine, technology, and teaching, and how it has become a viable alternative to a traditional degree.
- Discover the driving factors behind down credentialing in the healthcare industry and the accessibility of online education in the technology field.
- Understand the irrelevance of certain academic courses for job performance and the need for practical knowledge and skills.
- Discuss the need for a shift in mindset, more practical approaches, and predictions of increased small business creation focusing on AI-proof service-based businesses.

Join us as we delve into the idea of 'down credentialing' and its impact on various industries. We emphasize the necessity of practical learning opportunities and predict a shift in business creation towards AI-proof service-based ventures. Wishing all listeners a prosperous 2024!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

2023 was wild! We’re going over the most important lessons we learned from our podcast guests this year. You should definitely listen to all the episodes. But, if you don’t have time, these are the highlights! 

In this episode, we delve into the importance of portfolios and projects for showcasing skills and experience. We take a moment to reflect on Degree Free's incredible year, expressing gratitude to our amazing listeners. 

What makes this episode special is that we go a step further, highlighting the key points and takeaways from each guest we've had this year. 

What you’ll learn: 

- Explore the highlights and takeaways from riveting interviews with industry experts including Billy Cosentino, Diana Spencer, Bradley Rice, and others.
- Uncover valuable insights on career transitions, being bold in your moves, and different paths to enter industries like IT and software administration.
- Discover the importance of personal projects and portfolios for developers and the impacts of learning fast, taking action, and showcasing proof of work.
- Learn about the significance of job security and making strategic decisions while capitalizing on trends in your career and life choices.
- Get insider tips on connecting your skills to the job you're applying for and stand out as an effective job seeker.

Join us as we wrap up this episode, expressing our gratitude to the incredible guests who joined us in 2023. We have big plans for the future and can't wait to share more exciting content with you. As we welcome the new year, we wish you all the best in your endeavors. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes on the Degree Free Podcast!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

In this episode, Linda Le, founder of Creatively Quiet and a recruiter in the defense industry, shares her experience as an introvert and debunks the misconception that introverts are weak. Linda discusses her journey into recruiting, overcoming challenges without a degree, and how she became a top recruiter in her division.

“Hi I'm Linda :) I am currently a recruiter in defense and Founder of Creatively Quiet a mental health brand centered towards amplifying quiet voices. I was a college dropout and for the longest time, society told me that I was never going to amount to much without a college degree. With learning to have confidence in myself and finding different ways to network and sell myself on my potential instead of the limits others labeled me with, I ultimately broke into corporate and built a successful side brand :)”  - Linda Le

What You’ll Learn:

- Linda Le’s transition from a bank teller to a successful recruiter by impressing hiring managers with her determination and attitude.
- Her decision to decline acceptance to her dream school, UC Davis, due to fears of student loan debt and discomfort in a classroom setting.
- The challenges she faced in job applications without a degree and how she found a recruiting position after working at Whole Foods.
- Insights into the hiring process in recruiting and the pay structure for recruiters in staffing agencies versus corporate recruiting.
- The acknowledgment of bias in the employment process and Linda's efforts to mitigate it by being open to candidates with gaps or overqualification.
- Introduction to Creatively Quiet, Linda's platform offering guidance and resources for job seekers and professionals in the recruiting industry.
- Discussion on the experience and challenges of being an introvert in the workplace, and the misconception that introverts are weak.
- Inspiring advice for overcoming insecurities and fear of judgment, focusing on growth, and seeking inspiration from successful individuals.
- Final thoughts on the guest's contact information and the reminder that everyone has the ability to succeed and make positive changes in their lives.

Tune in to the Degree Free Podcast to gain insights into Linda Le's journey as an introverted recruiter, breaking barriers, and finding success without a degree. This episode offers valuable advice for job seekers, professionals in recruiting, and anyone seeking inspiration to thrive in their chosen paths. Don't miss out!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

Colleges are the best marketers in the world. Sometimes they market to us without us even knowing. In this episode, we talk about how AP courses are used by colleges to capture students early and get them hooked.

What you’ll learn:

- Explore the high cost of college degrees, particularly in niche fields like film and photography, and the challenges faced by graduates in finding well-paying jobs.
- Find out why pursuing high-value skills and practical choices may be a better alternative to a traditional degree.
- Learn about the importance of gaining practical experience and building a solid portfolio in creative fields like photography and film, without solely relying on formal education.
- Discover how parents can support their children in pursuing their interests and gaining exposure in desired industries.

We hope you found this episode enlightening and thought-provoking. Let us know if you liked this new segment in the comments!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

A college degree isn’t necessary for success. In this episode, we go over the growing trend of employers lowering degree requirements and the importance of identifying high-leverage skills. Let's shift the narrative to 'Degree Free' instead of 'college dropout' and emphasize the value of a skill-based society.

What You’ll Learn:

- Discover how jobs without degrees can be just as lucrative as those requiring a college degree. We debunk the myth that certain jobs are only reserved for college graduates and discuss examples of Degree Free individuals obtaining these roles.
- Learn about the significance of negotiation skills in securing higher salaries, regardless of whether someone has a degree or not. We highlight the impact of starting salaries on future earning potential and share personal stories of negotiation experiences.
- Listen to a thought-provoking conversation about the pressure to follow predetermined paths and the benefits of shifting towards a skill and merit-based society. We address the influence of colleges as marketing machines and question their hold on individuals who did not purchase their product.
- Engage in a discussion about the necessity of college and the value of alternative learning paths. We challenge the idea that college is always the best option and share anecdotes that question its importance.
- Reflect on the financial motivations behind parental insistence on college and explore the broader aspects of life beyond monetary gains. We invite you to reevaluate the traditional expectations imposed on young individuals.

Join us as we unravel the perception of success without a college degree. This episode aims to inspire and empower listeners to embrace skill-based opportunities and negotiate for higher salaries. Let's break free from conventional norms and embrace the 'Degree Free' approach. Don't miss out!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

In this episode, we discussed three important conversations to have with your child before they spend five and a half years and hundreds of thousands of dollars on a college degree.

What You'll Learn:

• Determining if the desired job legally requires a degree and exploring alternative paths such as trade schools or online courses.
• Weighing the financial implications of pursuing a degree and considering options like apprenticeships or starting a business.
• Researching job prospects, salary expectations, and the current and future demand for a particular career before making a decision.

Tune in to gain valuable insights about the practical aspects of pursuing a college degree.

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

In this episode, we explore the myth that college is the only path to education. We emphasize that education can be obtained in various ways and locations, challenging the idea that colleges monopolize knowledge. 

We also delve into the increasing financial literacy and cost-consciousness of the younger generation, questioning the value and affordability of college. 

What You’ll Learn:

- The perception of college as synonymous with education is debunked, highlighting the flexibility of learning outside traditional institutions.
- The influence of parents' experiences with college on their children's decisions is explored, questioning the relevance of a well-rounded education in today's job landscape.
- The importance of soft skills and the trend of hiring individuals with specialized skill sets is discussed, emphasizing the value of adapting to the evolving job market.
- Examples of disappearing jobs due to advancements in technology, specifically AI, are given, prompting us to stay informed and adapt to new technologies.
- Understand the importance of tailoring education to personal interests and becoming a well-rounded individual.
- Discover strategies for upskilling and transitioning into growing job categories, while emphasizing the importance of mindset and skill set.

Join us as we unravel the changing landscape of education, jobs, and personal growth!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

In this episode, we dive into the controversial topic of degree vs. experience. We explore the misleading promises of the college system and the unrealistic expectations many graduates have.

What You’ll Learn:

- The misconception that a degree is equivalent to experience and guarantees high-paying jobs
- The importance of gaining real-world experience and starting at entry-level positions
- Our personal experiences of facing lower salaries after college and the need to adapt
- Challenging the 'loser's mindset' and embracing alternative paths to success
- The limitations imposed by the education system's narrow focus on college enrollment

Enjoy the episode!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways