Why is it important to have skills above the qualification?
There was a time when qualifications were the only thing that mattered. A degree can fit almost anywhere, in work, business, and even society. That era is gone. Over the past few decades, the world has changed. Now, skills are carried over as a true requirement for success. Whether you land a well-paid job, run your own business, or manage your daily tasks easily, skills are important everywhere.
However, this does not mean that qualifications are no longer an issue. Although degrees still play a role, the problem is that qualifications alone are not enough. What really defines the future of people today is how well you can combine qualifications with practical, in-demand skills.
Skill vs. Qualification: What’s the difference?
Qualifications are related to formal recognition. They are degrees, diplomas, or certifications that prove that you have studied something. However, the skills are different. The skill is to actually do something, whether you have a certificate of it or not. For example, imagine someone who is an auto mechanic but has studied programming on the side without an official computer science degree. That knowledge becomes part of your skill set. In fact, it gives them a greater advantage over others who stick to what their qualifications say. Skills expand opportunities, but qualifications simply open the door.
Why the new generation lacks skills
If skills are so important, why do so many young people join the workforce without them? A recent report by Cengage Group shows that only 30% of 2025 graduates have secured full-time jobs related to their degree, with almost half (48%) feeling unprepared to apply for entry-level positions. [1]. Another study by Cambridge University Press and Assessment revealed that only 45% of students worldwide feel they are ready to live beyond school. There are several major reasons for this:
Technology trust
Today, almost everything can be done with technology. Do you want coffee? There is a machine for that. Do I need to schedule a meeting or write a resume? AI can do it in seconds. This saves time, but also creates habits that skip the learning process. If technology does it for you, why does it bother you master it yourself? Educational gap
Many schools and universities follow a system that is still outdated. They prepare students for the exam, but not to solve real problems. Passive learning
Young people consume content, but they don’t always practice. Knowing something is not the same as being able to “do” it.
This is one of the reasons why companies are screaming about “poor talent.” That’s not a shortage of people. There is a lack of people with the right skills.
Why don’t you have the skills?
Be honest: Skills are no longer an option. For children, college students, especially young employees who are starting their careers, learning skills are the only way to secure a future.
You may get your first job, as you are entitled to it. But what happens when your company introduces new AI tools or software systems? If you can’t adapt, you’ll be delayed quickly. In fact, many industries have already experienced this. One skilled employee with the right tools can do the work of 10 people who rely solely on the old ways.
This does not mean you need to try and learn all the skills in the world. That’s not possible. What that means is that you need to focus on learning related skills, your qualifications, your interests, and what suits your career direction: related skills. Doing this not only helps you secure your job, but also builds confidence in your job.
Where can I acquire skills?
The good news is that it’s easier than ever to acquire the skills you are today. There is no need to wait for university programs or formal courses. Knowledge is everywhere if you are willing to look for it. Here are some of the best places to build your skills:
Online learning platform
Like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Edx. Workplace Program
Many companies are now investing in their employees’ skill to stay competitive. Community and informal sources
YouTube tutorials, forums, blogs, and discussion groups often have practical insights that can be applied instantly [2]. Recruitment Insights
Advanced recruiting agencies often publish blogs and resources on skills in demand [3]. These are valuable because they highlight exactly what employers are struggling to find right now.
The important thing is not to sit and wait. Take charge of your own learning. Start with small manageable skills related to your field. Over time, you will see how each new skill will become a different layer of security for your future.
Final Thoughts
The lack of talent we keep listening to is not really about a shortage of people. It’s about lack of skills. Degrees and qualifications remain important, but they are just part of the story. A real game changer has the right skills to adapt, evolve and prove your value in the workplace.
For students, employees, and even businesses, the message is clear. Invest in your skills now. From their own L&D teams to industry recruitment experts, organizations that embrace this will always have the advantage in attracting and retaining talent.
References:
[1] Cengage Group’s 2025 Employability Report reveals the growing gap between education and employment
[2] 5 Ways YouTube Can Transform Your E-Learning Course
[3] Global Workforce Trends 2025: The Future of Work
