For years, jobseekers have debated what matters more education or experience. Should you chase more qualifications, or focus on getting your hands dirty in the real world?
The truth is, the most successful professionals and the employers who hire them: understand that it’s not one or the other. It’s both.
According to Forbes, nearly 90% of employers now say that the best hires are those who combine formal learning with real-world skills (Forbes, 2024). At Hi5 Consulting Solutions, we see this every day when helping candidates and businesses find the right match.
Why Education Still Matters
Education forms the groundwork for professional growth. It teaches people how to think, not just what to do.
Formal learning offers a structured way to build skills like analytical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving: all of which are essential in the workplace. For many industries such as finance, IT, and healthcare, having a degree or certification remains a minimum requirement because it shows technical competency and understanding of key principles.
A solid education also signals commitment. It shows that someone can dedicate time, focus, and effort toward long-term goals. These are traits employers value highly.
However, the world of work is evolving. In a fast-changing job market like Singapore’s, where new technologies and business models are constantly emerging, education needs to go beyond textbooks. Upskilling is becoming the new degree.
Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and SkillsFuture Singapore now make it possible for anyone to learn new skills on demand from data analytics to cloud computing to project management. Continuous learning keeps professionals relevant and adaptable.
In short: education gives you the why and how, but experience teaches you the when and what works best.
Why Experience Matters More Than Ever
If education builds knowledge, experience applies it.
Real-world experience teaches lessons that no classroom ever can stand handling pressure, solving unexpected problems, dealing with people, and adapting to change.
According to a Workplace Intelligence survey, 77% of recent graduates said they learned more in their first six months of work than in their entire degree program. Why? Because the real world doesn’t follow lesson plans, it demands flexibility and practical judgment.
Employers value experience because it reduces the learning curve. A candidate who has faced real challenges is often more ready to contribute immediately. This is especially true in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where teams are lean and every employee’s performance directly impacts the business.
Moreover, experience builds what employers call “soft skills” which are emotional intelligence, teamwork, communication, and leadership. These aren’t always taught in school, yet they’re what often make or break a team.
For example:
A marketing graduate might know theories about consumer behavior, but someone who’s worked on real campaigns understands what actually engages people online.
A cybersecurity engineer with hands-on experience responding to breaches brings more value than one who’s only studied network protocols.
Experience translates education into measurable results and that’s what employers pay for.
The Real Advantage: Combining Both
While education and experience each have strengths, the real competitive edge comes from blending the two.
The modern job market especially in Singapore’s SME and IT sectors would rewards candidates who can think strategically (thanks to education) and execute effectively (thanks to experience).
For instance, someone with a degree in business management might understand financial models and operations. But if they’ve also interned or worked in sales, they’ll know how those models work in practice how customer behavior, team dynamics, and budgets actually play out in daily operations.
From an employer’s perspective, candidates who bring both qualities are more likely to grow with the company. They don’t just follow instructions they innovate, adapt, and improve systems.
That’s why global hiring trends are shifting toward what’s known as “skills-based hiring.” This approach values education and experience equally, emphasizing what someone can do over just what they know. According to a LinkedIn Talent Solutions report, companies using skills-based assessments are 60% more likely to make successful long-term hires (LinkedIn Talent Solutions, 2023).
How Jobseekers Can Strike the Balance
Highlight transferable skills.
Show how your education has shaped your work habits teamwork, time management, communication and back it up with real examples from projects or past jobs.Get hands-on whenever possible.
Internships, part-time jobs, freelance work, or even volunteering can give you valuable experience to complement your degree.Keep learning.
Continuous education doesn’t have to mean another degree. Short courses, certifications, or workshops show initiative and adaptability.Build a strong online portfolio.
Whether it’s LinkedIn, GitHub, or Behance, use digital platforms to showcase what you’ve learned and achieved. It’s often the first place employers look.
What This Means for Employers
For hiring managers, balancing education and experience can mean the difference between a good hire and a great one.
Instead of focusing purely on credentials, look for candidates who demonstrate curiosity, growth mindset, and proven results. A degree might show that they can learn but experience shows that they have learned.
At Hi5 Consulting Solutions, we encourage employers to take a holistic approach. That means valuing skill, attitude, and adaptability as much as formal qualifications. We specialize in connecting companies with candidates who not only meet the job requirements but can evolve with the business.
Employer branding isn’t just about appearances, it’s also about authenticity. Companies like Salesforce and HubSpot attract talent by showcasing employee growth stories and a clear commitment to values.
Final Thoughts: The Future Belongs to the Balanced
Education gives you the map. Experience helps you navigate the terrain.
One without the other leaves you half-prepared.
In today’s world of hybrid jobs, emerging technologies, and fast-paced industries, the best professionals and employers know how to blend both.
At Hi5 Consulting Solutions, we believe that balance is the key to sustainable success. Whether you’re a jobseeker looking to strengthen your career profile or an employer seeking capable, future-ready talent, we’re here to help you find that perfect mix.
👉 Learn more about how we connect skilled talent with leading businesses across Singapore at hi5consult.com.
