Originally Posted by Black Lion

Using business studies as an example, which do you think is the best way of coming to grips with the topic in general?

Education or Experience?

Will put forward two examples, although there could be three.

1. The university student.

The university student/student in general spends years going through high school, college and university to then be awarded a degree/diploma in business studies. This degree certifies their level of knowledge in the field thus giving them access to work placement at high levels in any company... their certification demands recognition.

2. The Worker.

The Worker has knowledge of the company as a model of what ever industry it may be in but as some bosses would have it this inside knowledge is superficial, something that can be picked up by The Student in a short space of time. The amount of time The Worker has spent doing low level work may not account for the time The Student has spent grasping concepts.

The Worker left school without any grades, joined the/a company at ground level, making coffee for work colleagues, doing mundane paper work slowly working his or her way to a recognized position within the company. Learning hands on this person may now find themselves sitting next to, perhaps even superseded by the student.

The Student has a high level knowledge of given knowledge, the, 'do this then do that' - 'this is acceptable this isn't' level of understanding needed to pass an exam isn't based on real life circumstances, a university degree simply cannot emulate the environment or the real life mode of the industry/field as needed, shortcuts, certain applied ways of working and attitudes in environment. Those teachers/lecturers may not have had the experience enough to deem qualifications to those under them.



Which of the two examples would have a better grasp of industry in general?

I.e; Which is the best road to take?

Peace
B.L