What Is More Important: Degree, Skills Or Experience?

In today’s competitive job market, standing out is more important than ever. Striking the right balance between academic qualifications, practical skills, and hands-on experience is key to long-term career success.

While a degree can open doors, it’s often your skills and real-world experience that keep them open. Traditionally, a university degree was considered the golden ticket to a successful career. But that’s changing.

More and more employers now care less about what’s printed on your certificate—and more about what you can actually do.

So, which matters most? Let’s break it down.

Degrees: still useful, but not always enough

There’s no doubt that college degrees still carry weight. For careers in fields like medicine, engineering, or law, having a formal qualification is essential. A degree can also show that you’re committed, disciplined, and able to think critically.

But here’s the problem—degrees don’t always prepare you for the real world of work.

Many degree holders find themselves struggling to apply what they learned in lectures when they enter the workplace. And in fast-moving industries, university curriculums can quickly become outdated. That’s why many employers say that while degrees are helpful, they’re not the full picture.

Skills: the real currency of the modern workplace

Today, skills are becoming more valuable than ever—and not just technical skills like data analysis or digital marketing. We’re talking about soft skills too, for example:

• Communication, 
• Teamwork, 
• Leadership, and 
• Emotional intelligence.

In fact, studies suggest that 85% of job success comes from strong soft skills, while only 15% is down to technical knowledge.

Think about it: even in the most advanced roles, people need to work together. They have to present ideas clearly, adapt to change, and handle pressure. These are things no degree alone can teach you.

And here in the UAE and wider GCC, many employers are making a clear shift towards skills-first hiring. Companies are more interested in what you can do than where you studied.

Experience: where the real learning happens

Let’s not forget the third piece of the puzzle—experience.

Whether it’s an internship, freelance project, or even volunteering, experience shows that you’ve applied your skills in the real world. It proves you’re reliable, adaptable, and ready to hit the ground running.

Many employers would rather hire someone with hands-on experience and solid skills over someone with top marks but no practical background.

Especially in soft skills-heavy roles—like sales, customer service, or management—nothing beats real-world work experience.

Are skills more important than a degree?

Skills are often more important than a degree. This is because they directly demonstrate your ability to perform and deliver results in the real world. 

It comes as no surprise, then, that a lot of employers prioritise skills. Two thirds of employers value soft skills more than educational qualifications.

Across the region, there’s a growing recognition that skills are the key to economic growth and innovation. Governments in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC countries are investing heavily in training, upskilling, and lifelong learning programmes.

Why? Because businesses are struggling to find candidates with the right mix of practical skills and adaptability—even when degrees are in place.

This shift is reflected in the way some global companies operate here. Tech giants like IBM and Google have removed degree requirements for many roles. Instead, they assess candidates based on what they can demonstrate through skills assessments, portfolios, and interviews.

The perfect combination? Degree + skills + experience

The truth is, it’s not always about one versus the other. The most successful professionals often combine all three:

But if you’re choosing where to focus your energy—especially when time and money are limited—investing in skills and experience is often the smartest move.

What are employers looking for in 2025?

In our work with clients across Dubai and the wider Middle East, we’re hearing the same things again and again. Employers want people who can:

• Communicate clearly in both Arabic and English 
• Work well in teams and manage conflict 
• Think critically and have problem-solving skills 
• Lead projects and adapt to change 
• Use digital tools, such as AI, and stay open to learning 

These are the areas where soft skills training makes a difference—and where formal education often falls short.

How training providers can help bridge the gap

As a training provider specialising in soft skills, we believe strongly in practical, engaging, and experience-based learning. Theoretical knowledge is important—but what you need is the ability to apply it in the workplace.

Here’s how we help professionals build the skills that matter:

• Interactive workshops with role-playing and group exercises 
• Real-world case studies that mirror the challenges of modern jobs 
• Micro-credentials and certificates to prove your capabilities 
• Personalised coaching to help you build confidence and communication skills

The goal? To prepare learners not just for interviews—but for success on the job.

Final thoughts: degree vs skills vs experience

So, what’s more important: a degree, skills, or experience?

In short: skills and experience win—especially in today’s fast-moving, skills-based economy. Degrees can still play a role, but they’re no longer the deciding factor they once were.

If you’re a job seeker, focus on developing skills that employers need now. And if you’re an employer, consider whether your hiring processes are designed to find capability, not just credentials.

Let’s move beyond the paper and start valuing what people can actually do.