The state of California has announced plans to double the number of state jobs that do not require a college degree to 30,000. This move reflects a growing recognition that practical experience may outweigh formal education, sparking interest in the potential ripple effects across the United States.

On January 7, the California state government revealed that Governor Gavin Newsom had introduced this initiative on December 16 of last year. Governor Newsom stated, “Every Californian should have the opportunity to build practical skills and pursue fulfilling careers, including jobs that do not require a college degree. In the coming years, we plan to double the number of these positions by eliminating degree requirements for 30,000 roles.”

To support this transition, the state will establish standardized records of academic and career achievements. These records will integrate experiences from outside traditional classrooms, such as military service, vocational training, and volunteer work. Additionally, the plan includes creating a "career passport" for citizens, a digital record of their skills and competencies to aid in job applications. Veterans stand to benefit significantly, as their military service will now be recognized as equivalent to college credits under this program.

Governor Newsom’s office emphasized that this initiative aims to shift hiring practices toward prioritizing skills over degrees. California is not the first state to remove degree requirements for public sector jobs; Minnesota, Virginia, and Pennsylvania have already implemented similar policies. However, given California’s status as the most populous state in the U.S. and the world’s fifth-largest economy, the significance of this decision is particularly noteworthy. Currently, 45.6% of Californians hold a college degree, slightly below the national average of 46.5%.

California’s hiring system overhaul comes amid growing debates about the efficacy of higher education. During the last presidential election, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, remarked, “Too many people spend four years in college, accumulate massive debt, and leave without useful, applicable skills. College education is somewhat overrated, and the idea that a four-year degree is necessary for success needs to be reconsidered.”

However, university officials and education experts have expressed concerns that this policy could dampen enthusiasm for college education. With declining student numbers due to low birth rates, easing employment requirements might further reduce college enrollment. There is also skepticism about whether hiring managers will genuinely disregard college degrees during recruitment.

Educational expert Ben Wildavsky commented, “Higher education is not perfect, but it equips graduates with broad and focused skills that are valuable for career development. There is substantial evidence that a college degree continues to provide a wage premium for many individuals.”



<Hongyong Park>