SKILLS VS. DEGREE: WHICH ONE PAYS THE BILLS? | CAREER BANTER | EPISODE 7

Summary

In this episode of Career Banter, Chidy Godwin, business strategist and head of Rogue Studios, shares his journey of balancing skills and degrees in today’s career landscape. Despite initially studying architecture, Chidy's skills in 3D rendering became the driving force behind his success. He stresses the importance of pursuing skills, but also acknowledges the value of formal education, especially for business strategy. The discussion also critiques Nigeria's higher education system, calling for a curriculum that better aligns with real-world industry needs. Chidy wraps up by emphasizing the role of personal branding in setting professionals apart in competitive fields.

Takeaways

• 😀 Skills are currently what pay the bills for many young Nigerians, as shown by the guest’s journey into 3D rendering and starting Rogue Studios.
• 😀 A degree can expose you to skills, but it is the practical pursuit of those skills that can lead to success in the real world.
• 😀 In many industries, portfolios and real-world experience are more valued than academic qualifications, as demonstrated by the brand designer who landed a top fintech job.
• 😀 The pursuit of a degree in a particular field, like business, can be important if you want to transition into managerial or strategic roles in that field.
• 😀 The decision to focus on skills over degrees can sometimes lead to financial success, but it might also require a balance between pursuing a degree for personal development and career advancement.
• 😀 While degrees might not be required in creative and technical fields, the business side of running a company might necessitate a degree in business or related areas.
• 😀 Godwin highlighted the shift in education towards more skills-focused curriculums, like certifications in 3D rendering, making it possible to combine skills with academic credentials.
• 😀 Education systems, particularly in Nigeria, often fail to prepare students for the modern workforce by not aligning curricula with industry practices, as illustrated by the outdated teaching methods in architecture.
• 😀 Branding has become an essential factor for standing out in a skill-driven economy, as it helps differentiate professionals in competitive fields.
• 😀 The modern education system needs to evolve, offering more practical, skill-oriented learning opportunities to help students succeed in today’s job market.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in this episode of the Lagos Youth Show?

The main topic discussed is the comparison between skills and degrees, particularly what is paying the bills for young Nigerians today. The conversation delves into how skills and degrees each contribute to career success.

How did Chidy Godwin's education in architecture influence his career?

Chidy Godwin studied architecture, which exposed him to skills like 3D rendering that he later used to start a 3D rendering company. His degree helped him discover the skill but did not directly teach him how to apply it in the real world.

Why did Chidy Godwin choose to pursue skills over completing his degree in architecture?

Chidy chose to pursue skills because he was already making money through his 3D rendering business. He felt that his skills were more immediately valuable and that they were paying the bills, leading him to leave architecture school early.

What does Chidy Godwin believe about the value of degrees in the current job market?

Chidy believes that while degrees can be valuable in certain fields, particularly in business strategy or management, skills are what truly matter in today's job market. He mentions that no one at Rogue Studios has ever asked for a degree, only for portfolios and proven skill.

Does Chidy think a degree is necessary for someone who already has a marketable skill?

No. Chidy believes that if someone already has a marketable skill and is earning from it, pursuing a degree is not necessary. Instead, they should focus on further developing their skill through specialized courses or certifications.

How does Chidy Godwin feel about the current state of education in Nigeria?

Chidy feels that the Nigerian education system, particularly in higher institutions, is out of touch with the real-world demands of the workforce. He highlights how certain skills, like 3D rendering, are not taught in a practical way, making students unprepared for modern jobs.

What specific example from his own experience does Chidy use to highlight the shortcomings of the education system?

Chidy gives the example of studying architecture, where he and his classmates were still required to hand-draw designs in final years, despite the industry moving towards digital tools like CAD (Computer-Aided Design). He feels that this disconnect between education and industry practice leaves graduates unprepared.

What is Chidy's perspective on the role of branding in a professional career?

Chidy believes branding is crucial for standing out in a competitive job market. He emphasizes that a strong personal brand can differentiate someone with great skills from others who may do similar work but lack a strong online presence or portfolio.

Does Chidy Godwin believe that skill-based education is a better alternative to traditional degrees?

Chidy does not dismiss degrees entirely but advocates for skill-based education. He believes that with the rise of online learning and specialized programs, people can focus more on developing skills that directly apply to their career, such as design or 3D rendering, rather than following a traditional academic path.

What advice does Chidy Godwin offer to young people who are uncertain about pursuing a degree or a skill?

Chidy advises young people to focus on developing their skills first and to pursue a degree only if necessary for their career goals. If someone is already successful with their skills, they should look for ways to further develop them through practical courses or certifications rather than committing to a traditional degree program.