Which is more likely to help with getting a job, education or experience?

I've had a couple of my college teachers say that whenever they're looking to hire someone, they are most likely to hire some one with "okay" grades and a lot of work experience, than excellent grades and little work experience. In my experience it seems that's generally the case, when I tried to apply for internships last year I had a really hard time and got turned down for most of them because although I have a 3.8 GPA, I didn't have that much work experience in my field (fashion merchandising).

Anyway, what is your option, do you think experience is more likely to help a person to get a job? Would you prefer to hire someone with little experience and good grades or someone with lots of work experience and not so good grades?

I wanted to add that the reason I'm asking is because I'm now trying to work while I'm in school so that hopefully I'll have experience and won't have so much trouble finding a job after school. The problem is that working and trying to go to school at the same time along with trying to spend time with family and other activities I have going on is causing my grades and class attendence to slip, not to mention stressing me out. So, I'm trying to figure if working while in school is really a good idea.

That's a tricky question, and while I don't have any first-hand experience with it, I'll take a crack at it... I think companies are typically looking for someone with more education AND knowledge than anything else. I know this is the obvious answer, but it's the most true. So you're on the right track. As far as finding time to do both -- I can't help ya out. But if you're not taking classes in the summer, that's a good time to hold a full-time "real" job. Or an internship!

Anyway if it came down to just experience vs. just education, I would think that it depends on the field. In fields like computer information systems, most companies won't give a damn how much experience you have. They want the freshest college kids who know the most. But something like construction comes more from experience. In Fashion Merchandising, I'd imagine that they also highly value education (maybe not as much as CIS, but pretty high up there). I hope this helps you out some!

PS - This isn't quite the most cost-efficient, but I try to take about 12 credits a semester, usually, which gives me plenty of time to work and do other activities, but also plenty of time to keep my grades up (because it's only 4 classes). Good luck!

usually its a case of WHO you know , not WHAT you know!

look there are some companies that could be able to hire you if you demostrate that you are keen in your field of study,the companies want you use your iniciative altought the previous experience is very important because it will be your highlight that will lead you a good position in the future, that's explain why we need to tackle the first job we can find so in this way we can acquire experience and it will increase our experience not only in our field of study but in another fields of study, in this life isn't easy to get a job in spite of having good records the companies don't want to hire you because you are starting to get in the labour market.but don't worry about that if you are still young you can gain experience, my mother always tell me that the life is long and you need to enjoy it,there are some companies that accecpt students it's just try to take your time and investigate everywhere.

I think it is interesting that your college teachers are telling you that they prefer to hire someone with experience rather than education. Why then, do they teach?

I think the answer is that you need both education and experience. Your particular field of study may value experience more than other fields. Continue your fulltime schooling and try to finish as quickly as possible. Go to your Career Services office for help getting an internship during the year or during the summer. Be willing to take on an unpaid internship - the experience you will gain will add to your earning power in the long run.

Are there any part time jobs or student organizations on your campus related to your major? It doesn't even have to be directly related, it just needs to give you some skills that are transferable. For example, is there a position where you can create the advertising for events? Resident Assistants usually do this, as well as planning events, managing their programming budget, and coordinating individuals. Is there a Museum store on campus where the you can help create the store displays? Can you get involved as a costumer for campus or community theater productions? Be open-minded when looking at campus jobs and clubs.

My second suggestion is to create your own opportunties. Approach a business that does not currently have an internship and ask if they would be willing to take you on for a summer. Find a mentor who can refer to you to other opportunties. Create and market your own fashion items such as jewelry or scarves. Write a "Trend" column for your campus newspaper.

Both ideally. I have more experience whereas my partner, who has just come out of higher education, has found it alot harder due to lack of experience.

it depends on what position you are trying to fill first and for most education is definitely important employers don't want to higher someone that couldn't even finish school

but on the other hand experience is A MAJOR PLUS now and days ...just tell whom ever your applying to the truth that your very intelligent and can learn any of the skills needed for the job in a timely fashion and show them you are excited to work for them and YOU CAN DO THE JOB