Quantity vs. Quality: Years of Experience

Quantity vs. Quality: Years of Experience

So often that when we are looking for a job, a recruiter would immediately ask you regarding your work experience. It's already a taboo, "how can you get a job when you need work experience, and get work experience when you need a job to do it?". According to the study of Mr. Scott DeRue of the Graduate Management Admission Council, work experience has become a fundamental metric by which management education programs and students are judged.  Thus today, I'd like to discuss a certain question, would recruiters/HR Managers look at the quantity or the quality when it comes to years of experience? Should all MBA programs require students to have work experiences first before studying? How about a choice between a caliber senior vs. a smart and savvy fresh MBA Grad?

Let's try to sort this out a bit shall we?

Quantity: Years of Experience

You've worked so hard, you've been working for almost 8~10 years now and here you are! Ready to take on the world! The length of your years of experience in a way dictates about your sense of maturity at the workplace. Having that "senior" experience provides a good wall of security in a company. Moreover, in the eyes of HR Managers, it dictates a cost beneficial strategy to place experienced prospects in certain positions as you may train them less and can work immediately under less supervision. But is it just a "cost" based move? Most people with experience requires a higher level of position and pay. What else do you think are the benefits of having a good quantity of years of work experience?

Quality: Years of Experience

Finally, you're done with your first year and you're off the list of employees who might be cut-off soon if you didn't perform well. However, in the course of your time in the company, though short, was well worth it. You've had business trips, exhibitions, meetings with big clients, was able to share your ideas with top management. Now you feel that there's no challenge anymore and you're moving forward. The HR sees your thin CV yet was impressed with the quality of work you've had, but your still light years away from taking an account executive position as you've never had experience handling people.

What do I think? It's all about balance...

Yes, you read it right! It's all about balance (not that bass, ba-dum-tiss!). Anyways, what I meant about balance is making sure that before you resign from your current company:

1. You've at least finished your contract before ditching for another one. 

2. Get as much RELEVANT training and certifications as you can.

3. Increase your KPI's to a notable level.

Make the best out of what you have, keep moving forward!