Succeeding Without a Diploma: Is it Possible?
24 December 2008
Read by 2131 persons
Today, two out of three bosses are self-taught. We find them in commerce, hospitality, industry and more recently on the Web. School failures, they have managed to climb the ladder through sheer willpower and motivation.
Qualities First. Even if it is clearly demonstrated that it is better to continue your studies or follow training to have a chance of escaping unemployment, there are atypical profiles whose success is inspiring and who are nevertheless "without diplomas". Their secret? They possess specific qualities. They are often more curious, pragmatic, iconoclastic, stubborn, intuitive, less prone to preconceived notions, and more enterprising. But according to some, they must also constantly prove their efficiency...
Who Are They? Having entered the company young, they generally started at the bottom of the ladder and learned on the job. Gifted in contact and sales, they become exceptional salespeople. Keyboard aces, it is not uncommon to find them in IT companies. Some launch and succeed in "business". They have created or taken over companies and built empires. Like the self-taught Jean-Claude Bourrelier who, in 1975, at the age of 29, created his first DIY store. He is now at the head of a group with over 600 million euros in turnover, known under the Bricorama brand.
What Opportunities? In the job market, with equal skills, a graduate remains a sure bet compared to a self-taught person. But in the age of "soft skills" and tenacity, atypical profiles have everything to gain by knocking on the doors of certain companies, especially those that are positioned in sectors such as sales, catering, hospitality and distribution. Starting a business can also be a good springboard for self-taught individuals. Without forgetting VAE (validation of acquired experience), a real promotional elevator for all those who have learned on the job.
Corinne Dillenseger
Posted online December 24, 2008
careerbuilder.fr
Qualities First. Even if it is clearly demonstrated that it is better to continue your studies or follow training to have a chance of escaping unemployment, there are atypical profiles whose success is inspiring and who are nevertheless "without diplomas". Their secret? They possess specific qualities. They are often more curious, pragmatic, iconoclastic, stubborn, intuitive, less prone to preconceived notions, and more enterprising. But according to some, they must also constantly prove their efficiency...
Who Are They? Having entered the company young, they generally started at the bottom of the ladder and learned on the job. Gifted in contact and sales, they become exceptional salespeople. Keyboard aces, it is not uncommon to find them in IT companies. Some launch and succeed in "business". They have created or taken over companies and built empires. Like the self-taught Jean-Claude Bourrelier who, in 1975, at the age of 29, created his first DIY store. He is now at the head of a group with over 600 million euros in turnover, known under the Bricorama brand.
What Opportunities? In the job market, with equal skills, a graduate remains a sure bet compared to a self-taught person. But in the age of "soft skills" and tenacity, atypical profiles have everything to gain by knocking on the doors of certain companies, especially those that are positioned in sectors such as sales, catering, hospitality and distribution. Starting a business can also be a good springboard for self-taught individuals. Without forgetting VAE (validation of acquired experience), a real promotional elevator for all those who have learned on the job.
Corinne Dillenseger
Posted online December 24, 2008
careerbuilder.fr
