
SHRM All Things Work · 2026-04-22 · 32 min
Rethinking the traditional college degree? You’re not alone. With rising tuition costs and student debt, plus the growing appeal of alternative credentials, today’s workforce is exploring new ways to build successful careers. But what challenges do professionals face when they skip the degree route, and how can organizations adapt to unlock untapped talent? Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, program director for the Widening Pathways to Work initiative at the SHRM Foundation, breaks down the rise of skills-first hiring, the barriers encountered by nontraditional job-seekers, and how employers can bridge the divide when looking for talent from different educational backgrounds.