Ask HR: Should You Earn a Degree Before Starting Your Career?

​SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, is answering HR questions as part of a series for USA Today. 

Do you have an HR or work-related question you'd like him to answer? Submit it here.

I am a second-year computer science student. Last summer, I had a fantastic internship experience with a company and was invited back this summer. They recently asked if I would be interested in a full-time position. If I'm going to school to launch my career, does it make sense to take this offer now? What should I consider in making my decision? —Joshua

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.: Congratulations! It is exciting to receive an offer in your career field before graduation, and it speaks to the great potential you showcased as an intern. Whether to accept a job at this point in your education can be a difficult decision. If obtaining a degree is your priority, you will need to evaluate your academic workload and extracurricular activities to determine if you have the capacity to work full time while still attending school.

Though the internship was fantastic, consider whether you want to do this full time. Did you enjoy the work? Was it in an environment where you could be productive and successful? Was the company culture a good fit? Could you support the mission and values of the organization? Do you need extra income while you attend college? Since school is still a priority, see what tuition assistance the company offers. Try to compile a complete picture of what the work experience will be. Also, consider the total compensation, not just the salary. Evaluate feedback from other employees or candidates. There are always resources on the Internet, such as Glassdoor, which can help you research a prospective employer. 

Evaluate other potential opportunities. Speak with your career counselor and ask questions about your college's career fairs. How many employers in your field participate in your school's career fairs? What is the job offer rate? What is the job market like in your career field? Is there a high demand for your skills? Research employers that attend the career fairs to determine if there is a specific organization you are interested in.

"Plan for the best, prepare for the worst." Consider what you will do if the situation doesn't work out. What if you get there and don't like the position? Build a contingency plan should you need to pivot.

If you are still interested in the full-time position after these considerations, discuss the opportunity with the employer and ask questions about start-date expectations, scheduling flexibility with your academic workload, and any other concerns. Be honest and open in your discussions. An employer may be willing to work within your time constraints or still allow you to work part time if you'd prefer that schedule instead.

In today's tight labor market, career development is more important than job security for many. So make the best decision for your long-term success. The future is wide open for you.  

I work for an engineering design firm. I recently transferred to a remote-work position supporting an overseas unit. I am concerned about my ability to connect with my new team and manager. How can I retain visibility and garner acknowledgment in a remote-working environment? —Rahul

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.: Kudos on your new opportunity and adventure. Starting in a new role can be stressful and challenging on its own. When you add the virtual aspect to the situation, it can seem even more daunting. Proper planning makes it possible to connect with your team and manager, retain visibility, and garner acknowledgment in a remote position.

Here are a few suggestions for you to consider:   

• During virtual meetings, turn on your camera. Be camera ready. Managers often equate low visibility with low productivity, but taking these measures can curb that perception.
• Be more intentional about cultivating work relationships. Prioritize communication with your manager and co-workers. Respond to messages promptly. In a virtual environment, time lapses can be a disadvantage. Supporting an overseas unit can cause issues with being responsive due to time-zone differences, so share your concerns with your manager about how best to approach this. If too much time passes before you respond to a message from your manager or co-workers, they may see you as unreliable. 
• Request regular meetings with your manager. Meeting virtually with your manager one-on-one can give you an opportunity to communicate your accomplishments, ask for feedback on projects and obtain suggestions on how to improve work with the team. It can also exhibit your willingness to collaborate.
• Look into educational opportunities. Demonstrate commitment to your professional development by seeking opportunities to attend training, conferences and webinars to learn or refine a skill. Compile a list of skill development activities and get your manager's feedback on which ones would benefit you the most. 
• Be flexible and available to take on new assignments. Start by volunteering to be included in major projects or cross-functional teams within the organization. This will help you stay connected and enhance your skills and experience while working remotely. 

If you show you are engaged, communicative and innovative, you can improve relationships with your co-workers and manager while increasing your visibility for opportunities in the future.