Ask Matt: Does where you went to school really matter?

Dear Matt: I'm an entry-level IT professional and since I've joined the working world, I've noticed my peers and co-workers come from a wide variety of schools and educational backgrounds. I was just wondering, does it really matter where one goes to school, especially in IT?

Matt says: This should help provide the answer you are seeking. According to a recent Robert Half Technology survey, 71 percent of CIOs said they prioritize skills and experience over college degrees when making hiring decisions. Another 12 percent said they place a little weight on the prestige of a job seeker's university when evaluating applicants, while only 5 percent are heavily influenced by an impressive alma mater.

A university degree is certainly very valuable and provides an important foundation, but IT employers also want to see that an applicant has applied technical knowledge and skills, says Kathy Northamer, regional vice president of Robert Half Technology (www.rht.com) in Minneapolis.

"We don't advise candidates to minimize their education — degrees are still important for many roles, and some employers require certifications for other positions," says Northamer.

Experience and ability matter more than where someone attended school, says Julie Desmond, IT and software engineering recruiter with Edina-based George Konik Associates, Inc. (www.georgekonik.com). "There are many excellent instructors for technology out there and they work for all kinds of schools," says Desmond.

Employers are looking for hands-on skills, says Northamer. Hiring managers want to see what a candidate can do now. How can they contribute and bring results quickly, with minimal ramp-up time? This is why they emphasize skills and experience.

That said, choosing a school remains critical to success in IT and programming careers, says Desmond. The reason is, development and technology tools change constantly. The best of the best surround themselves with talented people. Who can you reach out to with a question? Who can you collaborate with? What does your professional network look like?

In addition, don't forget to highlight your soft skills. Nontechnical skills, such as communication and problem-solving abilities, are critical and essential to setting yourself apart from the competition.

In the IT sector, there's really no golden ticket in terms of universities, says Northamer.

When deciding between candidates with similar backgrounds, a manager will always go with the candidate who best fits with the team culture, says Northamer.