How to Answer: Tell me about your education.
17. Tell me about your education.
The Goal
Hiring companies commonly ask this question of recent graduates. The interviewer wants to know how your education or training has prepared you to succeed in the job. The goal of your response is to highlight your education and training. Then, make a connection between the knowledge you gained and how you will apply that knowledge to succeed in the role.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
What to Avoid
There are many ways to gain education, so avoid underestimating the training you've received by stating that you don't have any education to discuss. Whether it be formal (college, university courses, or career training modules) or informal education (self-learning, self-guided courses), the hiring company wants assurance that you have the training or knowledge required to do the job successfully.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Pro Tip
If you do not have a formal post-secondary education, that is okay! Self-learning is education, too. Perhaps you recently gained skills through an online course or masterclass that will help you perform very well in this new role. If that's the case, be proud of your accomplishment and be prepared to talk about how this training will ensure your competency and success.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
Whether or not the hiring company requires a certain education level, it's essential to show the interviewer that you have the necessary knowledge to do the job correctly. When outlining your training, be sure to discuss the learning opportunities and experiences most relevant to the position. You will also want to highlight any particular involvement, awards, or accolades you received along the way.
If you attended post-secondary studies, you likely learned core skills transferable to any career path. For instance, if you worked on group projects in school, you could share how your education improved your ability to collaborate in challenging environments. In addition to the core knowledge gained from your diploma, certificate, or degree, think about the soft skills that you have earned:
- Time Management
- Creative Thinking
- Proposal Writing
- Public Speaking
- Presentation Building
- Independent Learning
- Academic Research
- Self-Motivation
Confidently discuss what you learned and highlight how you will apply the knowledge to benefit the hiring company.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I graduated from USD with my Bachelor of Science, major in computer science in 2007. I received various scholarships due to my strong grades, and I was on the Dean's List for three out of four years. My best grades were in algorithms courses, and I did very well with learning complex concepts. My education helped build a strong foundation and professional discipline, allowing me to continue to develop in-demand skills while working for the fastest-growing tech companies in the world."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Admin Example
"My post-secondary education was in communications and journalism. The courses in this program helped me to develop stronger business relationships through professional correspondence. I also learned persuasive writing skills, which have proven to be incredibly helpful when editing client proposals."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Manager Example
"I received my Master's in Computer Engineering and Computer Science in 2009. Before that, my undergraduate degree was in computer science. These valuable educational experiences helped me build my career in an in-demand and competitive industry. One area where I particularly flourished was in Computer Science Project Management, making me well-suited for leadership roles where I oversee developers and engineers."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Sales Example
"I have a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Spanish from UBC. I graduated with a 3.8 GPA, which I am very proud to have earned. I worked full-time while going to school, so I learned a lot about time management and discovered that I work best under some degree of pressure. The skills that I learned during university have helped me grow my career quickly. I have above-average communication skills, and since graduating, I have continued to refine many competencies. This continued education includes learning the art of negotiation and building my confidence in public speaking. I look forward to bringing my knowledge and professional skills to your company and complimenting your incredible team."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Retail Example
"I have my associate's degree in fashion merchandising and a bachelor's degree in media and communications. I received a scholarship for my excellent grades, and I was involved in various student body groups. My fashion merchandising knowledge helps me in my current job, as I plan a store's displays, assist with curating collections, and develop social media campaigns. My training in media and communications helps me to build better connections online and in person. Whether working alongside a customer, our seasonal buyers, or going to a local fashion event, I can fit in easily and contribute to critical goals by utilizing the knowledge that I gained from my formal post-secondary education."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Teacher Example
"In 2011, I completed my Bachelor of Education degree with a minor in kinesiology. I graduated from UofS with honors and made the Dean's List for three years. During university, I played competitive sports and was the volleyball team captain in my final year. Currently, I am entertaining the idea of furthering my education to include a Master of Education, which I can complete online through Yorkville University. As a teacher, I value continuous learning and want to ensure that I set an exceptional example to the high school students that I teach."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Marketing Example
"I earned my business degree with a major in economics from UW, where I also took part in their international exchange program. This exchange took me to Singapore for 12 weeks, which was an incredible experience. I even learned how to speak a little bit of Malay and Mandarin Chinese. So, while I focused my education on macroeconomics and the global trading system, I also gained valuable soft skills in culture and communication. Additional soft skills that I gained, which will certainly help me in this new role, are time management, cross-collaboration, and how to be intrinsically motivated."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
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