Should You Include Your AA Degree on Your Resume?
Deciding whether to include your Associate of Arts (AA) degree on your resume can be a challenging task. This decision depends on several key factors, including the relevance of the degree to the job, the level of education you have, your work experience, and the preferences of potential employers. In this article, we will explore these factors and provide guidance on how to make the best decision for your job search.
Relevance of the Degree
One of the main factors to consider is the relevance of your AA degree to the job you are applying for. If the degree aligns with the skills required for the position or if it demonstrates competencies that are directly applicable, it is advisable to include it. For instance, if you are applying for roles in education, healthcare, or technical fields, an AA degree can be particularly valuable.
Level of Education
Another critical factor is the level of education you have achieved. If you have obtained a higher degree like a Bachelor's or Master's, some applicants may choose to omit the AA degree. Employers often focus on the highest level of education, making it unnecessary to include lower degrees. However, this is not a hard rule and can depend on the specific job and the employer's preferences.
Your Work Experience
For individuals with limited work experience, including the AA degree can serve as a valuable addition to their resume. It helps to demonstrate your educational background, which can be particularly useful when you are still building your career. Including the AA degree in the education section of your resume can showcase your dedication to education and your readiness for further career advancement.
Employer Preferences
It is important to be aware of employer preferences when deciding whether to include your AA degree. Some employers may actively seek candidates with an AA degree, especially in certain fields such as education, healthcare, and specific technical roles. Conversely, other employers may have biases towards traditional four-year degrees, which can affect how your AA degree is perceived.
Strategic Inclusion and Omission
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some strategies to consider:
Include the Degree if Relevant: If the AA degree is relevant to the job, include it in the education section of your resume. List the degree name, institution, and graduation date. Omit the Degree if Less Significant: If your degree is older and you have a more recent, more relevant degree like a Bachelor's, it might be better to omit the older degree to avoid distracting potential employers. Highlight Other Qualifications: Make sure your resume effectively showcases other skills and experience that align with the job you are applying for. This can include work experience, certifications, or other relevant achievements.Personal Testimonials
Many job seekers find that the inclusion of their AA degree can be beneficial in certain situations. For example, an individual with an AA degree may include it in their resume when applying for administrative roles, lifeguarding positions, or clerk jobs. This degree can set them apart from other candidates and demonstrate their educational background.
For instance, Jess, a current university student, recently applied for an RA (Resident Assistant) position. Despite their current enrollment in a bachelor's program, Jess included their AA degree in the education section of their resume. They also added relevant certifications like CPR/AED, which showcased their qualifications and increased their chances of being considered for the role.
In another scenario, Tom, who had significant work experience, chose to omit his AA degree from his resume. He had completed his bachelor's degree more recently and found that highlighting his more recent qualifications was more impactful.
Conclusion
The decision to include or omit your AA degree on your resume should be based on a careful consideration of the job requirements, the employer's preferences, and the relevance of your degree to the position. By strategically including or omitting this information, you can tailor your resume to effectively showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.