Get All Access for $5/mo

This Major Publisher No Longer Requires Job Applicants to a Have College Degree The decision is intended to allow for a more diverse staff and a wider range of tastes.

By Carly Okyle

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

Publishing powerhouse Penguin Random House no longer requires a college degree for job applicants in the UK. The company hopes this will lead to a more diverse staff and, therefore, a more diverse book catalog.

"This is the starting point for our concerted action to make publishing far, far more inclusive than it has been to date," Neil Morrison, the company's human resources director, tells the BBC. "We believe this is critical to our future -- to publish the best books that appeal to readers everywhere, we need to have people from different backgrounds with different perspectives and a workforce that truly reflects today's society."

Related: 6 Offbeat College Degrees Perfect for Entrepreneurs

The move comes at a time when the high cost of college has many questioning whether it's worth it. After all, while workers with college degrees generally command higher-paying jobs, most college grads enter the workforce with an average of $35,000 in loan debt.

We want to know what you think: Are college degrees necessary? Do you require them for the jobs at your company? What's most important to you when considering a job applicant? Let us know in the comments below.

Related: Entrepreneurial Thinking Will Solve the Skills Gap -- Even If There Isn't One

Carly Okyle

Assistant Editor, Contributed Content

Carly Okyle is an assistant editor for contributed content at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Living

70% of Small Business Owners Experience Monthly Burnout. Follow These 3 Rules to Avoid the Same Fate.

Here are three guidelines to help entrepreneurs achieve balance, growth and success in both their professional and personal endeavors.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Franchise

Kick-Start Your Small Business With These Cost Effective Strategies

Starting a small business is an exciting adventure, brimming with both opportunities and challenges. A key to success is effectively managing costs from the outset.