The Degree vs Experience Paradox, And What You Can Actually Do About It

You’ve got the degree. The LinkedIn bio. Maybe even a decent GPA.

But every job listing that says “entry-level” also casually wants 1–2 years of experience. Oh, and a portfolio. And some certifications. And a working time machine, apparently.

So… what’s the point of your degree if you’re stuck at square one?

Let’s break down why this happens and how you can actually move forward instead of rage-scrolling through job sites for hours.

“Entry-Level” Is a Lie (But There’s a Way Around It)

Here’s the harsh truth: a lot of companies post “entry-level” jobs expecting plug-and-play candidates. Not because it makes sense, but because they’re short on time, money, or training capacity.

It’s not about you. It’s about them not wanting to teach.

But here’s the good part: you don’t need 2 years in a formal job to have “experience.” You just need to prove you know how to work.

So What Counts as Experience (If You Don’t Have a Job Yet)?

A few things hiring managers actually pay attention to:

• A well-done project you built in college — especially if it solved a real problem

• Freelance work, internships, or even unpaid gigs with real deliverables

• A blog, portfolio, or social account that shows your voice, thinking, or skills

• MOOCs or certifications — only if you’ve applied what you learned

• Group projects where you took the lead (bonus if you show outcomes)

TL;DR: If you’ve built something, learned something, or helped someone — that counts.

But How Do You Know What You Should Be Building?

That’s where Mentoria Connect steps in.

Mentoria Connect is your full-stack career clarity zone. It gives you three things that actually move the needle:

- MOJO — a deep-dive career discovery tool that helps you figure out what paths suit your strengths, interests, and personality

• Industry Mentors — real professionals who’ve been where you are, and can tell you exactly what to build, learn, or ditch

• Custom Roadmaps — so you’re not just “figuring it out” on your own, but following a plan tailored to where you want to go

Whether you’re exploring careers in marketing, tech, finance, psychology or product — there’s a mentor for that. And they won’t give you the generic “just start networking” line. They’ll help you cut the noise and take the right next step.

Final Thought: Your Degree Isn’t Useless, It’s Just Not the Full Story

A degree shows you finished something. But in today’s job market, finishing isn’t enough. You need proof-of-work. Not perfection — just motion.

So instead of scrolling “easy jobs for freshers” or rewriting your CV for the 9th time this week, ask yourself:

• What have I already done that shows initiative?

• What can I start this week that moves the needle?

• Who can I talk to who’s already done this before me?

You don’t need to fake experience. You just need to frame what you’ve got — and build what’s missing with intention.

And if you need help with that?
That’s exactly what Mentoria Connect is here for.