should I display my degree in my office?

by Alison Green on April 19, 2013

A reader writes:

I have a question about displaying degrees in an office.

A few months ago, I got a major promotion which came with an office. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t decorated just yet. To get a feel for the standard, I walked around to the other offices to see how they are decorated. I noticed that everyone, along with photos of family, displays their degree(s). Here’s the thing, my boss didn’t go college. Her office is full of family photos. Should I go with the norm of the office or follow her lead?

Display your degree if you feel like it, and don’t if you don’t feel like it. But make your decision independent of the fact that your boss didn’t go to college. Deciding not to display it because your boss didn’t go to college would be condescending — as if she can’t handle the fact that others did. (Of course, she’d probably never know that was your reason, but it would throw condescension out into the world, and that’s never a good thing.)

Unless there’s evidence to the contrary, trust that your boss is reasonably secure in her position and can handle having employees with degrees she doesn’t have.

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{ 178 comments }

{ 178 comments… read them below }

  1. Ann O'Nemity*

    I can’t wait to see the comments on this. I’m in a similar quandary. Part of me wants to display the diploma, part of me feels it would appear pretentious.

    1. Josh S*

      Meh. It’s wall-filler. I don’t think it matters much either way.

      I’m always a bit underwhelmed when I see 5 different degrees on the doctor’s office wall because I figure it’s more the 20 years experience he has that makes him good at his job, rather than the piece of paper issued 30 years ago from his undergrad school. And I don’t particularly care if an office-worker went to Podunk U or Yale (but that’s just me).

      On the other hand, if you’re proud of your accomplishment in graduating, there’s no reason not to put it up. It’s a thing-some-people-do. Photos of the family, shaking hands with the president/governor, the trip to some exotic locale also fall into the category, or a framed signed baseball card of Andre Dawson all fall in the same category to me.

      To everyone else, they’re conversation points, but really they’re there mostly for your own benefit — things to remind you of happy times/accomplishments in the midst of the daily grind.

      1. twentymilehike*

        To everyone else, they’re conversation points, but really they’re there mostly for your own benefit — things to remind you of happy times/accomplishments in the midst of the daily grind.

        Oooh. I just wanted to say that was very eloquent! I like this take on it :)

        1. The Editor*

          That’s about how I feel.

          For me, I fill my walls with artwork from my kids, especially fathers day stuff, pictures of home (Alaska), pictures of my family, and quotes/scriptures/what nots that reference specific goals, aspirations, or changes I’m making.

          Oh, and I also have a cardboard sign that reads, “Will work for brownies!” Everyone has a price; mine just happens to be brownies. :-)

      2. Jessa*

        On the other hand with the doctor there’s both law and custom about having the degrees out. A lot of places require the licensure to be posted. And so many people want to know what studies the doc has done that posting the degrees is a quick way to answer that. The patient can read it in between conversations.

        1. Kat M*

          I was going to mention this. As a massage therapist I display my license (required by law), but not my diploma. I also display my professional association’s code of ethics, just in case someone is thinking about being one of *those* clients. I think it’s a matter of what you want on your wall. Nobody really cares but you. :)

        2. Jazzy Red*

          I work with architects and engineers, and they are required to display their certifications. Some of them are licensed in more than 20 states, and while one has them all up on the wall, the others have them in 3-ring binders, with the binder on a table or desk (they must be “displayed”).

          If I had a degree, I’d display it. On the other hand, I’ve been laid off more than once, and I only have a few personal possessions at work. It makes it easier to pack up.

      3. Josh*

        Just speaking for myself, I personally have never hung my Bachelors Degree up much less took it out of it’s packaging but once to look at it. Though, I am about to earn my Masters Degree. I’m 28 years old and have worked my butt off to earn it and pay for it out of my own pocket. I plan to hang it up in my office so I can see it and remind myself of the hard work I put in.
        If people feel envious of that then maybe they should evaluate their current situation. It’s an honor for me to have accomplished such an achievement.

      4. Matt*

        I’d prefer the signed baseball card as opposed to many of things co-workers hang on their walls. I’m with you – I don’t really care where you went to school (if you went to school) or where you spent your summer vacations.

        I personally think that degrees and especially lesser awards on walls are kind of pretentious – but that’s just my opinion.

    2. Sascha*

      I don’t think displaying it is pretentious, I think constantly talking about it or making it a big deal is pretentious. Like name dropping your college at every opportunity.

      1. HR Guy*

        I definitely do not think it’s pretentious. You earned it. If you’d like to display your degree, go for it. The only thing that would make this situation pretentious is if you walk around with a sense of entitlement that you’re above any colleague/superior who did not go to college.

    4. darsenfeld*

      IMO, it is pretentious, since I’d question the motives of the person displaying it. Is it due to genuine pride, or to say “ha! I went to Harvard for my undergrad and then Princeton for my MA and doctorate, take that!”

      I seldom ever get envious or overawed by anybody, but it would frankly amuse me if a co-worker felt the need to brag so much.

      1. EngineerGirl*

        I always thought that too. What are you trying to prove? Because a degree just shows you have a basic level of knowledge, not that you have the wisdom to apply it. If you take pride in hour accomplishment, then fine. Otherwise, meh. I also question whe people display lots and lots of awards – just what is the purpose?

        Ironically, the people with the highest level of achievements in my office have few to any awards displayed. Maybe a corporate award (it takes major work to get one) and maybe patents (it takes major work to get one).

        So ask yourself why you are doing it. A reminder of good times or taking pleasure in hard work? Sure. But if it is for the “benefit” of others then don’t.

        1. Mike C.*

          Who are either of you to judge what the reason for posting the diploma is? Isn’t someone who’s an egotistical jerk going to be an egotistical jerk regardless of a piece of paper on the wall?

          1. darsenfeld*

            And who are you to judge how others perceive hanging a certificate on an office wall?

            It frankly doesn’t bother me if they do this, but as said if somebody needs to brag it’s their own issue, not mine.

              1. EngineerGirl*

                You just did make a judgement.

                I reasonably asked the motive for posting lots of certificates and awards.

              2. darsenfeld*

                And I’m “explaining” my post by saying that posting academic certificates on the wall, wouldn’t bother me per se, but would colour my perception of them.

                1. ExceptionToTheRule*

                  What if I hung my diploma on the wall because I was proud to be the first member of my family to go to or graduate from college? Or if I was proud of it because of circumstances I had to overcome to achieve it?

                  Now, I’m not saying those issues apply to me, but do they make someone pretentious?

                2. Hate My Company*

                  Agree with Exception! I do not have a degree. But if I EVER get one, it will hang even if it is in my cubicle. Because I know how hard I will have to work to get one. That is why I am so very proud of my wife going back to school and why I push my kids so hard to get into a college. Not getting that degree is something I regret everyday!

                3. A*

                  Agree with Exception.

                  And the whole ‘no YOU made a judgement, no YOU!’ Thing just makes you all look like children. It’s actually pretty hilarious.

  2. Lily in NYC*

    It seems like it doesn’t matter either way (culture-wise) at the LW’s office. I think it was smart of him/her to walk around to get an idea of what’s the norm. Where I work it is there is an unspoken taboo about it – not one person has a degree up on their wall (and it’s a pretty big place). We are full of overachievers and I think most people here view it as tacky and sort of like still wearing your school ring years after you left. I don’t mean to offend anyone who hangs their diploma on the wall – it’s just the culture at my office- just because it’s seen as a bit gauche here doesn’t mean it’s that way everywhere or that I agree with that view.

    1. The IT Manager*

      +1 In my current job where I sit in a cube and my past jobs where I also mostly sat in a cubical, it would be odd, but it doesn’t sound at all odd at the LW’s place of business so she should go for it if she wants.

      Take the opportunity to display it in a place where it’s normal. It’s less wierd in the office than in the home in my opinion.

      1. The IT Manager*

        It’s less wierd in the office than in the home in my opinion.

        That is my opinion, but I realize I also should note that I do have my diplomas hanging on the wall in my home office. (I do think I charming unique too. :)) Hopefully it’ll keep me from losing them. I lost my undergraduate recently. I got a masters recently, decided to frame and hang it along with my bachelors. (It was that or keep it in a closet somewhere because you don’t throw out diplomas.) Somehow in the months it took me to get around to shopping for the frames, I managed to lose my undergraduate diploma. I still think it has to turn up in a pile of paper somewhere, but I suppose it’s just as likely it was accidentially thrown out in the middle of another pile of paper.

    2. tcookson*

      +1 that it’s cultural from office ot office– I work in an office where it is considered tacky (as stated above, “like wearing your highschool ring years after you left”) to display any documents of achievement or merit. We have only one person who does so, and she’s someone who doesn’t really fit in in other ways either.

  3. Liz in a Library*

    At my last job, everyone displayed degrees, and it was kind of weird if you didn’t. It made me feel weird, because people (particularly students) would comment on them all the time. Honestly, I ended up regretting having put them up.

    1. Liz in a Library*

      I should say, this was at a university, which is very different from the average office.

      1. Sascha*

        It’s funny to me how vastly cultures can vary at different universities, even in different departments. I work at a university now, and hardly anyone in my office puts their degrees up. But the previous university where I worked, if you had a wall, you put up your degree. Even on your cube wall, which looked kind of weird to see a giant, fancy frame on a flimsy cube wall.

        1. fposte*

          Yeah, I don’t generally see them around here. (I don’t even know where mine are–I think a box in the basement?)

          1. Lillie Lane*

            +1. Don’t know where any of our diplomas are. Probably the garage. We have moved so many times I’m still trying to find the electric toothbrush from 2 houses ago.

            1. Sascha*

              I found mine the other day hiding underneath the guest room bed, I had no idea it was there since we moved into the house 4 years ago. Guess I didn’t miss the degree that much. (the diploma is still under the bed, great storage spot!)

        2. tcookson*

          I’m at a university, too, but in our department nobody puts them up, it’s like they think it’s bragging about having achieved what’s common in the industry, even if it’s a Ph.D — like Ph.D’s are a dime a dozen or some such . . .

          1. Rana*

            Yeah, that’s been my experience, too. When having a doctorate is the expected default, it comes across as weird to brandish it about, sort of like being proud that you finished high school or something.

            Before reading the other answers here, when I’d just seen the question in AAM’s feed, my response was “No. Not unless you’re a doctor or a lawyer.”

            I think part of this is that it matters more in some professions whether or not the person you’re hiring has a professional degree. A doctor without an M.D. or close equivalent is not someone you want looking after your health, for example, whereas who cares if your travel agent has an MBA or not?

            1. Brittany*

              I also believe that it is contingent upon where you work. I am a teacher, and have earned my masters degree. My degrees hang in my classroom. Almost all of the teachers in my building display their degrees. It isn’t to brag, but to show our students what they could accomplish. To give them something to strive for.

  4. Anonymous*

    Other than MD degrees and perhaps also in academic offices, I think diplomas on walls are tacky.

    But since people do it at the OP’s office, it’s probably fine.

    1. Jamie*

      This is my feeling also, but to be fair I’ve never worked in a place where this is done.

      If it’s common where the OP is she should do whatever she wants…I really doubt most people will notice or care.

      I’m always curious as so what people have on their walls…maybe next open thread I’ll remember to ask.

        1. Cruciatus*

          I have a wall but it is verboten to put anything on them. We don’t even have clocks up in most places! The only thing on the walls surrounding me is the name plate next to the door and the outlets.

          1. twentymilehike*

            You have name plates!? Lucky you …

            I suppose the lack thereof flows nicely with my office’s communication style. Or lack therof.

            1. Cruciatus*

              Well, I work at a medical school as an administrative assistant. The faculty have name plates. I don’t have an office, rather I sit in the entryway to the faculty wing and have a dinky storage space behind me with a name plate next to the door that has no name listed, just “B8-308.” Oh, I did forget the light switch that’s on the wall that I stare at all day.

            2. Jamie*

              That’s one thing I’ve always wanted was a nameplate.

              Our office is small enough they aren’t needed – you just point to the right office…but it’s weird nameplate and/or name/department on my door would be cool. I’ve never had either.

              1. Jazzy Red*

                I have a couple of nameplates from companies where I used to work. You can have them, if you don’t mind being called “Jazzy Red”.

          2. Chinook*

            I love name plates on doors and cubicles! I am a visual learner who can never remember names. Name plates were great because I could subtly be reminded of someone’s name when I needed to talk to them (because I could remember who they were, just not there name)

            1. Jazzy Red*

              We all wear ID tags at my company, and I love it because that’s how I learn names/faces, too.

          3. Anonymously Anonymous*

            I had a nameplate, all gold plated and etched with black ink, and must say I felt pretty darn special… There always had to be MOD and we were considered MOD when everyone else left for the day— though not many people got to see it because I worked the graveyard shift.

            1. Jesicka309*

              When I was a crew chief back in my McDonald’s days, I had a plastic gold name plate with my name etched in black.
              I was so darn proud of it that I nicked it when I quit. :)

      2. ThatGirl*

        I had a colleague a few years ago that had a semi-nude painting on her wall. The figure didn’t have a head and there was a lot of blending of color and shapes on it. But if you stood right in front of it, it was very clear that there was an uncovered breast (complete with nip) and a hip on the picture.

        No one ever made her take it down but I work in academia so it’s all filed under academic freedom. :-)

        1. Chinook*

          There was a Murdoch Mysteries episode with a picture like that. Once the abstract nude is pointed out not be a picture of pyramids, it is hard not to see the naked woman.

        2. Jazzy Red*

          SC Johnson makes that air freshener that is a nude female torso, and the sensor is…(I’m too shy to say it.) And they show it on TV, in magazine ads, online.

      3. tcookson*

        My walls have art from my kids, postcards commemorating achievements of my departmental professors or school events, and (to my great pleasure) several paintings by our department’s resident artist, which I can keep until her next show.

    2. Lexy*

      meh… my husband is an attorney and he has both his undergrad and JD on the walls, plus his bar certificate and admission to the federal courts (both of which are on fancy “degree” paper) I think his clients get an (unconscious) sense of legitimacy by seeing that yup, he’s really real.

      I don’t have an office (or a permanent workspace since I mostly work in the field) but I don’t think I’d put mine up even if I did.

      1. Cat*

        Yeah, I think it’s different in professions where a degree is required to do the job. I’m a lawyer and nobody in my office has their degree up; but honestly, if I had clients in the office a lot, I probably would.

        1. Lexy*

          Yeah, he has a private practice doing estates/trusts, etc. so he has clients in his office all day.

          I agree, if you’re at a firm and not meeting with clients in your actual office… it’s like “meh” whatever.

  5. ExceptionToTheRule*

    My ego wall is in my home office. In my industry – award statues & plaques are more likely to be displayed than diplomas.

    I do agree it’s an office-culture thing and if you’re proud of your accomplishments and want to display them, go right ahead. You should be proud of want you’ve achieved.

  6. Sascha*

    It sounds like you can do whatever you like, OP, so I would do just that. I work at a university where it’s very common to display your degrees, but I haven’t put mine up simply because I don’t feel like it. No one ever comments on my missing degree. Instead, they comment on my artwork. I have 2 bosses, and the direct manager displays her degrees, but the director does not – in fact he doesn’t have anything in his office. So I would just do what you are most comfortable with. I think if other people have degrees up and your boss doesn’t seem bothered by that, then she won’t be bothered by yours. And if she is…that’s a problem. Good bosses aren’t threatened by their employees’ accomplishments.

    1. Janet*

      Also work in a university and I put mine up mainly because I had empty wall space and it seems to be pretty common to have your degree on your wall. I had a small space above my desk. I figured it was better to put it up there than to keep it in a box in my basement so I went to Michaels for a $30 frame and it’s up there now. People comment on my art work and oddly enough they ask me where I got my cheap $30 degree frame.

  7. Anonimal*

    Agreed with AAM and everyone else. In this case, what you do is independent of how your boss may or may not feel about it. I’ve got both of my degrees on my wall and my ugrad honor cords (there were quite a few). After not being so great in high school, I’m damned proud of what I achieved in college and my master’s.

    I also work at a university, so we’re back to that culture thing.

  8. AmyNYC*

    My roommates and I have all out diplomas hanging at home. Party because I don’t have an office to hang it in and party because they look interesting mixed in with art.

  9. E.R*

    Funny, I remember thinking the diploma hanging on my boss’ wall at my last job was really strange. It was in something seemingly random – Tool and Die Making – that had nothing to do with what we did. Not that he should have been ashamed of it or anything, it was just … weird. I personally wouldn’t put my degree on the wall of my office for the same reason. Most people would think, oh, what a strange major. But I don’t like to have much personal stuff hanging about either, so that’s just me.

  10. Nikki*

    I work at a university, not in an academic department and not even on main campus (we’re in a random building a few blocks away).

    Most people have their degrees up. I don’t. When I finished my masters a couple years ago the director asked if I was going to put it up, I said…what up? Didn’t even occur to me! I don’t think my supervisor has hers up either. Some people do it because that’s what people do, some people want to show off, others are just proud of their accomplishments. Me, I just don’t care, but I digress.

    It might not matter either way in your office OP. Do what makes you feel comfortable.

    1. Diff anon*

      Pride is a nice thing if it’s about the sense of accomplishment, and not about being better than other people.

  11. kdizzle*

    I came from working at a university where everyone had their credentials tattooed on every available surface.

    I was a fiscal officer, and before I arrived, an overly zealous admin person ordered a name plaque for my door that said, “Karen Doe, MA”

    I was pretty embarrassed, and made her order me a new one without the credential. My family got a pretty good laugh about it and kept referring to me as the “Master of Arts.”

    1. Anonymous*

      I’d like to defend the overly zealous admin person because, as someone who works at a university, I have had situations where if titles were NOT listed properly (MA, MD, PhD, what-have-you), there was a temper tantrum of epic proportions.Some even list their BA or BS degree after their names.

      Universities are, in general, much different than any other place to work.

      1. kdizzle*

        Absolutely. Universities are definitely their own animal. I don’t mind that she was overly zealous, and it’s nice to have something like a name plate on your office door on your first day…but citing my masters degree when all I do is budgets and grants? That’s ridiculous. I blame the silly office culture, not the admin.

      2. Anonymous for this..*

        Listing the BS or BA is annoying to me. I’m not sure why, it just is. Someone if my office has two undergrad degrees, she listed them both in her signature line. I am probably the only one that thought it was silly (please don’t hurt me if you feel otherwise). One of them was marginally relevant, the other was completely irrelevant.

        I believe she has removed them now and just has name/title/dept like everybody else in our office (at the university).

        2. Emma*

          I can only see listing the BS as important is when it’s for a clinical degree, like a BS in nursing (BSN) or a BS in respiratory therapy (BSRT). Otherwise…I think it’s odd.

          1. Nikki*

            I find it weird when people list both their BSN and their MSN…feels like just the MSN is enough designation….

            RN, BSN, MSN, MSW…..

            sigh

            1. the gold digger*

              Which brings up one of my standard nightmares – They’re (whoever “they” are) telling me that I never finished high school and have to return. I protest that I graduated from college and I have a master’s degree, so does it really matter if I have a high school diploma?

              If you have the higher degree, is it necessary to talk about the lower one?

              1. Liz in a Library*

                That is my most annoyingly recurrent nightmare, too! Particularly because I really didn’t meet the requirements for high school graduation in my district (yay, math!), but they let me graduate anyway. I have recurring nightmares that “they” come after me and take my ensuing degrees away.

            2. Elizabeth*

              I don’t, because there are a significant number of MSN’s who have their BS in fields besides nursing. Many of them teach or work in public health fields that don’t have direct patient contact.

        3. JR*

          People listing BA (hons) in signatures really gets my goat. I list my degree in my signature, but only because it directly relates to my position and gives me a bit more authority.

          1. Rana*

            Precisely. I generally just sign things with FirstName LastName, or just FirstName, because there’s no reason to pour on the pretention.

            I save FirstName Initial LastName for publications, and the Ph.D. for when I want to emphasize my academic credentials, which is pretty rare these days.

        4. Lisa*

          I actually had mine listed on my resume (right after my name) for about a month…then realized it looked ridiculous.

        5. Kou*

          I’m required to list a degree for all members of a research team, since usually it’s PhD or MD or MSN or something. And then I get to slap my sad little BA up alongside everyone else and a single tear falls down my cheek.

  12. Anonymous*

    Realizing I don’t even know if I have two of my diplomas or where they are (from world-class universities). Never thought of putting them on a wall so I’ve probably lost them by now.

    But I would weave the name of at least one casual conversation, of course, if speaking with any of you face-to-face.

    1. Jen in RO*

      I graduated with my master’s in 2008 and I haven’t bothered to pick up my diploma. But then again I’ve never heard of anyone who had theirs on a wall (except for doctors and lawyers) and I doubt anyone would care about mine (even I don’t!).

  13. CH*

    It is my policy not to have anything displayed in my office that would allow anyone with rudimentary math skills to figure out my age. Like Jack Benny, I intend to hold at 39.

      1. Woodward*

        I had to Google who Jack Benny is since I had no idea (American comedian, 1894-1974). Being born in the 80s will do that to you!

        1. Anonymous*

          You mean you did not grow up singing the bubblegum song???

          Baroomba Bubble Gum
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.

          My mother gave me a dollar. And she told me to buy a collar.
          But I didn’t buy a collar. Instead, I bought bubble gum.
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.
          Baroomba roomba, bubble gum.

          My mother gave me a quarter. And she told me to buy some water.
          But I didn’t buy any water. Instead, I bought bubble gum. Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.

          My mother gave me a dime. And she told me to buy a lime.
          But I didn’t buy a lime. Instead, I bought bubble gum.
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.

          My mother gave me a nickel. And she told me to buy a pickle.
          But I didn’t buy a pickel. Instead, I bought bubble gum.
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.

          My mother gave me a penny. And she told me to call Jack Benny.
          But I didn’t call Jack Benny. Instead, I bought bubble gum.
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.
          Baroomba, roomba, bubble gum.

          My mother gave me a scolding for buying all that bubble gum.
          But I didn’t cry any tears. Instead, I cried bubble gum!

      2. Kou*

        LOL

        I’m a… 20-something (let’s go with that) but my jokes are so dated. The other day I was leaving a co-worker to her overtime on a Friday and said “Good night… And good luck” as I passed her desk. She stopped typing for a minute, then called after me “That reference is too old for you.”

        1. Kat M*

          My coworkers tell me this all the time too! I’m 30, and I was complaining to a couple of folks in the office that I’d had the ridiculous song “My Ding-a-Ling” stuck in my head all morning for no apparent reason. It was unanimously decided by the older folks in the office that I was too young to know that song, much less have it as an earworm.

  14. Alicia*

    I’ll be honest – I want to show mine off cause I am quite proud of myself currently (don’t worry, I’m not a braggy “let’s talk about my accomplishments” type). I am sure my enthusiasm will wane over time, but since my PhD degree is fresh off the press, it’s my biggest accomplishment to date. I was going to set it up in my home office, but after starting a new job I noticed some diplomas/degrees floating around here, so it might be relocated.

    1. Anonimal*

      If I’d just finished my PhD, I’ have that thing spotlighted. Possibly with the waving lights from show openings. You know the ones? And maybe motion sensitive music. So when anyone walked by it would play that graduation march song. It’s awful that I can’t remember the name since I played in it high school so often.

      2. Lisa*

        And I’d see if I could find one of those wacky inflatable waving arm flailing tube men to put underneath it. A miniature one, of course…those things kinda creep me out.

          1. Lisa*

            I just Googled it….apparently “miniature” means at least 6 ft tall. Yea, I’d have a miniature heart attack every time I went into my office.

            1. Anonymously Anonymous*

              awe that sucks!

              I can totally see this on a desk as book ends to the in/out mail tray right next to bobble heads, seat savers for the break room, or they can be placed by the doorway of the co-worker who doesn’t want to bothered with hellos in the morning, they can be strategically placed by the visitor sign in book to stop unruly guest from barging in and getting the receptionist in trouble…

          1. Alicia*

            I am currently working in a board room because I don’t have a home yet (office space is at a premium)… and I found out it has great acoustics from laughing at this thread!

  15. Risa*

    My brother works for a certain filmmaker in the Bay Area, and they are forbidden from decorating with anything personal. However, he was given a catalog and told to order any movie related decorations he wanted. I understand he has some pretty cool Yoda posters.

    I have dry erase boards and bookcases…. and a completely random rubber duck collection.

      1. Risa*

        That’s how it started, with one call center duck (headset, clipboard) from a trade show. That one duck turned into everyone thinking I collected ducks, and I’d come in to find Statue of Liberty duck from NYC or a fireman duck from Chicago, etc., that others got me on their travels. I now probably have 50+ ducks with various costumes/themes/etc.

        1. Malissa*

          I tried that once with money. I figured if I left a couple of dollar bills out on my desk people would think I collect them and would add more to the pile. All I got was a thank you note from the facilities maintenance guy.

          Seriously though I have a 4 foot purple x-mas tree. It’s a sport for the other people in the office to find me purple ornaments and purple x-mas decor to match. I have quite the collection after 7 years. My replacement will inherit it all.

  16. khilde*

    I agree with the others that it’s really personal preference and culture. I don’t think your boss’ degree or lack of should factor into it.

    I was an officer in the Air Force and many of my peers had their commissioning certificate (which was gigantic; like over 11×14 – all of them were this way) displayed in their offices. I couldn’t ever bring myself to put it up in my own office. Weren’t the bars on my shoulders proof I was commissioned? At the time it just seemed pretentious to me.

    Now I am an employee trainer now for a government organization and in the last few years I obtained a MA in Adult Education and Training. It’s totally relevant to what I do each day and I was happy to have completed it. I put the big folder thing with the certificate on a little wire stand on a bookshelf in my cube. My reasoning is mostly because I had nowhere else to put it and I’m tired of storing crap in my house. No one ever comes back to my cube, I don’t host visitors very often back here, and many, many people don’t know about my degree. So like I said – I put it up purely because I wanted to get it out of my house and it fits in here.

    Again – I think it’s personal preference and culture that should help you figure out what to do.

  17. Ash*

    I have bad experiences with office decorating. I work in Cubicle World, where everyone has decorations up; pictures, kids’ art, posters, clocks, every kind of knickknackery you could imagine, etc. At my previous position (within the same very large company, but completely removed from what I do now), I didn’t decorate my cube for over two years (of a four-year stint) because of all the snotty comments I got from my immediate co-workers. I would bring in a few items, put them in my cube, and wait for the comments to begin. None of my decorations were distasteful, offensive, rude, etc., but they always saw fit to make a nasty comment about it (my Tibetan prayer flags received the most hate). I’d feel really sad and isolated and take everything down, but then I’d get comments about “Where did all your pretty stuff go?!”. I ended up just hanging any cards I got for holidays/birthdays/celebrations as my only decorations, because those were the only things I could have in my cube that wouldn’t be commented on.

    At my new position, I decorated almost immediately because I felt so welcomed here. I even got a plant! Everyone loved my decorations (it even got the cute guy across the floor to talk to me), and then someone started to steal tiny things from people’s cubes. Nothing big, just a box of Poptarts here, a nice wall calendar there; I took most of my stuff home because I didn’t want it to get stolen. I left up a few items, and for whatever reason, the comments started again (especially those damn prayer flags, I ended up throwing them away). Now the only thing that I have in my cube that is mine is my water bottle. I’ve consolidated so much of my reference materials that I don’t have any hanging up, except a phone list. It was quite nice to go through and clean my messy office, and I’ve kept it that way. Unfortunately this caught the attention of the Big Boss and I got in trouble for having an office that is “too clean”. The culture around here is so weird and formal, but fake-friendly… Now I’m biding my time until I get a year in so I don’t look like a job hopper, then I’m out of here.

    (Sorry for the huge rant about this, it’s just a sore point with me.)

    1. Anonymous*

      Ash, I’m sorry you have such a tough time with your jobs. I would suggest you not take any too seriously. Sometimes folks just make comments to…say something. Take it at face value.

      Put the flags back up and bring in a fan to make ’em flap. That’s what I’d do.

      1. Rana*

        ::looks over at the large-size Tibetan flags hanging around the edge of my home office::

        I love the idea of putting them up and aiming a fan at them. Awesome. :)

      2. Ash*

        I know that they’re just comments, but hearing the same thing over and over from the same people every day just grates on my nerves. I felt it was better to not call any attention to myself by having the least offensive things in my office that couldn’t be commented on, and not adding anything that could be commented on. The people at the first position were all very surprised when I told them I was putting in my two weeks’ notice.

        I figure if the people where I’m at now complain, I’ll just say they’re being religiously intolerant as I am a Zen Buddhist and as such want the minimum amount of clutter in my office. ;)

  18. darsenfeld*

    I work in a university, and from my experience few managers do it. Our department’s former senior manager was once a police chief, and had commendations from his tenure on the wall. I didn’t mind this, since obviously he was proud of his achievements, and was also a good guy to be around.

    However, in all honesty, I would see it as being pretentious and boastful and as if the manager in question were trying to prove something. Whilst not applicable to all, since everybody is different, I believe some highly educated people do develop a little conceit in their accomplishments. Humility goes a long way.

  19. Anonymously Anonymous*

    It wouldn’t make any sense to display my degrees. Mine are on my dresser at home collecting dust. Every now and then I dust them off…

    However, I expect to see my dentist, doctor, lawyer, financial adviser (if I had one…lol) degree displayed, as it offers a feeling of reassurance when I step into their office for services.

    However, for the amount of money my degree has cost me, I should tattoo it on my body.

  20. Anonymous*

    I would leave it against the wall on the floor in plain view of anyone who visits, including the manager, and see if they urge you to put it up.

    In our office, only the Ivy Leaguers display their sheepskins on the walls. I’ve heard the manager say time and time again that Ivy Leaguers in our office are book smart but common sense dumb.

    1. Lily in NYC*

      How interesting about the Ivy Leaguers. In my office, I’d say about 65% of the 400 employees have an Ivy degree or went to a school ranked in the top 20. And there is not one diploma displayed anywhere. It’s just not done.

      1. Diff anon*

        Ditto. I have degrees from two Ivy League schools (plus a degree from another school I love more) and think diplomas on the wall is tacky in most fields (medicine and academia aside).

        “I’ve heard the manager say time and time again that Ivy Leaguers in our office are book smart but common sense dumb.”

        I suspect that reflects on your organization’s hiring practices more than on the schools. Glad your manager is limiting the comment to just those people in your office.

  21. Chinook*

    The only time I wanted to display my degree was when it would have been impossible – that was when I was a receptionist and was treated like a moron by some of the accountants. I actually had my credentials added to my business card and email signature after one accountant asked me to mail a letter for him and reminded me to out the mailing address on the outside of the envelope (uh, no. I prefer to keep it inside and make the mailman guess where to mail it???)

    The irony was that the most “educated” admins in our 2 offices were we receptionists. We both had university degrees while the admins usually had more appropriate college diplomas or less. The office manager, who never went to college, would joke about it now being a minimum requirement as reception never ran so well. ;)

    1. Chinook*

      The irony of the addressing the envelope thing – this is actually a question on grade 9 provincial exams which I not only passed decades ago but I also marked on summer. I almost bit my tongue know half not making sarcastic responses to his directions because I was in a public space with clients around witnessing it all.

    2. khilde*

      “The only time I wanted to display my degree was when it would have been impossible – that was when I was a receptionist and was treated like a moron by some of the accountants.”

      ha! +1

      1. Lore*

        The only time I have ever taken my Phi Beta Kappa key out of the jewelry box is on the second or third day of a new temp assignment where they were treating me like a moron. I doubt anyone ever noticed (I wore it on a chain like a locket not as a lapel pin) but it reminded me that someone thought I was smart!

  22. Sniper*

    I’d be inclined to only put up a Ph.D. I view it in the same vain as when people put MBA or MS or even BA as a title after their name.

    But, there seems to be an abundance of people doing this in your office. So do what you feel like. After five minutes or so, your decision probably won’t weigh on your mind at all.

    1. darsenfeld*

      If it’s the culture, well when in Rome as they say. As everybody else is doing it, then she cannot be scolded for doing it too.

    2. Kara*

      I have an MBA. It’s on my résumé, obviously, but that’s the only place it’s mentioned. When I started my new job, I ordered business cards that didn’t have “My Name, MBA” on them, only to discover I’m the only person with an advanced degree that doesn’t list it on their card or bio. “Boss’s Name, MS,” “Colleague’s Name, MBA” all over the place. It’s not required, but it seems to be How It’s Done. I’m not going to order new cards; maybe when I run out I’ll put it on, but I kind of doubt it.

  23. Mike*

    I had a former colleague so obsessed with making sure everyone knew she had a Ph.D. (she was in her late 60s), when we moved buildings – her nameplate didn’t have “X Y Ph.D.” So what’s a reasonable person to do? Exactly, take a blue sharpie and write it in. She tried to enlist a number of us to demand our name plates be re-ordered to include Ph.D.

    2. Anonymous*

      I have a medical degree, and I look young for 55 (most folks think I am about 30). Once a PhD introduced himself as Dr. X, then asked what he should call me. I replied, “Dr. Y”. he he

  24. Chriama*

    I always find it weird that post-secondary education is such a hot topic, but I feel this is one of those times where you really need to chill out, OP, and do whatever you feel like doing. Since you’re worried about fitting in to the organizational culture you did a good job by checking out other people’s walls, but now you’re over-thinking it.
    Honestly, does anyone really pay attention to those diplomas? It’s background stuff like artwork and knick-knacks — something particularly interesting might catch someone’s eye, but the majority of stuff will go unnoticed by the majority of people.
    Who knows — you might end up hanging the diplomas now so your office walls don’t look bare, but later on decide to you need the space for artwork or bookshelves or whatever.

  25. Anonymous*

    What if your boss didn’t have a family? Would you question yourself hanging photos of your own family? It’s your degree, you earned it, put it up. What else is it for?

  26. Mike C.*

    I’d put mine up immediately if I had an office. I was first in my family to go to college, and I barely scraped through one of the most difficult programs in the country.

    It’s a deeply meaningful personal accomplishment that has had a huge effect on my life, and anyone that thinks I’m trying to make myself superior to others by posting it is being petty. It’s no different than hanging a medal from a marathon run (actually quite similar now that I think about it), awards from professional organizations or year-based service awards.

    Besides, it was a small school. If you were an alum, I’d want to know about it.

    OP, if it’s meaningful to you, display it. If not, don’t.

  27. Anonymous*

    What about “Employee Of the Year” awards, and special awards. Mine are “displayed” in a pile behind my monitor. My cubie has no wall space. I mean, it’s nice they framed them for me and everything, but…um I guess the Board has never actually *seen* where I work. (lol)

    1. Elizabeth*

      I have my degree & a wooden plaque up in my office. The degree is obvious. The plaque is from a professional organization thanking me for my years of leadership/service. I figured both were pretty hard won, and I could have them up if I wanted them.

      I haven’t decided what I’m going to do in a year when my office moves & I have to share (I’ve had an office to myself for over a decade).

    2. Jazzy Red*

      My current company give out gigantic trophies (about 2 feet tall) for 10 year anniversaries, and employees are strongly encouraged to display them in their cubicles or offices. I keep expecting to see the figure on top rolling a bowling ball…

  28. Anonymous*

    This conversation is so interesting. A while back on Unclutterer, there was a discussion about what to do with diplomas and the consensus was toss ’em. Take a picture if you need to but don’t keep them. I disagreed and said, basically, hey my DVM cost me $48K in 1970s dollars, no way will I toss them. The responses to my post were so negative that I quit reading the blog.

    Different strokes…

    1. KellyK*

      That seems odd to me because they take up so little space, and they’re a pretty significant personal milestone. (Not that I actually framed mine in the office at my house, but I keep meaning to.)

      Besides which, they might come in handy if your alma mater has record-keeping problems and you ever need to prove you really did graduate. If you really don’t have a good place to display them, I’d stick them in the fire safe with the birth certificates, passports, etc., before tossing them.

      1. Anonymous*

        These are people who consider having more than 100 things to be clutter-y. I think, and tried unsuccessfully to point out, that putting such rules on your life like that is mental clutter.

      2. Mia*

        Why toss them? Why have a house if you can’t find a little spot for identifying documents? That sounds like an overly impetuous response to prove, I’m not sure what– how much you don’t care about your own self? It’s fine to travel light, but to ditch meaningful documents like social security card, awards, certificates of confirmation and marriage, driver’s license, or degrees seems foolish.

  29. Jubilance*

    My degrees are hanging in my home, not at work. I’ve never had an office, just a cube, and I’ve never seen anyone hang their degrees in their office at any of my jobs. I am proud of my degrees and the hard work that went into them, hence why they are hanging at home.

    1. Kate*

      Same here. It never occurred to me to hang them up at work because it’s not the done thing anywhere I’ve worked. I don’t even know if I will change my title to Dr when my PhD is conferred.

  30. Jill*

    Pretentious or not? Here’s my criteria:
    If you’re displaying it to reassure your clients that you’re qualified to handle the work they’re asking of you, it’s not.
    If the degree is relevant to your current position (ex. displaying your CPA credentials when you work as an accountant) then it’s not.
    Displaying yours when no one else in your company does. Pretentious.
    Displaying it when it doesn’t pertain at all to your work. Totally. This goes for using any initials after your name that don’t pertain to your job (ex. J.D., M.D., etc). Plus doing so can backfire on you if people see it and think. “Wow, she’s got a PhD in physics and she does *this* for a living???”

  31. Joey*

    Frankly, its sort of amusing to see them hanging. I find myself thinking,”you went there?” It really reinforces my belief that there’s little correlation in your education and your performance, both good and bad.

  32. Anonymous Accountamt*

    My last job it was almost expected you would display your degrees and any professional certificates. At my current job, you only display your professional licensure and any important certificates. I’d almost say it depends on your workplace culture and “normal practices”.

    A client gave me a really nice gift when I passed the CPA exam. It’s a personalized coffee mug with my name followed by CPA on it and pen with my name and CPA on it.

    Side note- my niece asked what’s CPA stand for. I told her “Constant Pain in the A$$”. :)

  33. Jesicka309*

    My bf and I have ours displayed in our home office. He has two, his bachelors and his masters, while I have my bachelors. Mine hangs over my desk and when I look up from my study for my current bachelors and see that certificate, I feel a little bit smarter. Like, sure, today’s study is hard, but I was smart enough to do it then, why not now?
    OP, I say display it! You’ve checked out the other offices, assessed the culture, and other people do it too. Never underestimate the good feelings you get from displaying something you’re proud of. If you had painted a beautiful painting, would you hide it away to make others feel better? No.
    I so wish I could display mine in my cube though. I really need to good vibes right now.

  34. CathVWXYNot?*

    I thought it was brilliant when a very highly respected MD / PhD of my acquaintance started taping his kids’ drawings up over the top of his many framed certificates, because he had so many drawings up in his office that he’d completely run out of wall space.

    On the flip side, I know a professor (although he was a postdoctoral researcher at the time) who had a framed certificate for “best poster presentation” at some conference up on the wall of his apartment… I bet he really regretted inviting a bunch of colleagues over to his place, given the ribbing we all gave him for that!

  35. T*

    I have a question related to this — I’m just out of college, 21, and I’m the youngest in this office by about 9 years (there’s a couple of 30-somethings, but they’re all married). Is it appropriate to put up photos of my friends if I don’t have a family? I’m not talking bar photos or anything like that. Just wondering the etiquette of that. Thanks !

    1. darsenfeld*

      As a general rule, it depends on the corporate culture of the organisation. If others are putting up cubicle items, then that’s a sign it’s acceptable.

      That said, nothing offensive should be put up. Yes, offence is subjective, but obviously nothing racist, sectarian, sexist, homophobic can be placed on walls, nor racy/explicit items. This even includes things like swimsuit models, which many may deem quite tame, but some obviously dislike any and all related imagery.

      if it’s just friends you wish to put up, I don’t see an issue. They’re still people you care about, so why not?

    2. Liz in a Library*

      Of course! I had only three photos that followed me around my last few work areas…one of me and my husband on our wedding day, one of my parents, and one of a group of close friends.

      Now, my office has pictures of my nephew, my brother- and sister-in-law, and my co-workers from my last job. I can guarantee you that is probably stranger. :)

    3. Kat M*

      When I was in my early 20s I had a couple photos of my extended family up at work, plus one of me with my best friend/roommate and our cat. It got a few odd looks (I think some folks thought we were a lesbian couple, and I worked in a church at the time), but most people never thought anything of it. They got it was just the stage of life I was in at the time.

  36. Legal Eagle*

    In law offices, hanging degrees is pretty standard. I honestly wouldn’t know what else to do with it!

  37. Bill*

    The best place to display your degree/s is on a wall at your parents home. Let them be proud of you. Displaying them in your office is tacky and egotistical. After all it as only a piece of paper that says you have passed some examinations. It doesn’t make you excel at your job and such Academic snobbery is petty. I never put any of mine on a wall in many years of management. Nor family photos or the like. Why do you need them. If you need to be constantly reminded of them you must have a short term memory and perhaps question why you are in the job in the first place. You are there to work, not day dream about family or how good you think you are.

      1. Anon*

        I can see how it might have come across as judgmental but I’m totally with Bill. I feel entirely the same way; I feel no need to personalise my work space. Because that’s the way I’m wired I genuinely find it strange that people display degrees (apart from for client facing reasons around professional qualifications) and like to have personal pictures up. That’s just me I realise but my thought process is like Bill’s. Down to the ‘short term memory’ comment!

      2. Mia*

        Cute idea to let mom and dad display, but what’s wrong with being happy with this accomplishment? It’s not petty or snobby, it’s a lot of hard work and is a significant life milestone. And as far as personalizing work space, doesn’t this depend of personality and office culture?

  38. Cassie*

    I work in a university (academic dept) – as far as I can remember, none of the faculty (who all have PhDs) posted their diplomas on their walls. Some faculty do have awards/plaques/patents, while some have absolutely none (not because they haven’t received any but because they opt not to display them).

    For us staff, our credentials range from no degree to MA in unrelated fields. I don’t think any staff have diplomas posted in their cubicles.

    I have seen people put degrees in their email signatures – common ones are JD for the people over in the contracting/IP offices. I remember seeing some signatures with a whole slew of acronyms. It’s funny when the degree or certification has nothing to do with their current job (e.g. if they have Certified Meeting Professional listed but they’re a scientist doing research in microbiology). What is the point in a situation like that? In case you need an event planner?

  39. Maris*

    Well, its not a degree, but in a similar vein someone I work with has an alphabet soup after their name as part of their e-mail signature (CISA, CISM, CIPP/US, CIPP/IT, CIPP/G, CGEIT, CRISC).

    The aggravating part? I don’t have any of those, and yet I understand process and controls, and how to implement them in a business environment than they do… which is why they come to me for advice >.<

  40. JessB*

    Wow, the comments have been pretty interesting on this post!

    Like a lot of others who have commented above, I also work in a university, so it’s quite normal for me to see qualifications and degrees of various levels up in people’s offices. Having said that, I work in the admin side, where people just personalise as they like.

    One of the professors I work with has the most interesting office I’ve ever been in. He’s a forensic psychologist, so he has all his degrees up, but he also collects antique forensic books – like, the book written by England’s longest serving hangman. They’re amazing. He also has hats from loads of law services from all over the world, because he’s worked in prisons everywhere. When you do a long job for them, they assign you with one protective officer, and when you leave, if you’ve had a good relationship with them, they’ll give you their hat. He also owns racehorses, so he has pictures of them up. Like I said, it’s a pretty amazing office!

    I have a great big pinboard next to me, which I’ve covered with work stuff on the bottom half, which I can read easily from my seat at the computer, and the top half with personal things – drawings done for me by little people I know, a card from my little sister that says ‘Today is a good day for ice-cream” and mini-posters of the seven main houses from Game of Thrones. In our office, this is perfectly acceptable, and I love it because it’s a great conversation starter.

    I say, do what fits in with your office culture, and what you are comfortable with. Be aware that anything you put in your office will usually be seen by others, and be commented on, so be prepared for that.

  41. anon-2*

    When I took my first job out of college, I was the only one with a degree.

    It scared the hell out of my immediate supervisors. I can recall one supervisor saying to me “if dis were da army, I’d have you in fits”… to which I replied “No – if this were the army, you’d be calling me ‘Captain, sir’ and I’d be calling you ‘Private’.”

    It can bring fear and contempt. Be careful — unless — as a 21 year old, you enjoy the humor in such situations, as I did at the time.

  42. anon attorney*

    I’m a lawyer and I don’t have any degrees etc up at work because I don’t have an office… I could pin them to the little desk divider, but what would be the point? Clients don’t come in there, and everyone I work with knows I have a law degree. In my last office, where I did see clients, I had my bar certification on the wall plus a mediation diploma, just to show that I was qualified to practise, and because I was less likely to lose them if they were pinned up!

    I also have a BS and a PhD in an unrelated field from Ivy League schools. I wouldn’t display those but I do wonder about having them referenced on email signature, web bio, etc. I don’t at the moment, and tend to downplay or not mention them, but I wonder sometimes if I should be making more of a point about having these qualifications. If my PhD was in law, I might feel differently. As it is, it just seems kind of lame, but I did put a lot of work into them, and maybe the odd client who thinks I’m a silly woman might be less inclined to patronise me if I was known as Dr X.

  43. Anonymous*

    I don’t post my degrees, but I do have an interesting picture (matted and framed) in my office showing a key building from my undergraduate campus. Visitors ask about it from time to time, and it’s a good conversation starter. Everyone I work with knows that I have a professional degree as well, but I don’t think looking at a diploma is all that interesting. It isn’t necessarily obvious that the building displayed in the picture is part of a college, but I know what it is and have very fond memories of my time there.

    Interestingly, my boss’ office has a significant display of educational degrees and other certificates, along with some fairly neutral architectural prints. A colleague has displays from his travels, and also (no, I am not kidding) his rock collection. Our offices reflect our different styles and personalities (while still remaining within the acceptable range allowed by our company culture).

    Unless you’re going outside the bounds of what is acceptable in your company (or creating a hostile work environment!), put up whatever you like and don’t worry about it. With as much time as we spend at work, it is important to do it in a place that pleases you.

    1. Alicia*

      It’s interesting you should mention that – I am actually in the process of getting a B&W photo framed of a special building at my alma mater, circa 1920. I thought it might be a nice reminder since I spent so many years there, and it was a beautiful building (on the outside at least). I used to joke it was my Ivy League school since Ivy grew all over the front of the building, and I’m in Canada so we don’t have the Ivy League schools here.

  44. Guera*

    My first thought was kudos to your boss for getting where she is without a degree. I am sure she is very proud to be ‘the boss’ and having arrived there without a degree.
    Second, kudos to you for your wisdom in checking out the norm around the office before making a decision.
    I found out once that a receptionist where I worked had an MA from a local, prestigious university and of course the comments coworkers made were along the lines of “SHE has a MASTERS and she is a RECEPTIONIST?!”
    I have mixed feelings on displaying degrees. Unless you are my physician I don’t care. I would probably find it pretentious. And I admit that would be wrong of me.

  45. Sara*

    Interesting responses. Personally I think there’s nothing wrong with posting it…..as long as it doesn’t have an adverse effect on the way the person behaves or treats me (as a client or coworker or subordinate), and I should hope the same if I decide to put it up. I’ve already decided…..I ever have an office, I will post my degree and any future credentials I obtain….reasons being, my undergrad is so far away from the field I’m working towards…..graduating HS was not a big deal fro me, but college was. Whatever my circumstances were, it’s a source of pride and accomplishment for me. As of right now, my parents have custody of it, since they were the ones who pushed me to get that degree (my transcripts showed that I had technically graduated but my parents weren’t satisfied with that) But future degrees/credentials..heck even my BA..will go up on the wall.

    I’d also put my “employee of the month” picture from my college job on my wall. At that job, my boss would choose the EOM and the senior staff would come up with funny captions and hobbies for the employee. Ironically, one of the hobbies put down has ended up being the career path I chose through completely different means. I think it would be a conversation starter.

  46. ITPuffNStuff*

    Another angle to consider is that the manager may know that despite not having a degree, she was still promoted into a management position. This is something to be proud of.

    -ITPuffNStuff

  47. Beth Anne*

    I sooo desperately want a job with an office so I can display my diploma. For now I display it in my bedroom. I know I’m weird.

    But yeah right now my cubicle is sooo empty. I don’t know what to put in it. I don’t have a boyfriend and I’m new to the area so I don’t really have friends. I’m really tempted to put pics of my cats but then I probably would look like a crazycatlady…oh wait I am haha

    1. The IT Manager*

      I use pictures of my nephews. They’re cute kids now so it works. Cats and dogs would work too.

      Anything to liven the drab cubical up.

  48. Charlsye*

    What a great question. I take the advice I got from an attorney. If you are fresh out of school, hanging your law school diploma may give some clues to your age (and therefore, your inexperience). He recommends skipping it.

    Josh S mentioned the 20 years experience a doctor has being more impressive than a degree, and that seems like the heart of it. I think office decor can certainly detract from a person’s credibility, but I don’t think a degree hanging there improves it.

  49. MistaCube*

    Actually I think there’s something deeply sad about degrees, especially advanced ones, hanging on cubicle walls. ‘This is where this got me.’ On an office wall, they look really nice though!

  50. azvlr*

    Kudos to the OP for having the sensitivity to think of your bosses feelings! That being said, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
    My brother-in-law never got even his bachelor’s degree, yet he and his partner operate a branch of a VERY successful investment firm. Thinking about this issue from his point of view, I think he would be thrilled to have someone work for him who has education and skills that he may not have. That’s one of his strengths: knowing what he doesn’t know and bringing in the right people to fill in those gaps. The fact that you have a degree and he does not would make him proud of both himself and of who he was able to bring on board.

  51. ragan*

    This the Web age where more and more degrees are available on line. A few years ago I could understand the concern. Recently I saw an ad from U N C promoting their post-graduate on-line program that, “you probably can’t get into”. This is a clear indication that on-line degrees are catching up. To say that you couldn’t/wouldn’t work for someone who had only an on-line degree sounds full of snobbery.

Comments are closed.