Any work experience you've acquired along the way can help, too, whether it came in the form of an internship in your field or simply a job to pay the bills. As George D. Kuh noted in The Chronicle of Higher Education, "research suggests that working during college is related to acquiring such employer-preferred skills as teamwork and time management." Such work, Kuh adds, also "helps students see firsthand the practical value of their classroom learning by applying it in real-life settings—which, additionally, often helps to clarify their career aspirations."1 On the other hand, if you obtained your degree 15 or 20 years ago, especially in a technological field, it is almost irrelevant now—at least as evidence of what you have to offer an employer today. You'll need to show potential employers that you've continued learning, kept up with industry trends, and acquired whatever new skills the employer requires. Further education, such as participating in a relevant certificate program, can help, as well.
