Credentials vs expertise
There's a big difference between credentialism and expertise. A university degree does not guarantee expertise any longer. Did it ever?
Yes, I'd prefer the pilots flying me to Crete in May to be qualified, tested to the nth degree, and proudly protecting their license. But I don't require the same proof when choosing a coach, consultant, software engineer, designer, or even someone giving me health advice.
(the amount of horrific advice I've received from nurses - and even the odd doctor - in the past few years is petrifying).
As Seth Godin said: "Credentials are awarded to folks who are good at being awarded credentials."
Expertise on the other hand is a whole lot harder to achieve (both in skills and proof).
An expert, as Nassim Taleb said, is someone who knows what they don't know. An expert is someone who has repeatedly gotten exceptional results and can prove it. An expert is someone bold enough to fight for what's right (like not over-medicating children) where a highly credentialed person might take the easiest route.
To me, University is dead because of this. It's no longer a place to learn. It's a place to get 'qualified'. Whatever that means anymore.
Joseph Pack