And surprisingly, it was contacts that I made through working in the permanent job I had that
Yeah i agree with this also. Besides of what you know, but also of who you know which may help you with your career. Getting some good contacts and networking with higher ups can always lead to something potentially better.
After graduating 3 years ago, I've not been asked once anything about my degree; I think (to most businesses of an average size) that many employers are now recognising that just because someone has a paper to say they can do something, this isn't always the case.
Actually, thats always the case. Employers do know that having a degree doesnt always mean sh*t as far as knowlege or experience. But as long as its on your resume, employers usually won't even mention it because its typically already expected if your sitting there being interviewed. No one has ever asked me about my degree and no one even bothers to talk about because its generally nowadays accepted as the norm that you probably should have one if you're working here. But I have heard that in the late 80s and 90s that it was common for companies to hire talent without degrees. I don't think its the same case anymore..
From what I understand as was explained to me by the HR guys, is that having a degree means that you actually put some type of effort to learning and was willing to be taught new things, not to mention that some serious time and money was spent doing it, and that this was officially acknowleged that you successfully accomplished it, which to some employers is enough to get you through the door for an interview. Also, just because you know how to do something, doesn't always mean the company will want you to do it that way. You have to let them know that you're willing to learn their way also...
But it won't guarantee that you'll be hired if you don't know what you're talking about - LOL like i did with my interview with Northrop Gruman. Wasn't my fault though, i was only 6 months out of college and they were interviewing for a senior project developer!