Cathy Liska 
Professional Service Providers
When selecting a professional service provider, the weight of their education and experience can be pivotal. We’ve gathered insights from attorneys and financial planners, among others, to understand what matters most. From considering threshold requirements to valuing practical wisdom over formal credentials, explore the diverse perspectives of fourteen experts on this critical decision-making factor.
- Threshold Requirements for Professional Hiring
- Education Sets Stage, Experience Builds Expertise
- Education and Experience Inform Effective Communication
- Credentials Plus Track Record Equal Quality Care
- Real-World Experience Trumps Theoretical Knowledge
- Hands-On Experience Outweighs Academic Credentials
- Credentials and Experience Ensure Quality Service
- Experience Trumps Education in Service Evaluation
- Real-World Experience Complements Financial Expertise
- Education and Experience: Critical Hiring Factors
- Therapists’ Real-World Experience Enhances Client Support
- Education Matters, But Experience and Reviews Lead
- Real-Life Experience Guides Professional Expertise
- Practical Wisdom Valued Over Formal Credentials
Threshold Requirements for Professional Hiring
I would characterize education, training, and experience as being threshold requirements when hiring a professional service provider. They have to understand how to solve my problem, and there are usually many people who have that understanding. Education, training, and experience are easy to assess and can be a reasonably reliable proxy for that understanding. Once that threshold requirement is met, other considerations take precedence.
By way of example, I hired a CPA to help set up accounting and tax systems for my law practice. I don’t know which school he went to, what his GPA was, what his score on the CPA exam was, or how long he has been practicing. He is a licensed CPA and has other clients with similar businesses. That tells me he is one of the many people who understand how to solve my problems. I chose to hire him as opposed to other similarly qualified professionals based on reputation in the community, responsiveness, communication skills, and personality fit.
Luke Smith, Attorney and Founder, LawSmith PLLC
Education Sets Stage, Experience Builds Expertise
As an attorney, I’ve come to understand just how important education and training really are when deciding on a professional service provider, whether that be a lawyer, financial organizer, or therapist. A solid education shows dedication to learning the ins and outs of their field. That’s only part of the picture.
I believe that experience is just as important. Nothing beats real-world practice; it deepens strategies, sharpens management of complex challenges, and fine-tunes the understanding of what clients truly need. That’s why I always say that while a good education sets the stage, it’s the ongoing professional development and hands-on experience that really build a dependable expert. In any professional field, this combination is what makes a service provider not just competent, but truly effective.
Steven Rodemer, Owner and Attorney, The Law Office of Rodemer & Kane
Education and Experience Inform Effective Communication
Their education and experience are very important to me when hiring a professional service provider. For example, if I’m hiring an attorney, I want to know they’ve gone to a good law school and have years of experience handling cases like mine. Education shows they have the necessary knowledge, while experience shows they’ve applied it successfully in real-world situations. However, I also look at their communication skills and how well they understand my needs. It’s important that they can explain things clearly and make me feel confident in their abilities.
Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media
Credentials Plus Track Record Equal Quality Care
When I choose a professional service provider, their education and training are certainly important, but I also weigh their practical experience heavily. In therapy, for instance, understanding complex psychological concepts is crucial, but the ability to apply that knowledge effectively in real-world situations matters even more. I look for someone who doesn’t just have credentials but has a proven track record of addressing specific problems similar to mine. Their ability to empathize and provide personalized solutions is key.
I also value professionals who keep evolving with the latest advancements in their field, as this shows their commitment to offering the best possible care. Ultimately, the goal is to find someone who can truly understand and solve the unique challenges I face.
Kristie Tse, Founder & Therapist, Uncover Mental Health Counseling
Real-World Experience Trumps Theoretical Knowledge
The most important quality to consider in hiring a professional service provider, such as an attorney, is experience. Law school does not teach a lawyer how to be a lawyer; it only teaches a lawyer how to look for an answer. There are no more hypotheticals in the real world, as opposed to law school.
Representing a client as an attorney requires sufficient experience to know how to get a result for that specific client that is best for that client. In the real world, a client’s money, freedom, and well-being are on the line. When an attorney has experience in handling a particular type of case, he or she can see all the angles and increase the possibility of getting a good result for the client.
Carl Barkemeyer, Attorney, Barkemeyer Law Firm
Hands-On Experience Outweighs Academic Credentials
As someone who has hired many professional service providers over my career, I’ve learned that a combination of education, training, and experience are all important factors when making hiring decisions. However, I tend to place the greatest emphasis on hands-on experience.
While formal education and training provide important foundational knowledge, there’s no substitute for real-world expertise developed from years of practice. For example, when hiring an attorney, I want someone who has litigated many cases like mine. Academic credentials alone don’t prepare lawyers for the intricacies of the courtroom. The same goes for financial planners. Advanced degrees matter, but I want my advisor to have guided clients through market ups and downs.
That said, education and training are still relevant. I view them as “table stakes”—necessary but not sufficient for expertise. And there are minimum thresholds I look for. I wouldn’t hire a therapist without a psychology degree or a surgeon without an M.D. But beyond basic credentials, practical know-how is critical. I once hired a contractor who seemed great on paper but clearly lacked field experience. The project was a disaster.
In my experience, the ideal professional has rigorous formal training combined with years of hands-on work. Education provides the foundation, but experience builds the house. I aim to hire providers who demonstrate both.
Hunter Garnett, Managing Partner and Founder, Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers
Credentials and Experience Ensure Quality Service
As a financial planner myself, I can tell you that their education, training, and experience are important. These factors directly affect the quality and outcome of the service you receive. When a professional has solid credentials and a track record of experience, you can trust that they have the knowledge and skills to handle your needs effectively. So, always look for a well-rounded background when choosing someone to guide you in any professional area.
Joe Chappius, Financial Planner, Tax Climate
Experience Trumps Education in Service Evaluation
In general, I would say that while I evaluate both the training and the experience of any service provider I hire, I consider their experience to be the more important factor between the two. I am especially interested in seeing proof of that experience and an established track record of success, for instance, if they have past customer/client testimonials or case studies that I can review, or if they have won awards or accolades for their past service.
There are a few reasons why I consider experience the more important factor. For one, since I work in the recruitment industry, I know firsthand that someone’s expertise in a skill or knowledge area isn’t always directly related to their education or training. This can go in both directions. We’ve placed several high-quality candidates who have thrived in their role and career despite having no degree. On the other side, I’ve reviewed plenty of applications from candidates who do have a bachelor’s or even an advanced degree, but consistently struggle to apply that knowledge when they’re hired into a position and end up being a poor hire as a result. Now, I will say that both situations are outliers. In general, someone who has a degree, certification, or other credentials in an area will have that expertise and be able to provide that skill or service, but I have learned that someone’s education isn’t a guarantee.
On the other hand, someone’s past, demonstrated experience is much more likely to be a true indicator of their capabilities. This is especially true if that experience is very recent and can be verified by projects they’ve completed or work they’ve done within the past six months. Experience can also give you information that you won’t get from their education. For example, whether they’re responsive to client communications, provide prompt service, have a strong follow-up policy, and are willing to redo work the client wasn’t happy with, etc. These are things you can learn from reviews and case studies of their past work, but that you won’t get any info on from their education alone.
As a final word, I will say there are times that I consider someone’s credentials or education as equal to their experience in importance. Usually, this is in situations where someone needs to be licensed or certified to do that work, people like CPAs and attorneys, for example.
Matt Erhard, Managing Partner, Summit Search Group
Real-World Experience Complements Financial Expertise
As the founder of Leverage, I know how important it is to hire the right professional service providers, especially in finance. Their education, training, and experience matter a lot to me.
When I hired our financial planner, I looked for someone with the right certifications, like CFP, and a strong track record with clients. These credentials show they’re professional and committed. But what really made a difference was their hands-on experience. Our financial planner had successfully guided clients through various financial situations, which was crucial for us.
I remember one instance where their expertise was invaluable. We were navigating a complex investment decision, and their insights helped us make the right call. This kind of experience is something you can’t just get from books—it comes from years of working in the field.
At Leverage, we also value continuous learning. Our financial planner regularly attends workshops and training sessions to stay updated with the latest trends and regulations. This dedication to staying current ensures we get the best advice possible.
In finance, having someone who combines solid education with real-world experience is essential. It’s this combination that helps us make informed decisions and achieve our financial goals effectively.
Rhett Stubbendeck, CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning
Education and Experience: Critical Hiring Factors
When hiring a professional service provider—an attorney, financial planner, or therapist—their education, training, and experience are crucial. It’s like picking a player for a sports team: you want someone who knows the game and has proven skills on the field.
Consider this: HRs always look for the right fit in talent acquisition by thoroughly examining candidates’ portfolios and experiences. It’s not just about having a degree; it’s about how their training and real-world experience equip them to handle specific challenges effectively. Hiring would be a shot in the dark without this due diligence, and I’m not much of a gambler when it comes to important decisions.
Ultimately, a professional’s background offers insights into their reliability and potential for success. Just like you wouldn’t hire a chef who’s never cooked a meal, you wouldn’t trust critical services to someone without a solid track record.
Ahmed Yousuf, Financial Author & SEO Expert, CoinTime
Therapists’ Real-World Experience Enhances Client Support
When hiring a therapist, education and training are crucial, but their experience holds significant weight. At Ikon Recovery, our therapists’ formal education provides a strong foundation, but their real-world experience with diverse clients is what truly sets them apart. For example, therapists who have successfully navigated complex cases and demonstrated positive outcomes bring invaluable insights and practical solutions. This blend of a solid educational background and extensive hands-on experience ensures they can offer the most effective and empathetic support to those in need.
James Mikhail, Founder & CEO, Ikon Recovery
Education Matters, But Experience and Reviews Lead
The type of provider you are hiring varies from service to service. When hiring an attorney, for instance, obviously they need to have a law degree and be licensed in your state. Their education plays a big role in the selection process.
When it comes to therapy, finding a therapist that you gel with is crucial to the success of your therapy process. Finding someone who is licensed is important. Client reviews come into play here, too, with both therapists and attorneys. If they come recommended by a friend who has utilized their services, that’s a bonus.
Hiring a financial planner can be tricky. With scammers around every corner, ready to steal your money in a scheme, finding a financial planner that you trust is of the utmost importance. Again, I would read reviews.
Another thing I would do no matter which kind of professional services I was hiring; I’d look at the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB can tell you whether the person or company has had any complaints filed.
Education is important. For me, training and experience are more so. If a professional service provider has been practicing for many years and comes with recommendations, they usually filter up to the top of my list of choices.
Ryan Carrigan, CEO & Founder, moveBuddha
Real-Life Experience Guides Professional Expertise
When hiring a professional service provider, experience is very important to me. I want anyone I hire to have practical, real-life experience. They understand the nuances of business and are well-versed in their profession, so I know they are more likely to do a great job doing whatever I hire them to do.
In the same way, you wouldn’t want a brand-new, unmonitored surgeon to perform your open-heart surgery, I don’t want someone inexperienced behind the wheel of an important process that needs extra care and precision. This isn’t heart surgery by any means, but tasks that pertain to my business are important to me, nonetheless.
Not only are credentials important, but I believe many people underestimate the value of someone with extensive on-the-job experience. Where some people believe this may cloud their judgment, thinking they’ll only act as they have in other jobs, I look at it as if they’re bringing the experience and the knowledge they gained doing different jobs to my task. Potentially learning from their mistakes, capitalizing on their successes, and getting the job done effectively.
Brett Downes, Founder, Haro Helpers
Practical Wisdom Valued Over Formal Credentials
When I’m looking to hire a professional service provider, I want to know that they have the necessary foundations to perform their job well. For example, if I’m hiring an attorney, I want to see that they graduated from a reputable law school and have the necessary certifications. Plus, I want to know that they have a solid understanding of the principles and theories that underpin their profession.
But education and training are just the starting point. What really matters to me is their experience. Have they worked with clients like me before? Have they handled cases or projects like mine? That’s what gives me confidence in their ability to deliver results. The thing is, I want to know that they’ve dealt with complex problems and have developed the expertise to navigate them.
In my line of work, I’ve seen plenty of professionals who have all the right credentials but can’t get the job done. They might know the theory, but they don’t know how to apply it in practice. And on the flip side, I’ve seen others who may not have all the fancy degrees but have a wealth of experience and know their stuff inside and out. They’ve learned through hands-on experience and have developed practical wisdom that’s invaluable.
When I’m hiring, I look for a combination of both—the right education and training, plus experience that shows they can deliver. I want to see a track record of success, testimonials from previous clients, and a deep understanding of their profession. That’s what gives me the confidence to trust them with my business.
Matt Little, Founder & Managing Director, Festoon House
