How to keep up with the workforce

For those looking to advance their career, a college education is not all that's needed. In fact, in some cases, a degree takes a back seat to what many employers truly care about - the right set of skills to get the job done.

In today's age of rapidly-changing technology, it's not easy for everyone to keep up with the "latest and greatest," especially older workers, but no one needs another four years of schooling to reach that goal.

One class, or one course, or one person could be all someone needs to brush up on what's important and shoot for that promotion or career shift.

Chester Spell, associate professor of management with the Rutgers School of Business, said workers need to be strategic in their quest to "keep their skills current."

"Not every workplace values advanced degrees," Spell said. "You've got to look at where you're working now, where you want to go and what your workplace values."

He said a simple certification course could be the answer, or an apprenticeship, which isn't an often-utilized route in the United States.

"People can informally seek out somebody, almost shadow somebody who knows more than you," he said. "Learn some tricks of the job, whatever that job might be."

In a survey this year from job site Glassdoor, more than 70 percent of adults said they believe specific skills are more valuable in the workplace than a college degree. More than half said a graduate degree is no longer the key to a better-paying job.