How would experience in a job field would be an advantage over lower educational qualifications?

Great discussion. I think both are very, very important. The biggest thing to me about qualifications is it says that you will maintain a commitment for an extended period of time. However, I think that experience is not replaceable. As Steve stated, I want someone who has actually had hours of flying the plane not studying how to fly it. Most people that I know that are very successful in business have built their success on experience and grit. Very few are highly educated. They have honed their skills in the work environment and have been self taught. Don't get me wrong I place a very high value on education. But I think experience wins out in the end.