Eye on the Issues
Welcome to Eye on the Issues, the podcast brought to you by the Wyoming Liberty Group. Whether you're a proud Wyoming resident, hail from the Cowboy State, or simply care deeply about the issues facing Wyoming, this podcast is your go-to resource.
Join us as we delve into the heart of Wyoming's most pressing concerns, offering you insights and perspectives from a diverse range of voices. You'll hear from Wyoming lawmakers and elected officials sharing their viewpoints, along with community and thought leaders who are shaping the future of our great state. We also bring in subject matter experts to provide in-depth analysis and understanding on key issues.
The Wyoming Liberty Group is committed to empowering Wyoming's future. With over 15 years of experience and impact in our state, we're more than just a think tank. While we pride ourselves on rigorous research, we go beyond that to craft innovative solutions that promote free enterprise, limited government, personal responsibility, and government accountability.
Tune in to Eye on the Issues to stay informed, engaged, and empowered. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for Wyoming.
Eye on the Issues
Rethinking Degree Requirements in Wyoming Government Jobs
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In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we’re joined by Courtney Beene, a senior at the University of Wyoming and participant in the Wyoming Liberty Leaders internship program, to discuss her research report, Removing Barriers: A Case for Skills-Based Hiring in Wyoming.
Courtney’s report examines how degree requirements across state and local government jobs can unintentionally limit Wyoming’s workforce, economic mobility, and long-term growth. With only about 30 percent of Wyoming’s population holding a bachelor’s degree, she explores why experience, certifications, and on-the-job skills should be recognized as legitimate qualifications, particularly when many positions can be performed without a four-year degree.
The conversation highlights how more than two dozen states have already moved toward skills-based hiring models, with some seeing major increases in qualified non-degree hires after reforming their job requirements. Courtney explains what skills-based hiring looks like in practice, the types of government roles that could benefit from this approach, and how removing unnecessary barriers could expand career opportunities while strengthening Wyoming’s economy.
The interview also addresses rising college costs, limited wage growth tied to degrees in Wyoming, workforce outmigration, and why young people often feel forced into education paths that may not offer meaningful returns. Courtney shares her internship experience with the Wyoming Liberty Group, her passion for policy research, and how empowering students to engage directly in policy work can create lasting impact across the state.
To read the full report discussed in this interview and stay informed on Wyoming policy issues, visit wyliberty.org and sign up for our newsletter.
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