You should try to stay away from asking people about their academic qualifications the first time you meet them.
この場合、次のような言い方ができますよ。
ーYou should try to stay away from asking people about their academic qualifications the first time you meet them.
「初対面の人に、学歴を聞くのは避けた方がいいよ」
to stay away from ...ing で「…するのを避ける」
academic qualifications で「学歴」
ご参考まで!