Question: How Do Employers View an Online Education?
Answer: Once upon a time employers were nothing but skeptical about online degrees. However, online degrees have become more popular and are awarded by a growing number of prestigious brick-and-mortar institutions as well as quality institutions that offer degrees predominantly online. Now, employers look to whether the degree is offered by an accredited institution and, similar to traditional degrees, they consider the institution's prestige.
Research suggests that online businesses, technology driven corporations, and the media, marketing, and communication industries are very accepting of an online degree. Online MBA degrees are very popular, so (just like on-ground degrees), shoot for the most prestigious programs you can.
If your potential employer is not aware of the benefits of an online degree, you can raise the following points:
- You have gained experience and skills in the technology industry.
- You have developed self-discipline, self-motivation and time management techniques through the experience of an online program.
- You have learned new and efficient means of communication by networking and interacting with instructors and students in a virtual manner.
- Make note of your speaking, debating, and networking skills acquired through the online degree program.
Additionally, make your potential employer aware of the reputation of an online degree by:
- Showing that the school is accredited.
- Providing information about the school provided by reputable databases of online institutions (such as Peterson's and US News and World Report)
- Provide a sample of two assignments or syllabi for important courses
- Provide your transcripts and letters of recommendation from your instructors
- Most importantly, making your potential employer aware of the studies that have shown that an online education is just as valuable as a traditional education.
