The economy has shown little improvement, and that means the job market is more competitive than ever. Those struggling to find employment wonder if going back to school would provide an extra edge. Historically, getting a good education has been the key to climbing the financial ladder, but when your high school days are far behind you, dorming may not be realistic. Most non-traditional students consider pursuing an online degree, and they all have the same question: will an online degree carry the same weight as a traditional college experience?
When it Comes to Getting Hired, Knowing Your Stuff is Most Important
It may have been shady in the beginning, but, now, employers look favorably upon candidates who earned their degree online. In fact, “83 percent of executives in the survey say that an online degree is as credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based program” according to Rachel Zupek of CareerBuilder.com, and that’s a huge number.
Even The Most Respected Universities Have Online Programs
Almost every accredited, traditional university has some form of online education. Even Ivy League schools, like Harvard, are offering courses online through a massive online open courses (MOOC) program. Self-guided education online is becoming so widely accepted that barriers to employment are few and far between.
The Reputation of the University is Most Important
Whether you earn your degree online or on campus, the accreditation and reputation of the university conferring your degree is what really matters to employers. Drexel University put a great info graphic together on the topic; it depicts how employers weigh the value of an online degree.
Online Degree Holders Are Finding Employment
In the information and technology fields, many online degree recipients have reported that receiving their education over the internet presented little to no barriers. In a U.S. News story titled “Online Degrees Don’t Impede Job Searches“, there are several stories of online degree success. One man, Scott Marrone, stood out: he is an Army veteran who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees online, and he is currently employed as a manager in his field.
Everyone’s Getting Their Degree Online – Even Celebrities
Yes, you read that correctly: the rich and famous pursue online degrees. Stars, like sisters Hilary and Haylie Duff, and athletes, like Shaquille O’Neal, have taken classes from online universities. High-profile individuals who choose to further their education online help do away with stigma of the virtual degree.
Education is a huge investment of both time and finances. In order to make sure you’re getting the most out of your degree program, it’s good to be skeptical of anything that seems too good to be true. But when it comes to online degrees, the bargain pricing and schedule flexibility are not the only advantages; many online degree holders have gone on to find employment that is not only worthwhile – it pays the bills. Online degrees have come a long way since inception, and, today, earning a degree online is no joke; it’s a real gateway to success, and employers don’t discriminate.
