Employers are often skeptical about online degrees. However, many employers feel that an online degree earned at a traditionally established, reputable and accredited university, such as Stanford University, offers more credibility over an Internet-only university. Employers are often concerned about the training received online, which hasn’t been around long enough to prove its effectiveness, and the lack of in person interaction with the staff, faculty, and other students.
However, the more people that complete a quality accredited online degree, the more accepted it will become in the overall job market.
Research suggests that online businesses, technology driven corporations, and the media, marketing, and communication industries are more accepting of an online degree. These organizations are more apt to understanding the benefits of learning virtually. However, medical, law, education, government, and finance degrees are not acknowledged.
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 samples of your assignments, which can be equivalent to the coursework found at traditional schools.
- Providing your transcripts and letters of recommendation from your instructors.
- Providing documentation that proves the authenticity of the school’s accreditation.
- 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.
