Online degree programs have become very common these days. But many employers and hiring managers are still skeptical about them. This may put prospective students at odds when they are evaluating the pros and cons of becoming a distance learning student. But why would recruiters be doubtful about online degree programs?
Why Employers May Be Doubtful About Online DegreesDiploma Mills Give Online Degrees a Bad Name
Not all online colleges are credible. Some online schools are even called degree mills' because they're only interested in getting money from as many students as possible. Needless to say, recruiters are wary of these online degrees in any potential candidate for a job.
Many Employers Are Unaware of Online Degrees
The idea of online education is still a novelty and many in the workforce may not even be acquainted with it, including many hiring managers. Naturally, if they don't even know about it, it would be hard for them to hold it in high regard.
Online Students Have No Real - World Experience
That's a common argument one may hear, not just from recruiters, but from peers as well. The orthodox viewpoint still upholds the importance of going to a college, taking classes, meeting teachers and classmates, etc.However, times are changing and employers are becoming more accepting of online education.
Why Employers May Look At Online Degree Grads FavourablyThey Are Better At Time Management
A professional who's working, managing a family, and is an online student has to have superior time management skills to be able to do everything effectively. Many hiring managers acknowledge this and have a positive perception about these students.
Online Degree Grads Are Responsible And Self-Motivated
It takes a lot of self-driven motivation to manage study schedules, assignments and readings as an online student, without the constant monitoring from a lecturer and direct peer competition. Employers have begun to recognize this determination in online students.
They Are Adept At Technology
Students who are studying virtually have to be very tech-savvy. Some lectures have to be taken via video conferencing, there are online portals for batch mates to interact on, assignments have to be uploaded on the web, etc. Therefore, online students tend to be pretty good at using technology efficiently.So what can online students do to ensure that the impression about them is tilted more towards the positive than the negative?
What can Online Students Do To Get Noticed By Employers?Watch Out For The University's Reputation
When selecting your university, don't just go for any affordable online college. Spend time researching the accreditation of the institution so that your degree has both credibility and worth.
Highlight Major Courses And Assignments
In your cover letter for a job application or during an interview, make sure to explicitly highlight the major courses and assignments relevant to the job that you undertook while studying. This shows that you have ample knowledge about your coursework.
Ask for Recommendations from Teachers
As an online student, you will come across many tutors and lecturers who check your assignments and exams, and handle your concerns and queries. Requesting a recommendation about your work from one of them for a prospective employer can give you that extra edge for a job.
Tell the recruiter why you chose an online program instead of going to school as full-time student. Maybe your reason was money, perhaps it was flexibility. Convince the hiring manager that it was the best option for you and one that you utilized well.Follow these tips, and the recruiting manager will, indeed, see you favourably as an online student.
