Are online degrees viewed differently than
traditional school degrees? With
so many learning institutions scattered across the globe, it's hard for
any one person to know the details of each intimately, making it
difficult to answer the above question. When it comes to degrees from
distance learning institutions, you won't have much to worry about IF you choose an
institution that's accredited by an organization that your prospective
employer will accept. That's why, before you even enroll, you've got to
carefully consider your reasons for wanting an online degree.
An institution with accreditation from a regional
accrediting agency is likely to be viewed favorably by most employers.
Individuals enrolled in such institutions should find their degrees are
accepted most anywhere. However, not all employers will accept degrees
awarded by an institution that's accredited by the Distance Education
and Training Council. Institutions that are accredited by professional
organizations are usually viewed favorably by businesses that have a
relationship with that particular organization. If you look for work
within that field, your distance learning degree in this case likely
will be honored. Will
employers take online degrees seriously? The
answer to this question will vary based on the employer and on the
institution that awarded the degree. Some employers have it in their
minds that all distance learning programs are worthless and anyone
willing to pursue that type of education likewise will be worthless on
the job.
Other employers understand there's a
difference between
the fraudulent programs and others. They realized that a degree from a
recognized and accredited distance learning program is just as valuable
and meaningful as those earned from traditional schools.
Unfortunately,
when you're applying for a job, you have no way of knowing your
prospective employer's opinion of distance learning. Increasing
your chances of employer acceptance If
you've earned your degree through a distance learning institution, go
ahead and list the degree on your resume and job application, then wait
to see what happens. If the degree is from a recognizable institution,
prospective employers won't have any way of knowing where you sat when
you completed your coursework. You don't have to mention that you took
your courses online so don't.
However, there are
some
degree-granting institutions that heavily advertise the fact that 100%
of the courses necessary to earn a degree can be completed online. If
you've attended such an institution, many prospective employers are
going to know just by looking at the name of the institution that
you've earned your degree online.
In either case,
what you've
got to do is be prepared to answer any questions you're asked about
your education and your previous experience honestly and impressively.
You're selling yourself on your resume and during an interview so
remember, you're more than just your education. Ultimately, whether or
not you land a position is more about whether or not you're the right
person for the position. So do what's necessary to show prospective
employers you're it! |
