Find Out if Employers Distrust Online Degrees
Understand why employers are less skeptical about degrees obtained online. After reading this article, you may be able to answer the question better: “Are employers suspicious of online degrees in today’s world?”
Will I be respected?
Are online degrees respected by employers around the world? Do potential employers consider online degrees to be less credible than a traditional school setting? These are very valid concerns. We want our efforts to advance our education to be respected and recognized by the professional class.
When online degrees were introduced for the first time, many employers were skeptical. Most felt that the traditional school setting was much more demanding in terms of curriculum and therefore created more qualified candidates. Employers also did not know the names of many online schools where higher education degrees were supposed to be earned. They were precise in this skepticism.
We have often heard the term “diploma mills”. These places take money and present a diploma for little or no advice, waiting or demand. There are also programs that ask for money, require a lot of effort, but provide a diploma or certification that is not recognized or not duly accredited. The way these courses are organized, the references of the professors, and the demand of the program were a mystery to the employers. Thus, there was very little understanding, very little trust and a great skepticism that often led to hiring other candidates.
Have things changed in the last decade? Absolutely. Not only has the perception improved significantly, but many employers have even extended employee benefits to include online educational program opportunities paid for by their company.
There are two main reasons for this change. First, many traditional schools now offer online courses and distance learning programs. Statistically, 90% of traditional schools are or are planning to offer online programs in the next two years.
Online degrees are now associated with well-known colleges that have already earned a prestigious reputation that employers can better relate to. In addition, as the number of online programs grows, so does competition and the demand for higher standards in program expectations, delivery and outcomes.
Finally, employers are more aware of the demand and benefits associated with completing an online degree. They identify technological experience, self-discipline and motivation. They are also aware that this educational approach requires efficiency in virtual communication and creativity in finding resources and networking.
In today’s modern world, these are often skills that employers are looking for and more easily exploitable through the success of an online degree. So, in answering the question “Are employers suspicious of online degrees?” … the answer, certainly not.
However, it is still important to look for prestigious online programs, just like a traditional four-walled university. It is important to believe in the value of your degree and to be ready to identify the skills that this form of learning required and that you need to reinforce and learn. Do your homework and get ready!