One of the problems I face as a career coach at First Impressions is dealing with older people (40+) who do not have the proper academic credentials for the job they seek. Most of these folks began working when a college degree or graduate degree was not required, just preferred for their job. Today this same job requires a minimum of a 4-year degree, and a post-graduate degree is mandatory in many cases, or at the very least it is highly preferred.Thankfully these clients were able to climb the corporate ladder in their company based on a combination of loyalty and industry expertise. However, today that is no longer the case, and they don’t know what to do. The obvious answer is to go back to college and complete or even start as a freshman and earn a 4-year, Masters or MBA degree.
To expedite matters, one of the best options for these men and women is to get a degree online. However many of them, and unfortunately some old fashioned or uneducated HR types feel this is a waste of time and money and the degree is useless.
So last week I posed the following question on Executive Suite another Linked-In group that I am a part of, and I would like to share some of the responses with you as part of my Job Hunting in the 21st Century – The New Reality series.
QUESTION: Online undergraduate and post graduate degrees, how do you view them?
“Personally I find that a lot of recruiters view "online" degrees with some skepticism, however what a lot of people do not realize is that these degrees often take a much higher level of studying and effort to pass than a traditional class setting. (One does not have a lecturer to go to each day, one rather has to physically find time and sit down and really work at achieving a great result.)… The downside is that there is often no one to turn to, no one to study with and often families do not understand that studying online is a gains to a real degree.” Astra Bester, CIPP & CIPP/C Regulatory Compliance Specialist
“I decided to "repair" a mistake and return to school to finish my degree. I chose The University of Phoenix and I must admit that this was the only decision I could make to complete my degree. Work life balance and traveling for business made a bricks and motor school out of the question. My first impression was that my degree will be "devalued" because it was EARNED online. However; my degree is something I am very proud of… My work ethic and dedication to complete the degree is the passion and dedication a company can expect me to give them once they realize the degree is a statement of not only my abilities but also my character and commitment to the company." Robert Smith, Sales Professional
"I completed my MBA online within the last month. Prior to starting this program I preferred a traditional classroom environment because of the interaction that takes place there. Though, I pursued online education because a heavy work and travel schedule made classroom attendance impossible. Now that I've completed the program, I do not think it was a mistake to use the online format. Like any program, you get out of it what you put into it. Anyone can learn just as much from an online program as they can from a classroom if they're interested in learning and disciplined. I think some employers are reluctant to fully recognize online programs because of the many "degree mills" out there. When discussing your online program with an employer, it's important to highlight the school and its credentials. Reputable online programs are regionally accredited just like traditional programs, and their degrees are recognized equally. My experience with online education is manifested in the fact that I'm planning my next pursuit in education (DBA), and I'm only looking at online programs." Steve Bailey, Global Supplier Manager
"I am a product of the traditional brick and mortar educational route, but I'd like to share some thoughts. As someone who has filled positions, I am no more likely to hire a traditional candidate to an online candidate. One purpose of the curriculum is to teach one how to think, but it should not be taken for granted that possessing a degree does indeed demonstrate one can think. The analogy I have used with my direct reports is the assembly line worker in corporate America - one who knows how to replicate but may not understand the underlying essence. At the margin, one who has some seasoning followed by an online degree is more likely to possess the deeper understanding.
In general, a degree is important but the kind of degree is not dispositive. It is one of a number of attributes that reveal the caliber of the individual." Andrew Paluszek, Director - Planning & Analysis at a Major Bank.
If you have a strong opinion, pro or con on this subject let me know; if you’re thinking of going back to school and torn between a brick & mortar classroom or learning in cyberspace, I hope this will help you decide.
Author:
Perry Newman, CPC, is President/CEO of First Impressions Resumes and can be reached for a no cost consultation at 646-894-4101.
