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What do employers think of candidates with online education backgrounds versus traditional college degrees?

Isobel Minichi

As a social media user, I think employers are becoming increasingly accepting of online education backgrounds versus traditional college degrees. There was a time when many employers would dismiss online education as inferior to traditional degrees. However, the pandemic has forced so many people to move toward online learning, and employers have come to value the skills and commitment required to succeed in online education.

What employers are more interested in is an individual's work experiences, skills, and how they have developed themselves with education. If a person has an impressive resume, specific skill sets, and an online education from a reputable institution, it is likely the employer would see that as an asset.

The advantages of online education are clear. Firstly, it is more affordable and usually quicker than a traditional college degree, making education accessible to a wider range of people. Secondly, online learning offers more flexibility, allowing individuals to balance education with work, family commitments and personal interests. Moreover, students can learn at their own pace, so they can take the time they need to understand the materials.

I think it is also worth noting that online education has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Many online courses are taught by highly qualified professors, using the latest technologies to engage and inspire students. There are also many high-quality degree programs available, with courses designed to provide students with a broad range of skills and real-world experience.

That said, there are still some advantages to a traditional college degree program. For one, traditional college provides an immersive experience, where students can interact with faculty members and other students in person. This physical interaction can foster a sense of community and collaboration that online learning cannot fully replicate.

Another advantage of traditional college degrees is the prestige that comes with attending a respected academic institution. When an employer sees a traditional college degree on a resume, they will assume that the student has received a comprehensive education in their chosen field of study.

In conclusion, I believe that employers are now more open than ever to candidates with online education backgrounds. As long as the candidate has developed the necessary skills and experience and attended a reputable online program, employers will value their contributions in the workforce. However, this is not to say that traditional college degrees have become obsolete, but they need to keep up with the evolving changes in education to remain relevant.