Will you volunteer it?

[karenlyn]

Since I just posted that article that says that employers prefer traditional degrees, I thought I'd ask a question about it.

Do you plan on stating on your resume that your degree was acquired online?

[mtatum4496]

Since I just posted that article that says that employers prefer traditional degrees, I thought I'd ask a question about it.

Do you plan on stating on your resume that your degree was acquired online?


I would see no reason to do so, as long as the program is accredited.

In my case, I got my online degree from an institution that has a brick and mortar campus, so it is a moot point.

[ShotoJuku]

That type of distinction is not asked for on an employment application nor should be listed on a resume. Distance learning is so popular now that many prospective employers probably have a D/L degree too.

[karenlyn]

Perhaps, but... It still seems pretty clear that a traditional degree is the preference. And it seems that some people really do volunteer this information on their resume. I guess this is a lesson not to say more than you need to. Especially when your degree is perfectly legitimate and you shouldn't be penalized for it.

[ShotoJuku]

Don't look now but attaining a degree online is the new tradition.......

[LyricB]

I won't be volunteering that information when the time comes, but if they ask I won't lie about it either. Hey, maybe an employer will be impressed that I could juggle online learning along with eveything else.

[jpsn]

I wouldn't put it on my resume at all...because you are right, it seems like they might prefer traditional methods--might be old fashioned/not know what a good education you can get online.

Although, if asked by the employer, I would tell them that I obtained my degree online. It isn't like you would be lying or trying to hide anything. I personally don't think it is really relevant where you got your degree, it is if you do a good job at the place you are hired.

[Starlily]

I also think it is unnecessary to put on a resume -- too much information! It shouldn't be an issue at all, though, and I would be very open about it if I was asked directly, as I am hopeful that now or in the near future employers will be respectful of the accomplishment of D/L...especially for those of us juggling family/work/learning...:)

[karenlyn]

I completely agree! I certianly would never say that employers have a right or a reason to feel that way, but it doesn't change the fact that they do.

I think Shoto is right, though, that things are changing.

[ShotoJuku]

I look at the whole online issue this way to in comparison to home-schooling for kids. First, I am saying I am neither pro or con to Home-schooling but illustrating a point.

I knew of a parent who chose to home-school their kids. Lessons included going to lunch at McDonalds and having the child place the order for them. Here's the thing - this was considered READING for having to look at the menu and decide what to eat, MATH when adding up the items selected, AND a SOCIAL SKILL by placing the order to the clerk.

This child is able to go to McDonalds (great choice - not) and receive credit for these subjects. I almost forgot - by running to and from the car in the lot it was considered PHYSICAL EDUCATION.

I wish I could have attend University of McDonalds to get my degree instead of working my ass off - :mrgreen:

[lizakollman]

i guess it would depend. sometimes people are funny about online degrees. I mean, some people don't believe they are "real" degrees. so if you think your employer would be weird about it, and they don't ask... i don't know....

[ShotoJuku]

Perhaps but today, living in the online world of the 21st Century, an online degree is the NEW tradition.

[karenlyn]

My online teachers NEVER send me to McDonalds. I think I'm getting screwed.

I think, Shoto, that you're illustrating a perfect point. Some online schools are dead serious, and others (mostly unaccredited) are just there to get you in and out with a piece of paper in your hand at the end. It's sketchy for a potential employer because they can't always know which yours was.

All the talk we've heard about "life experience degrees" online doesn't help, either.

[lizakollman]

i think it is a touchy subject, and you have to be careful who you talk to about it. like i said, sometimes people just don't understand.

[felice206]

I wouldn't see any reason you have to point out that your diploma was earned online. You still had to work hard achieving it, and things seem to be changing. Many businesses are allowing their employees to work at home nowadays, something that was shunned say 20 years ago. If anything an online student would have the advantage here, as it shows they are dedicated and motivated enough to do the job at home.

[Unregistered]

i'd like to add that getting a degree online is an accomplishment and why hide it. I think it says to your prospective employer "I am focused and self disciplined, set me to task and it shall be done!"

[ninikins]

I don't see why an employer should think less of a degree that was obtained online. You still had to work for it.

[cerumen]

Just my two cents but do not state this on your resume! If they know the market for which they are interviewing and are up to date with education trends it won't be an issue. It is like stating you think your degree is less worthy because you earned it online.

[Brian]

Get A Life Experience Degree And Save You Some Money. Most Employers Don't Care as Long as You Have That Piece Of Paper On The Wall. The People doing the hiring use A Degree as a Corporate Requirement To Weed Out Deadbeats From Sending Their Resume. They Know That Right Out Of College That You Are No More Valuable To The Company Without Training And Experience As The Housecat Down The Street.

[Ahmed]

Most people dont care, but corporate companies do care where and how you have attained your qualifications. The paper you hang on the wall has to be worth more than than wall.

[johann]

Hi

There are two schools on this. I'd welcome apps from people who studied on-line -shows their independence and fortitude. However, I'm not the guy who reads your resume.

However, there is - in some companies - a nit-picking breed of Human Resources functionary who may be prejudiced - likely because Mummy and Daddy had lots of money and sent him to bricks and mortar school.

This guy is NOT LIKE the top-flight executive at the top of the company, who doesn't care how you got your degree - he just cares you've got the right knowledge and can use it!

Requirements usually specify a degree - often in a specific field. Some require that the degree be RA. Some will accept NA. That's all they really need to know! What school?

Summary; IT SHOULD not matter (imo). Some look favourably, some (mostly lower-level people) look at it unfavourably. Do what you think is best - but my 2 cents is - tell if they ask - and be proud. :-)

Johann

[SKYBIRD]

Since I just posted that article that says that employers prefer traditional degrees, I thought I'd ask a question about it.

Do you plan on stating on your resume that your degree was acquired online?

Such an employer doesn't recognize that you took the time to get a degree under difficult circumstance. Eliminating potential workers that have spent four years in college is screening out alot of good people. If such a recruiter worked for my organization I would fire them