Today there are many ways for a student to earn a post-secondary education. The traditional option for attending in person classes at university or college is still present, but there many students are choosing to earn their degrees through a completely online or hybrid program, which is mostly online but does include some in person courses. No matter which style of earning an education students chose, the main goal associated with achieving a degree remains the same. That goal is for students to enter a career field of their choosing, armed with the skills and abilities to progress and have a successful career. With so many education options students now have to consider, how employers in the market they hope to enter will view their education credentials. Although, online and hybrid programs are still somewhat new to the education system, there are many education professionals that believe students who have earned their degrees through those avenues are actually better prepared and are now the better option for employers in any career field. While the number of online courses and degree programs available to students are the rise “About 7.1 million students took at least one online course during the fall of 2012” (Haynie, 2014), employers still are giving then the respect they warrant. In a 2009 study, many organizations hiring officials and managers stated they had “negative perceptions of online degrees” (Haynie, 2014). One former business owner stated “he wouldn’t consider an applicant with an online degree – even if he had everything he was seeking. He says he thinks that students get only a fraction of the learning experience online” (Zupek, 2010). Perhaps, if this businessman would have taken the time to really understand the differences between online and traditional education he would still be in business. Had he taken the time to research the unapparent skills and abilities students develop from attaining an online education he would have been able to use these students to better his organization and extended his time as a business owner. One reason employers should favor online students over students receiving a traditional education is because it is believed online students have a higher retention level of the subject matter of the courses they take.
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One education expert stated “Surprisingly, several studies, including one by the U.S. Department of Education, suggest that students are able to retain more and perform slightly better in an online setting than in a traditional one” (Burnsed, 2011). Another highly qualified individual, the director of communications at Syracuse University’ Burton Blair Instituted recently took an online program and stated “I have found the program, which is predominantly online, to be far more rewarding and fulfilling” (Burnsed, 2011). If employers are truly looking for the most qualified, best prepared students to join their teams, then they should consider online students. As studies show and experts testify, online students may be more knowledgeable then tradition students looking to enter the workplace. The next reason online students should be considered over traditional classroom students is because they more disciplined. Along with that online students must be self-motivated. While a tradition student does need to be focused many experts say an online education “does require more discipline” (Bird, 2014), because students can be more easily distracted when not on a college campus or university environment. They do not have a specific classroom to report to with time allotted to engage in the course material as a group. Online students must carve out the time to complete their course work at their convenience. They must understand their own schedule and evaluate when they can accomplish their coursework. Employers should be mindful of how disciplined and self-motivated online students actually are and how this transfers into the workplace. Former online students will not need another individual standing over their shoulder, they understand what is expected of them and will fulfill the requirements they need. Employers should consider these character traits when looking for new employees for their businesses. Another reason employers should consider online students over traditional on campus student is because they are equipped with better time management skills. One expert states “A benefit to taking online courses is
One education expert stated “Surprisingly, several studies, including one by the U.S. Department of Education, suggest that students are able to retain more and perform slightly better in an online setting than in a traditional one” (Burnsed, 2011). Another highly qualified individual, the director of communications at Syracuse University’ Burton Blair Instituted recently took an online program and stated “I have found the program, which is predominantly online, to be far more rewarding and fulfilling” (Burnsed, 2011). If employers are truly looking for the most qualified, best prepared students to join their teams, then they should consider online students. As studies show and experts testify, online students may be more knowledgeable then tradition students looking to enter the workplace. The next reason online students should be considered over traditional classroom students is because they more disciplined. Along with that online students must be self-motivated. While a tradition student does need to be focused many experts say an online education “does require more discipline” (Bird, 2014), because students can be more easily distracted when not on a college campus or university environment. They do not have a specific classroom to report to with time allotted to engage in the course material as a group. Online students must carve out the time to complete their course work at their convenience. They must understand their own schedule and evaluate when they can accomplish their coursework. Employers should be mindful of how disciplined and self-motivated online students actually are and how this transfers into the workplace. Former online students will not need another individual standing over their shoulder, they understand what is expected of them and will fulfill the requirements they need. Employers should consider these character traits when looking for new employees for their businesses. Another reason employers should consider online students over traditional on campus student is because they are equipped with better time management skills. One expert states “A benefit to taking online courses is