Okay, so I’m the HR manager for a small-ish tech company. We’re expanding and need to hire a few new developers and maybe someone in marketing too. We’ve always preferred candidates with traditional degrees from well-known universities, you know, the brick-and-mortar kind. But frankly, the talent pool is competitive, and we’re seeing more and more resumes with online degrees.
I’m a little hesitant. I guess I have some preconceived notions about the rigor and quality of online programs. But I don’t want to miss out on great candidates just because of where they went to school, or how they went to school.
Specifically, what are the real benefits, from an employer’s perspective, of hiring someone with a degree earned online? Are there skills or qualities they might possess that someone with a traditional degree might not? I’m not just talking about saving a few bucks on salary (although that is a consideration!). I’m more interested in things like:
- Self-discipline and Motivation: I assume completing an online degree requires a good amount of both. Is that generally true, and does it translate well to a work environment?
- Time Management: Balancing work, life, and online coursework sounds challenging. Does it mean they are better at managing their time?
- Tech Savvy: Are they generally more comfortable with technology, given the online learning environment?
- Practical Experience: Did they likely have to work while pursuing their degree? Maybe they bring relevant experience along with their education.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Can we generally hire them for a lower salary (not a major point, but still important) and expect the same ROI compared to someone with a traditional degree?
- Adaptability & Resourcefulness: Did the online learning environment foster their adaptability and resourcefulness?
- Other Intangibles: Are there any other "soft skills" or advantages they might bring to the table that I’m not considering?
I’d appreciate any insights, especially from hiring managers who have experience hiring people with online degrees. Also, any potential drawbacks to be aware of would be helpful too!
Answer
Hiring someone with an online degree can offer a variety of benefits, stemming from the specific skills and qualities often developed during the pursuit of online education, as well as the practical advantages associated with a diverse talent pool. These benefits can be categorized into several key areas:
1. Demonstrable Skills and Attributes:
- Self-Discipline and Motivation: Completing an online degree requires a high degree of self-discipline and motivation. Without the structure of traditional classrooms, students must be proactive in managing their time, meeting deadlines, and staying focused on their studies. Hiring someone who has successfully navigated the online learning environment demonstrates they possess these valuable traits, crucial for independent work and productivity.
- Time Management and Organizational Skills: Online students must effectively manage their time to balance coursework, assignments, and potentially other commitments such as work or family. This cultivates strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks, which are highly transferable to the workplace. They are likely adept at planning, scheduling, and adhering to deadlines.
- Technological Proficiency: Online learning inherently requires familiarity with various digital tools and platforms. Candidates with online degrees typically possess a strong understanding of learning management systems (LMS), video conferencing software, online collaboration tools, and other technologies relevant to digital communication and productivity. This technological proficiency can be a significant asset in today’s increasingly digital workplaces.
- Independent Learning and Problem-Solving: Online learners often rely on self-directed learning and independent problem-solving skills. They must be resourceful in finding information, troubleshooting technical issues, and adapting to new learning methods. This independent approach fosters a proactive and solution-oriented mindset, valuable for addressing challenges in a work environment.
- Written Communication Skills: Online communication heavily relies on written communication through discussion forums, email, and online assignments. As a result, individuals with online degrees often develop strong written communication skills, which are essential for effective collaboration, documentation, and client interaction in various professional roles.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Online learners often face unexpected challenges, such as technical difficulties, schedule conflicts, or evolving course requirements. Successfully navigating these challenges fosters adaptability and resilience, qualities that are highly valued in dynamic and fast-paced work environments.
- Goal Orientation and Persistence: Completing a degree program, regardless of the format, requires a significant commitment and persistence. Hiring someone who has successfully earned an online degree demonstrates their ability to set goals, overcome obstacles, and persevere to achieve their objectives.
2. Access to a Wider Talent Pool:
- Geographical Flexibility: Online education removes geographical barriers, allowing companies to recruit talent from a broader range of locations. This expands the potential talent pool and enables organizations to access skilled professionals who may not be available locally.
- Diverse Backgrounds and Experiences: Online programs often attract students from diverse backgrounds, including working professionals, individuals with family responsibilities, and those living in remote areas. Hiring individuals with online degrees can bring a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and skills to the workplace, fostering innovation and creativity.
- Cost-Effectiveness in Recruitment: Recruiting from a national or even international pool of online degree holders can sometimes be more cost-effective than focusing solely on local graduates. Online platforms and virtual recruitment tools can facilitate the hiring process, reducing travel and logistical expenses.
- Access to Specialized Skills: Some online programs offer specialized training and certifications that may not be readily available in traditional institutions. Hiring individuals with these specialized online credentials can provide companies with access to niche skills and expertise that can enhance their competitive advantage.
3. Practical Considerations:
- Demonstrated Commitment to Professional Development: Pursuing an online degree often indicates a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Individuals who invest in their education are often more engaged and motivated employees, eager to expand their knowledge and skills.
- Compatibility with Remote Work Environments: Individuals with online degrees are often well-suited to remote work environments, as they have experience working independently and managing their time effectively without direct supervision. This can be a significant advantage for companies that embrace remote work or hybrid work models.
- Potential for Lower Salary Expectations: In some cases, individuals with online degrees may have slightly lower salary expectations compared to graduates from prestigious traditional institutions. This can provide cost savings for employers, particularly in smaller businesses or organizations with limited budgets. However, salary should always be commensurate with skills, experience, and the specific role requirements.
- Evidence of Initiative and Proactiveness: Choosing to pursue an online degree often reflects a proactive and self-directed approach to education and career advancement. This initiative and proactiveness can translate into a more engaged and productive employee who is willing to take on new challenges and contribute to the success of the organization.
While an online degree can be a valuable asset, employers should still evaluate candidates based on their overall qualifications, including skills, experience, and suitability for the specific role. The quality and accreditation of the online program should also be considered, as not all online degrees are created equal. It’s important to assess the specific skills and knowledge gained through the online program and how they align with the requirements of the job.
