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Heather Legg

Heather Legg is an independent writer who covers topics related to small business, education and social media.

Heather Legg has written 25 articles for SB Informer.
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Should I Hire Someone with an Online Degree?

Heather Legg

August 15, 2014


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Small business owners are always weighing pros and cons, and in the case of hiring, it's no different.

One of the big questions for employers these days is that regarding online degrees. With so many colleges, traditional and online only, offering online degrees, it is something to consider.

Do online degrees hold the same credibility as a traditional degree? Is it okay to hire someone with an online degree? Will they be experienced and educated enough or will it be a decision that you regret down the road?

Online degrees vs. traditional degrees

Online degrees are becoming more and more the norm these days.

Most traditional colleges offer at least some online classes, if not complete online degrees.

For many people, especially the non-traditional student (think older students who already have full time jobs or people with families thinking of reentering the work force), it's tough to find the time to go to school and attend class full time, or even part time. By taking classes online, it's a viable solution.

Most of the time, if an online degree comes from a credible college; it's just as good - no explanation necessary. In fact, there really is no difference.

However, if the degree is from a college without other options and without a campus, the credibility may be a little lower as it's often perceived the rigor is not as tough as other campus colleges.

What do employers think of an online degree?

In information from geteducated.com, it is shown that some employers do actually look down on online only colleges.

They may be seen as not as rigorous, therefore employers may look to applicants who have degrees (online or traditional) from traditional colleges with campuses.

However, if the degree is online but comes from a traditional school, it makes no difference whatsoever.

On the other hand, many people look at online degrees and see the benefits - self-motivation, self-direction, organizational skills, enhanced computer skills and time management. To complete a degree online, or even a class or two, students need these attributes.

How do you decide?

As a small business owner, you have to do what is best for you and your business.

If you come across the perfect candidate and the only downside is the online degree, you really should still consider. Ask the applicant why he or she chose this route. Perhaps the circumstances will explain it all. Maybe it's as easy to explain as school proximity.

However, if your gut says an online degree isn't good enough or the reasons behind the degree don't make sense to you, go with your gut, but do try to be fair to your applicants.

Remember, most colleges offer classes online, about one third of them offer complete degrees online.

Good luck in your hiring!


                   



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