by Hala Monsour

Created on: May 21, 2007   Last Updated: June 01, 2011

Is an Internet degree as valuable as a formal degree?

As Education drives technology through limitless boundaries, there is no doubt that Internet degree is valuable. Ever consider actually going to a ground campus and not paying attention, hating the Professor, or thinking school sucks...? Well - it is no different than not going to school at all, and better yet, it is much better trying your hand at something different, i.e online education.

What gets me the most is how companies are quick to dismiss online learning. Most on the hiring team are lucky to even hold a Bachelor's degree; they bank on the years of service with the company, as the only experience necessary to qualify in representing the company.

On the other hand, I wonder this; when companies shrug off online degrees, under what circumstances are they doing so and what credentials do they hold that can place value and assess the online degree programs out there?

It all comes down to business and advertising and what consumers put out there as reviews, complaints or feedback. I wonder if some of these companies actually take the time to realize that people are people, and just because someone actually holds a degree from a ground campus does not mean they are automatically cut out for the job.

Personality plays a huge role in getting a decent job. Education backs up the individual in that they are taking proactive measures in bettering their individual future to succeed in life and be accomplished.

It is my sincere belief that those who go after a degree of any sort to please an employer are setting themselves up for automatic failure. Like the fashion world; one day you are in, the next you are out. What you got going for you, core values, morals, ethical standards, confidence, and drive, is what will allow you to survive in the work force. The degree is something that will validate your efforts and dedication in remaining competent and seeking improvement.

Until companies realize the true value of education and embrace the concept as one that will be an asset to the company, we will continue to question the credibility of online learning.

Let us not forget that a small percentage of those who do not make the cut are the ones that paint a bad picture all around about the online degree - for whatever their reasons, they may not have performed their best in school, and that again leads back to the individual and whatever it is they have faced in their life.

I invite any employer or company top management to sign up for online courses. The commitment alone will give them a new perspective on the entire experience. Not all teachers reach the audience at 100% satisfaction rate. It takes two to tango. The instructor is there to facilitate, the adult is there to use all what is available to the best of their ability and actually take the time to learn the information. This is easier said than done.

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