Navigating the Transition from Online Education to the Workforce

by Dani Babb, Phd, MBA

So what happens when you finish up your online degree program and either engage in the workforce for the first time, or re-enter the workforce in a different field? You might wonder how your degree will be perceived by the world which you are about to explore. You will want to know how best to sell yourself, your skill set and your degree, and you will need to put the skills and experience gained from your rigorous online education to good use – both in the interview to land the job and beyond.

First, know that in the latest survey I personally conducted in June of 2011, more hiring managers than ever were very responsive to the notion that an online degree was as credible as an on-ground degree, with over 83% of respondents in small, medium and large sized companies responsible for hiring “agreeing” or “strongly agreeing” to the statement about credibility. You are not alone – with over 80% of students today taking at least one online course before graduation, it is becoming not only an accepted method of education but the norm. In my career, to my knowledge, I have not lost one job or been seen in an unfavorable light because my PhD was from an online institution, and my own study results back up my theory.

Second, you must know that of the top desired skill sets that your potential new bosses are looking for, you’ve been forced to use online. That is the ability to type and write well, the ability to process thought in a written form, the ability to send emails that are engaging and purposeful, the ability to engage in an online format with colleagues, peers and those in a position of authority, and the incredible knowledge you undoubtedly have about so many technologies this article would need to be pages upon pages to list them all. In your interview and beyond, it’s wise to reinforce that you are bringing this top notch skillset with an incredible ability to communicate effectively online, whether you’re trying to convince a venture capitalist to invest in your business or you attempting to land your first job in healthcare.

Next and certainly vitally important – time management and the ability to work independently are proven through the obtainment of an online degree. Did you have someone sitting in class with you every Wednesday night asking you for your homework or study groups every Saturday at someone’s house? Probably not. Neither did your online peers – you had to be self-motivated, work independently, have an incredible ability to manage your time, stick to guidelines and written criterion, ask pertinent questions and then submit work, take in critique remotely, apply it to your work and ultimately earn a grade in a course. These are inherent traits, skills that some argue cannot be “taught” – and if you have completed your degree online you possess them. Make it known! If you juggled family, work and other obligations at the same time, I recommend making it clear that you are not only good at multitasking, but you know how to prioritize and deliver. Today’s market is all about delivering and productivity.

I recommend to all of my students that they take a few days to brainstorm and think of not only the courses they have taken, but what they specifically learned in each class that is applicable to the field in which they want to work. Don’t just tell an employer “I have 18 graduate hours in leadership”; tell them what you learned about being a leader, how you displayed that expertise in an online group setting and how you will apply it to your new job at their company. If you can do this for each course and talk about it during your interview, this will be a big advantage come decision making time.

If you are feeling armed with information and confident in your next steps, and are out looking for positions but wondering how you will succeed without a big alumni association or the “automatic in” that comes from graduating at specific schools, do not fear – your experience in online education will help you navigate this as well. You have undoubtedly become an expert communicator using online tools, including networking with peers to complete group projects and stay in touch and keep one another motivated – all online synchronously or asynchronously.

Doing the same thing now will pay huge dividends, including becoming part of social  networking groups on Facebook and LinkedIn with individuals that share similar interests or even went to your school, using Twitter to talk about your area of expertise and become known as a go-to expert online, and using email to flatly tell people you are looking for a position – where and what type – rely on and build those networks, foster the relationships online just as you would do in person and enjoy the successes that come from them.

A full 50% of the positions and contracts I have had in my career have come from contacts or referrals and most of those are from people I have never met in person. Many of my students are enjoying the same success. Tell your professors, peers, colleagues and everyone in your social media network about your search – keep them updated and help them feel a part of the process and engaged in your success, too.

Finally, while most schools offer professional resume writing which may be somewhat helpful; my experience is that they are often not using the latest and greatest method to get your resume seen by those who are hiring. I recommend working with a professional outside of the college, paying a fee and having your new resume with your brand new degree highlighted along with the things I’ve mentioned above – that you are not just an expert in your field, but you are an expert in communicating and working in a virtual society. The same society and market in which your future employer will need to dominate to be successful.

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