How to Market my Online Degree in the Real World – 7 Steps Guide to Success

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Is a degree earned from an online institution marketable? How do you know if your online degree is marketable or not? Will employers look down upon a degree that is earned from a non-traditional college or university? These are some of the questions that online graduates have to think about when the go out in the real world. Here’s a 7 step guide that can help you market your online degree and get the job you want.

Potential Online Degree Marketing Challenge

Most online schools in their marketing campaigns neglect to include potential problems that graduates might face in getting their degree accepted in the workforce. Today, more and more employers are aware of online degrees, but do they value them? Do online students have anything to worry about? Graduates from an online institution need to be prepared to take on problems that may arise and know that they are not in the same boat as traditional graduates.

Steps To Market Your Online Degree in Real World

Step #1: Prepare a Resume

The first step towards marketing your online degree is to update your resume. Make sure it shows all your relevant work experience, accomplishments and anything else that would compliment your online degree.

Step #2: Sell your Online Degree

Some employers are still not ready to accept online degrees. However, you have to sell your degree to them. Add internships, work experience, volunteer work and all other skills and work experience to your qualification to boost your resume. Be ready to sell your online degree.

Step #3: Sell the Quality of the Online College or University

Not all online schools have a good reputation. Tell potential employers about your school’s reputation, their accreditation, their qualified faculty members, and their outstanding online degree programs, and show them the quality of this program.

Step #4: Emphasize how Course Material is More Important than Teaching Method

The course content and the quality of education is what counts, not how the degree was earned. Explain that what is taught in the virtual classrooms is the same as the course taught in traditional classrooms.

Step #5: Stress the Importance of Distance Learning Education

Even though students are in different parts of the world; explain how you still get the same traditional experience by interacting online through discussion boards, chats and email. There is no loss of personal interaction and collaboration.As a matter of fact, explain how modern technologies are used in the classroom to maximize collaboration, interaction and networking opportunities.

Step #6: Sell Yourself Some More

Present yourself in the same manner in which you would if you had a traditional degree. Don’t feel that what you’ve accomplished is worthless. Be proud of your accomplishments and let it show.

Step #7: Be ready to Face Rejection

Not everyone will be impressed with your online degree, so be ready to face rejection, learn from the feedback, correct the loopholes in your approach and move on. Don’t let one or two rejections stop you from marketing your online degree in the real world.

Tags: Online Degrees, Online Education, Online Learning
Posted in Distance Learning, Online Degree, Online Education, Online Learning | 1 Comment »

7 Effective Ways to Succeed in Online Classes

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Are you looking for ways to succeed in online classes? Most successful online students share the same traits for getting the most from their online education. There are challenges with this type of learning format. However, the skills required to succeed in a distance education program can be developed overtime. Take a look at the 7 effective ways to succeed in online classes.

Focus on time management strategies. This is a major problem that many online students face today. Most students participating in online learning do not have the self discipline required for this type of instruction. Without a set class schedule, a designated time and someone looking over their shoulders, it is very difficult for students to manage their time effectively and get the most from their online classes.
Devote a specific schedule for study time. Students need to set a schedule for study time and stick to it. Developing a set time to study online and to participate in class discussions and other class related activities will keep students more focused on their courses and goals.
Actively participate in class. Students that participate in class more, collaborate with other students, exchange ideas and discuss class materials are the most successful students. This is why it is very important for distance learning students to participate in class whenever possible.
Log in everyday. Students that log in to their classroom everyday and check for new updates and postings tend to be ahead in class. Logging in daily helps students to stay with the rest of the class and not fall behind.
Avoid distractions during study time. Students must learn how to discipline themselves when it comes to staying on schedule and maintaining their study time wisely. Students that find themselves procrastinating a lot or studying in places where there are too many distractions will fall behind in their online courses.
Stay connected with fellow classmates and instructors. Students that keep in touch with fellow students will find support when they need it the most. They can work on assignments and projects together, go over class materials and enrich their online learning experience from miles away. Staying connected with instructors will also help students to stay motivated throughout the course.
Develop a personal strategy to gain motivation. Once students realize their professional goals and what an online degree can do for their careers, they will look at the bigger picture and set personal motivational strategies to reach their goals no matter what.

There is really no specific formula that will guarantee success in online learning. Staying motivated in an online environment is a big challenge for most students but it can be done. Students who learn to learn online will most definitely succeed, not only with their online classes but in their careers and life in general.

Tags: Online Education, Online Learning, Online Schools
Posted in Online Education, Online Learning, Online Schools | 1 Comment »

Gaming Trends That Are Transforming Higher Education Forever

Friday, January 13th, 2012

When most people think of video games, higher education is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. However, today many colleges and universities are welcoming these gaming trends that are transforming higher education forever and seeing what they have to offer in the classrooms. This could be a new trend that could possibly take higher education to a whole new level.

Gaming Trends That Are Transforming Education

In colleges and universities all across America, educators are incorporating video games into their programs to enhance learning in classrooms. Take a look at a few ways institutions of higher education are introducing video games with normal class materials to make sure their students get the most from their education while enjoying a game or two.

Video Game-Centered Curriculum

Some schools are going all the way out and using just video games in their classrooms or designing their curriculum course around them to keep students interested in their lessons.

Introducing Real World Games Into The Classroom

A few professors have realized the importance of introducing games that are based on what students could encounter in the real world and how they could best prepare themselves for these types of situations.

Video Games Customized For Learning

A few creative minds have modified current video games or have created their own games to keep students engaged, motivated and have found ways of making learning more fun. This is a great way to customize games for a specific group of college students to help them stay interested in the lesson.

Role Playing Games

Role playing games that are introduced to the classrooms are helping students get somewhat of a more real world experience. This is a great way to get students to participate and experience what awaits them after college.

One Hour Of Wii Sports Incorporated Into The Curriculum

This interactive and physical game has been included in to the course curriculum of several high schools. Students get a certain number of credits that can be applied towards their PE requirements. Institutes are hoping to get students more interested in physical activities and regular sports through this activity.

Libraries Hosting Game Nights

College libraries as well as public libraries are offering game nights that have an educational twist to them. These libraries have special game rooms set up for game nights and are happy with the results they are getting.

Institutes of higher education are always looking for new ways to keep students involved, interested and motivated in the classrooms. But is this new trend really working? Are students learning more from these video games? I would like to hear your opinion. Do you think gaming trends are transforming higher education forever?

Tags: Online Colleges, Online Education, Online Learning
Posted in Online College, Online Degree, Online Education, Online Learning | No Comments »

Why Should I Hire You? How to Handle Tricky Interview Questions?

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

During your job interview, you will be asked a lot of questions by the interviewer. How you answer these questions will play a very important role in whether you get the job or not. Some questions may seem tricky to you, but they are just the questions that will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the job. Here’s how you can handle tricky interview questions.

HR Interview Questions

Most interview questions are basic and have clear-cut answers. However, the employer might ask you tricky questions to see how you react to certain situations. And the answers that you think the employer is looking for may not be the correct one. So, should you give an answer you think the interviewer wants to hear or the actual answer?

Take a look at a few interview questions that may be asked during a job interview:

Did you have any problems at your previous jobs?
Why do you want to work for this company?
Did you have any problems with your boss?
How do you feel about your old boss?
Why are you leaving your current job?
Where do you see yourself in 2 to 3 years?
Did you get along with your co-workers?
What are some of your weaknesses?
What was your last salary and what salary would you prefer to start at?
Why should I hire you?

Why Should We Hire You?

Many HR interview questions are designed to throw you off guard as well as to see how you react to difficult or stressful situations. The interviewer is trying to get an idea of whether you will be a good fit for the company and if they should hire you or not. You will need to provide excellent answers and good reasons for them to hire you instead of the other applicants.

How to Answer Sensitive Interview Questions

Some interview questions are very sensitive; you may or may not want to talk about them, but you should still be ready to answer them if they come up in an interview. Your answers and reactions to these questions will determine if you get hired or not. For getting the dream job you must be prepared to answer these questions honestly and directly. Never give a negative answer and don’t try to avoid answering them either by being too vague or indirect. Do a thorough research on the company.

You can never over prepare for your interview. Research common interview questions and the company you are applying to ensure you don’t panic on the day of the interview. All the best!

Tags: Career, Employer, Job, Online Education
Posted in Career Guide, Online Education, Online Learning | 1 Comment »

When to Quit a Job You Hate?

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Do you hate your job? It’s not easy turning in a resignation letter to an employer, but what if you really hate your job? Is it better to quit or to stay and be unhappy?

When to Resign From a Job You Don’t Like?

First of all, do you have another job waiting? Do you have enough savings to just walk away from your job? These are some of the things you’ll need to consider before you decide to resign. Even if you can’t stand your boss or hate your job so much that you can’t wait to resign and start a new job, you shouldn’t quit until you have another job.

How to Quit a Job You Hate?

Make sure that you really do want to quit your job before you do so. Once you have decided, be sure to turn in a letter of resignation even if you don’t think it’s necessary. You must handle your resignation in a professional manner. Don’t burn any bridges because you never know what the future holds. You might need a letter of reference from your old employers or you might want to go back to your old employer one day, so leave on good terms and maintain a positive relationship with your boss and co-workers.

The Decision to Quit a Job

Be absolutely certain that you are making the right decision to quit your job. Don’t make the mistake of quitting on an impulse and then realizing what a terrible mistake you have made. In such a case you will not be able to go back to your old job because of the way they you handled your resignation.

View the New Job as Objectively as you Can

Do you have another job waiting? If so, make sure you weigh your options first before acting solely on emotions and making a mistake. View the new job objectively and if you are certain the new job has more pros than cons and that you are making the right decision, then go ahead and quit, otherwise stay where you are until you find something better. Who knows, after considering the other options, you might just start to like your job.

Should You Get a Recommendation Letter from a Job You Hate?

Always ask for a letter of recommendation from the employer before you resign from any job regardless of whether you love it or hate it. This way you’ll have proof of your work history with the employer. A letter of recommendation also shows that you’ve maintained a good relationship with your manager.

After all’s been said and done it remains that it is much easier to find a job when you already have one. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush!

Tags: Career, Job, Online Education
Posted in Career Guide, Online Education | 1 Comment »

Online Degree Programs by Subjects

Quick School Search

Recent Posts

Popular Posts

Categories

Posts Tagged ‘Online Education’