online degrees

[thevoice]

I am thinking about doing an Online Degree at some point in next year or so. My current plan is to move to America in 2006 and live over there (I have dual nationality). I would like to start the degree in my chosen subject before I move and this is where I have read doing online degrees could be beneficial for my situation. My question is, are online degrees taken seriously? Would future employers look down there noses at it compared to lets say someone who attended a university or college etc?

[monkeyboy007]

My personal opinion is that some will look down on online degrees unlses they are affiliated with a well-known university and this is clearly documented on your qualifications... due to long work hours etc many MBAs from decent unis are done this way.

The school you choose is also important bc with respect, so many people have degrees or even masters - that TOP marks and going to a GOOD school (which is subject to your chosen field) often make the difference in terms of getting a job.

I have an Australian degree but in the UK it meant nothing bc employers had never heard of my university. Over here, it is well recognised. My advice, get a good course going and do a semester at a US university and try to co-op/intern there as well - this way you will have easily recognised details on your CV

Hope this helps buddy! AND DOWN WITH MAN-U on Tues Night!!! Go you gooners!

[ryancostill]

I agree with monkeyboy, an online degree will only have status if its issued from a repiutable University, however, I know in my country nowadays many very well respected institutions offer "distance learning".

I also agree with monkeyboy and another more important matter. GO on the gunners!! Cant wait for tuesday nights game! Although it looks like we are just playing for second place the arsenal man U games are always rivetting!!

[thevoice]

Yes its going to be a great game, I had a really wired dream last night that Arsenal and Man U got drawn in the next round of the FA cup! Lets see if I am right later on when the drawn happens. I fancy Arsenal to beat Man U on tues evening, its going to be a rough match thats for sure! Thanks for the feedback guys.

[monkeyboy007]

Oh yes it will! nearly just 24hrs to go! Methinks 2-1 Arsenal win but Man U score first...

Oh, and the distance learning thing - I think those programs are nicely available from good institutions in the UK from memory. What were you going to study? I might be able to help..

[thevoice]

I want to do a degree in Computer network management.

I was speaking with a guy at the top of the ladder about career paths etc and he was saying you need 2 out 3 things to be marketable-

1- Experience
2- Degree
3- IT professional Certifications

I have some excellent experience for my age and have knocked up quite a few certifications and will continue to bang out a load this year to. Although I have the 2/3 needed that he spoke of I want to do a degree, I regret not doing it sooner but better late than never.


Open University in UK looks good but the main problem is I need to try and find a company that allows you to do it worldwide as I am moving to America next year.

[KrYptic.x]

[ QUOTE ]
I was speaking with a guy at the top of the ladder about career paths etc and he was saying you need 2 out 3 things to be marketable-

1- Experience
2- Degree
3- IT professional Certifications

[/ QUOTE ]

He does have a point. It largely depends whom you talk to in the IT profession. Many that I talk to say that Certif's are the way to go because generally it shows experience as well. The Bachelors is nice b/c employers can see that you have put in the time. But, you arn't just going to walk out of College (most of the time) and get a CCNA.

I went and got 2 Associate Degrees. Right now I'm doing a Support job, but it's not where my passion in this industry lies. My plan is to go back and work toward Cisco Certifications. I think I am past the point of going back and getting my BA so this is the route i'm going to take.

As far as the original question goes, I myself don't put a whole lot of stock in Online univiersities (yet). They are starting to slowly build a more positive reputation (at least with the employers and instructors that I speak with).