How our UG learners leveraged online degrees for career growth  

In an era where online education is rapidly gaining momentum, undergraduate students are increasingly leveraging online degrees to enhance their qualifications and career prospects. This survey sheds light on the motivations driving students to pursue an online UG degree and the measurable benefits they’ve gained from programs like those offered by Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ). The insights in this blog are from our learner outcome survey conducted among the graduates of online degrees from Manipal University Jaipur. Whether it’s for personal growth or career advancement, students are finding online learning to be a transformative experience. So, let’s explore the key reasons and insights behind their journey. 

Top reasons to pursue an online degree

As more students embrace online education, their reasons for choosing this learning mode vary widely. From flexibility to affordability, online degrees offer a range of advantages that cater to both personal and professional needs. Below are the top motivations students have shared for pursuing an online undergraduate degree-

1. Enhancing Qualifications 

79% of learners pursued an online UG degree to earn a recognized degree and enhance their qualifications. A large majority of students are drawn to online education for the opportunity to earn a recognized degree that boosts their academic profile. This credential adds significant weight to their resumes and prepares them for future roles. 

2. Convenience of Online Learning 

Moreover, 72% of learners think that online learning was the most convenient way to pursue their education. Flexibility is a key attraction of online degrees, allowing students to balance work, internships, or personal commitments with their studies. This convenience helps them progress in their education without sacrificing other aspects of life. 

3. Preparing for Career Opportunities 

69% of learners pursued an online degree to prepare for future career opportunities. Online degrees equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. This preparation enables them to seize new career opportunities as they emerge. 

4. Improving Knowledge and Skills 

65% of learners were seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in their chosen field of interest. Many students opt for online education to gain specialized expertise in their field, allowing them to refine their knowledge and sharpen their skills. This makes them better equipped to handle industry-specific challenges. 

5. Exploring Career Paths 

62% of students wanted to earn an in-demand degree to explore potential career paths. The pursuit of in-demand degrees allows students to explore diverse career paths, ensuring they have the qualifications to enter emerging fields or shift into new industries with confidence. 

6. Affordability of Online Programs 

48% of students were looking for an affordable degree program. For almost half of the respondents, the cost-effectiveness of online degrees was a primary factor. With lower tuition fees and overall reduced living expenses, online programs provide a financially accessible route to higher education. 

7. Gaining a Competitive Edge 

However, 31% of learners were looking to gain a competitive edge for internships or job applications. Students recognize that having an online degree can provide an advantage when applying for internships or jobs, setting them apart from peers in a competitive market. 

8. Pursuing Personal Interests 

29% of learners pursued an online degree to follow a personal passion or interest. Beyond career aspirations, some students pursue online degrees out of personal interest. This allows them to deepen their understanding of a subject they are passionate about, enriching their personal lives and intellectual curiosity. 

Tracking Students’ Goals and Achievements 

The following section dives into how students reflect on their learning experience, their career clarity, and the practical skills they developed throughout the course of their online degree programs. Here’s a snapshot of their achievements post-completion. 

1. Enhanced Academic Knowledge 

84% of graduates feel they were able to enhance their academic knowledge after completing their degree. Completing an online degree program allows graduates to significantly build on their academic foundation, expanding their expertise and improving their understanding of critical subject matter. 

2. Development of Practical Skills 

65% of learners say they were able to develop practical skills relevant to their careers. Students appreciate the focus on real-world application within online programs, helping them develop skills that directly translate to their professional environments. 

3. Career Path Clarity 

However, 55% of graduates gained clarity about their career path. Graduates reported greater clarity regarding their career direction after completing their online degree, enabling them to set clearer professional goals and pursue them with confidence. 

4. Confidence in Chosen Field 

60% of students feel more confident in their chosen field. With increased knowledge and skills, graduates feel more secure in their ability to excel in their professional domain, giving them the confidence to take on new challenges. 

5. Preparation for the Job Market 

41% of graduates felt more prepared for the job market. Online degrees prepare students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills, making them feel more ready to step into the workforce and tackle the demands of the job market. 

6. Job Offers and Internships 

Moreover, 28% of graduates bagged job offers and internships after completing their degrees. For nearly a third of graduates, the completion of their degree led to tangible job offers or internships, reflecting the market value of the skills they gained during their online education. 

How Online Learning Helped Students 

The final section outlines how online learning influenced graduates’ confidence, sense of achievement, and personal and professional growth. MUJ’s online programs have proven to be transformative, enabling learners to reach new heights in both their careers and personal development. 

1. Increased Confidence Post-Degree 

80% of graduates feel more confident post-completion of their online degree. The sense of accomplishment from earning an online degree helps boost learners’ confidence, allowing them to approach new opportunities with a heightened sense of self-assurance. 

2. Sense of Accomplishment 

Moreover, 73% of students say they gained a sense of accomplishment or fulfilment. Completing an online degree, often while managing multiple responsibilities, brings immense personal satisfaction, marking a major achievement in their academic journey. 

3. More Career Growth Opportunities 

58% of learners feel they have more opportunities for career growth. The completion of an online degree opens up new career pathways, equipping learners with the credentials needed to access promotions, new roles, or entirely new fields. 

4. Capability for Further Learning 

However, 57% feel more capable of taking on new learning activities. Graduates feel more confident in their ability to engage in lifelong learning, driven by their experience in successfully completing an online degree. 

5. Enhanced Social Standing 

46% of graduates feel that doing an online degree has enhanced their standing in society. Earning an online degree from a prestigious institution like MUJ positively impacts graduates’ social standing, gaining them respect and recognition within their communities. 

6. Increased Domain Confidence 

43% of students feel they have grown more confident in their domain, making them more employable. Graduates feel more secure in their field of expertise, which translates into increased employability and opportunities for career advancement. 

7. Sharing Knowledge with Others 

34% of learners say they are more likely to share their knowledge with friends and family. Graduates are often eager to pass on what they’ve learned, contributing to the knowledge of their social circles and supporting others in their educational pursuits. 

8. Taking on Leadership Roles 

24% of graduates have taken up leadership roles and responsibilities at work or another set-up. Therefore, the confidence and skills developed through online programs enable graduates to step into leadership positions, both in professional and personal settings. 

Conclusion

The survey results underscore the many benefits of pursuing an online degree with MUJ. Therefore, from enhancing qualifications and career clarity to boosting confidence and employability, these programs empower students to grow both personally and professionally. As more students turn to online education, it’s clear that programs like MUJ’s, are providing learners with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.