Navigating the job market as an online degree student

As the need for professionals with desirable digital skills, technical know-how, and soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication rises, a proportionate rise is witnessed in the demand for online courses in India. Online degree programs are today specifically designed to help equip students with these proficiencies that are particularly in high demand in the job market. This blog takes a closer look at the job market after an online degree and the prospective career opportunities that are likely to open up after graduating from an e-learning program.

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Understanding the value of an online degree

If you’re still on the fence about whether to pursue a course online or continue with the conventional campus degree program, let us acquaint you with some of the key benefits that holding an online degree provides to students:

• Accreditation and recognition: One of the best advantages of an online degree is that it is accredited by internationally renowned universities and study institutions that enhance their value in the relevant industry manifold. Accredited online degrees are not only recognized the world over but also help open lucrative career avenues both within India and abroad. Also, receiving a degree from a recognized institution enhances its credibility in the market.
• Industry perception: Online degrees are gradually being perceived in various industries as a reflection of an individual’s determination to advance professionally in their career and to upskill themselves to stay relevant in the job market. This is why several employers are increasingly valuing the flexibility and initiative taken by online learners to study alongside working to prove themselves in their respective job fields and to make a significant mark in their career path.

Building a Strong Professional Profile

This is yet another important step when navigating the job market as a graduate of an online degree. You must work on building a strong professional profile online and showcase your best achievements to attract like-minded employers.  

• Crafting an impressive resume: Make sure that your CV effectively highlights online education, including relevant coursework completed, projects worked on, and skills acquired. Also, include relevant certifications completed and link them to the program or institution studied to add credibility. Also, make sure to proofread your resume to ensure accuracy. Customizing your CV to suit different job descriptions is also a good idea. 
• Leveraging digital portfolios: Create an online portfolio that showcases your projects, assignments, and other work completed during the online degree program. A professional portfolio immediately draws attention to your profile and is a great way to let employers know of your accomplishments and skills.

Gaining Relevant Experience

This can help get a head start on your desired career path. Seek out relevant internships, practicums, or project-based work to gain real-world experience and make helpful connections in your field of work. Additionally, you may choose to take up volunteering and freelance work that can provide valuable experience and also help build a professional network.

Developing In-Demand Skills

Even after graduating with an online degree program, it is important to keep upskilling to stay relevant to your industry. Make sure to acquire the skills that are in demand in the market. These include technical and soft skills relevant to your industry. Identify them and look for suitable online certification courses to learn these proficiencies. Continuous learning is imperative to career advancement and professional growth. It also helps you stay updated with rapidly evolving industry trends. Online professional certifications can extend the scope of online degrees, specifically helping working professionals, enabling them to study without disturbing their regular work commitments. 

Also read: Top 10 in-demand job skills for 2024 and how to develop them

Networking and Professional Connections  

Networking is a great way to find new job opportunities and collaborate for advanced career prospects. Make sure to join professional associations specific to your industry and attend virtual networking events. They allow you to gain valuable insights and make useful connections that can open new avenues for growth and professional development.

Also, working on building a professional online presence can help network and find suitable employment opportunities. Make sure to be active on platforms such as LinkedIn and participate in relevant online communities and forums to network with like-minded professionals.

Navigating Job Search Platforms

To look for suitable career opportunities after an online degree, use job search platforms effectively. This includes setting up job alerts for relevant job opportunities that may arise, using advanced search filters, and applying strategically. Make sure that your job search is specific to your industry and career objectives. Use specific keywords to search for jobs and make sure to apply carefully to the job that aligns with your interests and skill sets.

You may also leverage online career resources available to facilitate your job search process. These include virtual career fairs, webinars, and job boards tailored to specific industries.

You may also want to learn about 5 must-visit websites for effective job search: A placement training guide.

Preparing for Job Interviews

The next step to applying for a suitable job of your interest is to prepare for an interview for that role. Interview preparation is crucial to the recruitment process and it’s best to prepare well for the interview. Research the company well and practice some common interview questions asked of other candidates for the same role. Online education is particularly helpful at this stage, allowing you to get useful ideas and helping with your research on the organization, employee reviews, and salary offered. 

Make sure to confidently highlight that you are an online degree graduate, emphasizing the various advantages that it has imparted you with, including flexibility, self-discipline, and time management skills. Focus on how you can apply these skills to the overall growth of the organization.

Overcoming Potential Biases

Considering that online degrees are the unconventional counterparts of traditional campus courses, you can expect certain concerns to arise from some prospective employers. Try and address them confidently to address any potential biases or concerns that employers may have about online degrees. Make sure to highlight the rigor and quality of the program that you completed, emphasizing that the standard of education imparted online is well at par with on-campus degree programs. Also, stress that the online degree is recognized globally across industries and job sectors.

Make sure to proactively communicate with potential employers to explain the unique strengths and perspectives gained from online learning. Share your experiences and valuable insights derived from the program, and any unique accomplishments that you may have earned during the course tenure. 

Learn more about the top scholarships offered at Online Manipal  

Take your career forward with Online Manipal

Ready to take the next steps after obtaining an online degree? Online Manipal University has your back. The portal provides the ideal platform to learn a variety of professional courses online and also obtain UGC-entitled degrees from NAAC-accredited universities. What’s more? The platform also assists students in finding suitable placement opportunities after completing their degree program from one of the universities on the Online Manipal portal. 

Conclusion

Online degree programs are now being accepted globally for the value they bring in terms of industry-desirable skills and other necessary expertise. So if you’re an online graduate, it’s time to leverage the immense benefits of online degrees in navigating the job market. Remember that perseverance is key in the process. Also, keep working on continual learning to upskill and stay relevant to the changing industry trends.

Don’t forget to network, as it’s crucial to connect with peers, faculty, and industry experts by participating in career fairs. Make sure to personalize your resume to highlight the skills that are relevant to the specific job role. Prepare for interviews well by showcasing how your online degree has helped equip you with the required skills for the role. In short, navigating the job market requires online degree graduates to stay perseverant and make strategic efforts to stand out from the competition.   

Manipal University Jaipur is one of the many top universities offering UGC-entitled degrees to students on the Online Manipal platform. The university also offers placement assistance to graduates upon course completion, helping them explore lucrative career opportunities in the job market with ease. You can also move on to pursuing a Master’s degree from Manipal University Jaipur to boost your prospects in the job hunt by earning the desired industry skills.