With the hectic pace of modern life, obtaining an online degree has become one of the easiest and most streamlined ways for a person to advance their education. Everything changed for online courses after the pandemic, which opened new doors for students to learn a quality education and skills from home through technology. Yet, the perks of pursuing an online degree may not be as real for some people, especially when it is time to make the most out of that degree to get ahead in their career. The great untold power here that is skipped over is networking. Today, we will look to highlight some of the different ways you can leverage your online degree to your advantage with networking and job opportunities.
The Advantages of an Online Degree Explained
Before exploring how to leverage networking to advance your career, it is imperative to highlight the positives of pursuing a degree online. It is flexible, inexpensive, and provides a wider variety of programs that may not be offered in your area. Online degrees appeal to many students because they make it easier to balance work, family commitments, and education. Additionally, many online programs offer experienced instructors and prepare students with the skills needed to remain competitive in their fields.
However, there is one common concept that goes by—the value of an online degree is comparatively lower than a traditional one. But the truth is: an online degree can carry less value and recognition than any degree taken from a local, accredited institution. If students want to reward themselves, they need to think about how and where they can use their degree to move forward in their careers; networking helps them become more connected during this process.
Networking: The Key to Professional Growth
No matter if you have studied online or in a physical classroom, networking is a major part of getting ahead in your career. A strong professional network will support, give the latest job leads, and open new horizons. Networking can help fill the traditional gap common in online degree programs between the online environment where these degrees are earned and the in-person job markets where users work.
Networking enables you to connect with industry professionals, alumni, professors, and other students. These relationships may turn into waypoints in your career path. A lot of the time, filling jobs is through referrals and referrals only, not applications. This means you are now more likely to be referred for fresh opportunities as you are actively networking.
Leveraging Alumni Networks
The alumni network of your university is one of the strongest links that can help you in getting a job. There are lots of different online universities that have specialized forums for their graduates to meet, discuss, and exchange job posts with each other. Alumni networks are an incredible resource as they usually include job postings that aren’t listed anywhere else. Networking through these networks and attending alumni events provides access to professionals who directly post their career journeys, and the online programs that you may have completed as well.
Contacting alumni to seek advice or mentorship is also very beneficial. They can share behind-the-scenes insight about companies, industries, or job roles that can help put you ahead of the game in your career journey.
Building an Online Presence
Establishing an online presence is crucial for career advancement in the digital era. Having platforms like LinkedIn, industry-specific forums, and personal websites where you can showcase your skills, certifications, and achievements gives you access to a wider audience. A solid online presence guarantees that potential employers or networking contacts will easily find you when you are trying to make the most of your online degree.
Update your LinkedIn profile, adding your relevant skills and knowledge gained from your online degree. If you have completed relevant coursework or projects, then do not hesitate to list things out. Since a lot of companies use LinkedIn to search for candidates, being active in this aspect can present new opportunities for you.
Connecting with Others in the Industry
Getting involved in the professional communities that are relevant to your field is also an excellent way to take advantage of your online degree. A lot of industries have niche forums, discussion groups, and social media communities dedicated to their field where professionals spread information, knowledge, and job openings. There is a lot to learn from these communities, and being part of them tells potential employers that you are active and interested in your field.
Now, say if you get your degree online in marketing, you can go on LinkedIn and Facebook and join marketing-related groups that will keep you aware of trends, news, and other job postings in the field. It makes you stand out as a candidate for future jobs by building awareness of you by participating in those discussions and giving insights.
Informational Interviews — The True Power
Informational interviews offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about industries and companies you are interested in. The interview sessions help explore how established professionals have grown in your field of study. It can help you learn about emerging trends, possible career paths, and in-demand skills within the industry by conducting informational interviews.
Eventually, informational interviews are great for networking because you can learn about people who might have your best interests in mind, and at the same time, they will be part of your professional circle. Keep in mind, with many jobs being obtained through networking, the bigger your network, the higher the odds of someone vouching for you for a job.
Boosting Your Resume and Knowledgebase
Networking is not only about connecting with people — it is also about boosting your profile. One of the critical aspects of networking is organic learning — new trends, tools, and technologies related to your vertical. Many professionals post about related articles,s, or certifications which you can use to enhance your resume. This will ensure that an online degree that you earned years ago stays relevant despite the ever-changing job market.
Attending Online Seminars and Conferences
Though you are earning your degree mostly online, you should also make every effort to attend webinars, virtual conferences, and online workshops. They help you network, learn, and enhance your skills. You will be able to network with people in your industry, ask questions, and learn new ways of applying your online education to the real world.
Additionally, sitting in those types of events shows that you are working towards developing and gaining a skill set, and this can help when it comes time to apply for promotions or new jobs.
Beating the stigma of online degrees
Although perceptions of online degrees have changed dramatically in recent years, some stigma may remain, especially when applying for a competitive job. Networking is the key to getting around this obstacle. Networking with people who recognize the importance of online learning will improve your chances of getting hired.
So if you develop relationships with important people in your industry and prove you are knowledgeable, you illustrate that the quality of online degree education is nearly as good as a traditional one.
Conclusion
There is more to getting the most out of your online degree than simply going to school and graduating with a piece of paper in hand. Networking will only lead to career advancement if you do the work. And each connection — be it an alumni network, a professional community, or an informational interview — can help in your strides toward a career. A robust digital portfolio, effective engagement at relevant events, and regular upskilling will help your online degree do its part for you well beyond the day of graduation. Keep in mind that networking is more than only who you know; it is about building actual chances to send your career forward.
