Introduction: Why Choose Online Colleges for Career Advancement?
Are you an adult learner pursuing a college education for career advancement purposes? If you are, you’re in good company. In Fall 2022, there were about 2.9 million adult learners in undergraduate programs. A college degree opens up opportunities for supervisory and managerial positions.
If you’re a traditional college student, a college degree also leads to career advancement. You’re in good company, too, with 12.8 million fellow students. A college degree could be your golden ticket to high-paying entry-level jobs.
Regardless of where you belong in these categories, online colleges can be your best choice. Why? Online colleges provide exceptional career support services. You will receive the best boost possible to get a leg up on your career advancement.
Featured Programs
Of course, online colleges provide many benefits that contribute to degree completion. You want to earn a college degree because it’s where good things in your career will start.
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Flexibility, accessibility, and convenience
Online classes are accessible from any place with an Internet connection. Asynchronous classes are even better with their 24/7 access to learning materials. You can complete your weekly assignments at your own pace, too (i.e., self-paced).
Affordability
Most online colleges have more affordable tuition and fees. Plus, you can save on relocation, transportation, and other campus-related expenses. Financial aid is also available.
Online colleges also offer a wide range of programs that address every career goal. Skills development and networking opportunities are available.
Indeed, online colleges are the way to go if you’re looking for effective career advancement.
Career Advancement Resources Provided by Online Colleges
The best online colleges have dedicated offices that offer career advancement resources. The University of Pennsylvania and Northeastern University are prime examples.
As an online student, you must take full advantage of these services and resources. Think of it as getting the best bang for your buck from your tuition and fees. You’re not only getting a college education but the perks and privileges that come with it.
These career advancement services are also offered for good reasons. Online colleges want to see their graduates succeed in their careers. The better their graduate outcomes, the better their reputation.
With that said, here are the career advancement resources and services offered by the best online colleges.
Career counseling services
Dedicated career counselors provide students with group and one-on-one sessions. Students engage in career-related SWOT analysis and goal setting, among others. Both work on determining possible career paths based on these sessions.
Career counseling services also include discussions on effective job search techniques. Networking, job market analysis, and mock interviews are popular.
Career development workshops and webinars
Virtual events are common in online colleges. This is true for career development workshops and seminars for online students. Here, students learn soft skills vital for career advancement. Negotiation, communication, and collaboration skills are popular topics.
Students also gain industry-specific knowledge and insights that classroom discussions can’t provide. Industry experts and professionals are usual guests at these events.
Alumni networks
Being in touch with alumni can boost your career advancement opportunities, too. Alumni can provide job leads, references, and mentorship. Students can gain industry insights from alumni who have “been there, done that.” The personal relationships and professional connections bring many benefits.
University of Florida, University of Nebraska Omaha, and Purdue University have extensive alumni networks. These online colleges encourage online students to tap into alumni connections.
Job placement services
Career development services also include job placement services. These services enable graduates to find jobs faster. Exclusive access to job boards and listings is common. Students can also make direct connections to employers, thanks to institutional partnerships. Internships, job shadowing, and coop education are also available.
Job search support
Being disappointed with your first post-graduation job doesn’t have to happen. Look into job support services offered by your online college. Get constructive feedback on the jobs you’re planning on applying for. Listen to the feedback and remember them when job hunting. Join career fairs and employer meet-and-greet events, too.
Resume workshops
Think of your resume as an introduction to who you are and what you bring to the table. Take advantage of resume workshops even when your current resume seems okay. There’s always room for improvement, particularly in competitive job markets.
Resume workshops enable students to create effective, persuasive, and tailored resumes. Students also create effective cover letters and optimize LinkedIn profiles.
Each of these career advancement services serves specific purposes. When combined, these services prepare students for success in their careers, particularly in landing their dream jobs.
Support Services to Help You Succeed
Besides career advancement services, online colleges also provide student support services. Students must also take advantage because these foster academic success. Academic success, in turn, promotes career advancement.
If you earn excellent grades, you can brag about it on your cover letter and personal statement. Your above-par knowledge and skills can lead to high-paying positions. Besides, you paid for these services through fees, so get the best bang for your buck.
Tutoring services
Virtual group and one-on-one tutoring services are available. Many online colleges also offer online tutoring resources with 24/7 accessibility. Personalized assistance and flexible schedules are hallmarks of the best services. Students learn soft skills, such as writing and research skills, during tutoring sessions.
Online colleges also provide writing and math services. The writing services are particularly useful for students in their job search and career progression, too.
Mentorship and coaching programs
Students work with faculty members and professional coaches during mentoring sessions. These sessions cover career guidance and networking opportunities, among others.
Networking events
There’s a common misconception that online colleges don’t have networking events. But this isn’t true. Online colleges provide students with in-person and virtual opportunities to expand their connections. Job fairs, industry conventions, and workshops are common.
Students also engage in group projects and discussions for collaborative learning and networking. Many online colleges even have study-abroad and community immersion programs. NYU, Syracuse University, and Michigan State University are prime examples.
Academic advising
Students work with academic advisors to plan their academic journey. Selecting majors and minors, choosing courses, and understanding academic policies are part of the process. The admission-to-graduation services promote career advancement by setting a clear path toward graduation.
Mental health and wellness services
Counseling services are useful in maintaining mental health and wellness. Juggling work, studies, and family commitments is stressful. Mental health and wellness services provide resources to deal with stressors.
When the going gets tough, the tough resort to student support and career development services. There’s no shame in asking for help.
Increasing Your Earning Potential
Online colleges can increase earning potential among students and graduates. Here are ways where online colleges make it possible:
Enjoy flexible learning options.
Your earning potential increases when you can earn advanced credentials. There’s no need to leave your current job either, thanks to flexible scheduling.
Earn an advanced degree and professional certifications.
Skill-based hiring is on the rise. But, a college degree and professional certifications are still the standards for competence. This is particularly true in high-demand fields, such as healthcare, engineering, and computer science.
Online colleges offer an A-to-Z range of degree and certificate programs to meet every need. Your earning potential can increase with an advanced degree or certification. The increase is significant, too, as BLS’ Education Pays graph shows.
Grab networking opportunities and make industry connections.
Studies have shown that networking has several job search and career advancement benefits. A wider and stronger network means access to more job offers and faster job matches, usually 1-3 months shorter than without it.
Job offers are also better in quality and with longer retention. Your earning potential can increase with high-quality job offers. You can also climb the corporate ladder if you stay with a job longer.
Use career development services.
Increasing your earning potential means being hired for a high-paying job. In turn, landing a well-paying job means you come prepared for the hiring process. When you take advantage of career development services, you’re prepared for success. You have an effective resume and aced the interview, among others.
Gain real-world experiences.
Being book smart has its merits. But when you’re also street smart, so to speak, your career can take off. Employers appreciate employees with real-world experiences and perspectives.
Online colleges make it possible through in-person and virtual internships. Real-world capstone projects, apprenticeships, and coop programs are also popular. These real-world experiences are crucial for skills development and industry exposure.
Aligning with the Income-Based Tuition Model
The income-based tuition model requires adjusting tuition rates based on the income levels of students and their families. Examples include sliding-scale tuition and income share agreements. Harvard University and Arkansas State University adopted the income-based tuition model.
There are many benefits that the income-based tuition model brings to the table.
Affordability and accessibility
Even with financial aid, tuition and fees are a significant barrier to higher education. Under this model, low- to moderate-income students pay less. In turn, a college education becomes more accessible to less disadvantaged populations (i.e., more diversity).
Student loan debt reduction
Low- to moderate-income students who pay little to no tuition and fees are less likely to take student loans. Less financial strain means better academic performance and greater chances of degree completion. With a college degree, more career advancement opportunities open up.
With higher income from career advancement comes economic mobility. But it isn’t just economic mobility either. College graduates tend to enjoy a better quality of life for themselves and their families.
Promoting Economic Mobility Through Education
Again, economic mobility is among the foremost online education benefits. Landing a high-paying job with your online college degree means more economic freedom. Being able to put your children in good schools and perpetuating the cycle of academic excellence in your family brings societal benefits, too.
An educated and skilled workforce encourages innovation and promotes civic engagement. Indeed, it’s safe to say that human resources are the best resources our nation can take pride in.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Future with Online Education
Online colleges offer flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. Indeed, you’re making the right choice with online education. You can enjoy work-life balance while pursuing your college degree.
Furthermore, online colleges provide excellent career support services for their students. Go and take full advantage of these resources and services. Keep in mind our career success tips. In doing so, you’re creating a strong investment in your future.
Plus, online education is an investment with higher returns than an on-campus degree. Affordable tuition, savings on indirect costs, and widespread recognition of online degrees make it so.
Come and check out our recommendations for the best online colleges. We promise that it’s a step in the right direction for your career advancement.