Make Online College Your New Year’s Resolution
What’s on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Is online college among lofty goals like losing weight and writing a novel?
A survey conducted by FranklinCovey Productions found that the top three New Year’s resolutions for 2010 were: to improve financial situation, to lose weight, and to develop a healthy habit like exercising or healthy eating. So, if you are already working toward such praise-worthy goals? Why not add online college to the list.
Here are just a few of the reasons we think you’ll be glad you did:
- You will earn your degree.
- You can stay qualified in your industry or get re-certified in your field.
- You can work on school work while keeping up with your career and full-time job.
- You can take online courses to learn a new hobby.
- You can qualify for promotions.
- You can finally land that dream job.
- You can change career paths to something you enjoy more.
- You can earn more money.
- You will be able to take online college courses wherever you are, even when you travel.
- You will set your own, flexible course and graduation schedule.
- You can find an online school that has a program specializing in your field of interest.
- You can take care of responsibilities at home, like kids, while you take online courses.
- You can make yourself more marketable by becoming specialized in a specific area of your industry.
- You can finish the degree you already started.
- You can network with fellow professionals in your industry.
About Rachel Call
Rachel is a writer who currently writes for My Colleges and Careers and focuses on website content, press releases, and blogs. In her spare time she likes to read murder mysteries, bake, play games, fish, and go to basketball games.
I was able to finish a Masters in Education program online. I can tell you from personal experience that there are two things to consider if you are thinking of doing it. First, find a school that has a traditional campus that also offers an online program. That way in the future when you send your resume out those that are still closed minded about online education will not be able to determine just from your resume how you got a degree. Second, if you are not a strong self starter do not do an online program. When you are at home and have all the distractions of your normal life available to you it can be hard to sit there and read four chapters, or to write a paper. I got my degree with Dominican University (http://www.dominicanu.com). There are lots of choices out there now. Take your time and find the right one for you.
Excellent advice, Brett. HR professionals seem to be looking more favorably upon online degrees, though opting for an established school with a campus presence would certainly make things easier. As someone who is familiar with completing assignments from home, it can definitely be challenging. While not impossible for people to finish an online degree, having your own source of motivation will go a long way.