How an Online Degree Boosts Your Career Prospects

How an Online Degree Boosts Your Career Prospects Some things in life are destined to go hand in hand. Whether it’s crackers and cheese, Ant and Dec or gin and tonic, one typically doesn’t work without the other   and we’d like to add the internet and a university qualification to this list. While most probably imagine university to be a time for leaving home, skipping lectures, gaining an alcohol dependency and running up incalculable debt, the times are definitely a-changin’. Yep, gone are the days when the only way to boost your qualifications was through a stuffy bricks and mortar institution, as online degrees are now enjoying a surge in applications from eager students. Although some folk choose to study for their first undergraduate degree via distance learning, a large majority of learners are actually busy professionals looking to climb the career ladder. But what are the real benefits of gaining an online degree? Further Education Demonstrates Commitment Aside from helping you reach your educational and vocational potential, completing an online degree demonstrates to current and future employers that you’re an ambitious self-starter with a real thirst to get ahead of the competition. Not only that, but by opting to learn while you earn, you avoid struggling for cash, as the flexible nature of distance learning means your course is designed to fit around your work â€" and other commitments â€" while you supplement your educational skills. Learn to Expand Your Vocational Horizons Although some learners choose to take a course to boost their skills and climb the corporate ladder in their current role, many ambitious people will take the plunge and use distance learning to study something completely different. Whether you’re currently in a finance role but fancy heading into the educational sphere or you work with computers but want to become an English teacher, there really are no limits to where a recognised qualification from an accredited university can take you. Get More Money Although this isn’t always the case, it’s widely accepted that better qualified candidates will have more opportunities to land highly paid positions. While some vocations pay well without the need for a university education, this often requires many years of experience in the role. Of course, it all depends on what job you want to do, but research has revealed the average salary for UK graduates in full-time employment six months after graduation range between £18,000 and £24,000, although investment banking and law offer much higher starting salaries. Now it’s your turn Have you boosted your career prospects with an online degree? Would you recommend this didactic route to our readers? Please let us know by leaving a comment below â€" we’d love to read your thoughts. 2