How useful is a Distance Learning degree while applying for Jobs?

Distance learning programmes score over a regular degree in many aspects. Besides flexible study timings, a student can get access to exhaustive study material that is easy to understand. Those who need an extra qualification to boost their job prospects should opt for it.

Added qualifications can only brighten your job prospects, says Lisa Gupta, who has done an off-campus MBA programme in finance from Sikkim Manipal University. “The MBA programme in finance helped me immensely as it broadened my horizons and I managed to get a government job,” says Gupta, who is now working with the State Bank of India in Hoshiarpur. Gupta, however, says finding a job may be difficult in some cases if you hold a distance learning degree. 

The popularity of distance learning courses can be assessed from the fact that IGNOU has more than 3.5 million students on its rolls. This is because distance education has expanded its reach immensely in the last few years. Knowledge is being imparted through various media such as print, audio-visual techniques and even satellite technology. “As far as finding a job is concerned, it does not matter whether you hold a regular or a distance learning degree. All those who have done courses through the distance learning mode are eligible for employment if the degree is approved by the Distance Education Council (DEC),” says Vikas Gupta, director, DEC.

In areas such as sales, for example, if you need graduates from anywhere, it doesn’t really matter whether a person studied full-time or through correspondence.

Also, one would want to examine why a person went in for distance learning. If it followed a poor academic record, it wouldn’t be helpful. On the other hand, if a CA has a (DE) certificate in management, it will add weight to his resume and make his profile look more rounded; it will be valued.

Let's read about what Komiti Gouri has to tell us about her experience, after completing a three-year course in civil engineering from Behrampur , she thought of expanding her knowledge base and improve her skills. She had an option for a distance learning course from IGNOU, as it was economical, offered flexibility of timing and this enabled her to pursue self study. 

“Civil engineering is a competitive field, especially when it comes to getting a job in the public sector. The B.Tech programme in construction management from IGNOU offered great scope. The degree came in handy during my job hunt as my employer was looking for candidates who were new to practical training,” says Gouri, now an assistant engineer with BHEL in Hyderabad, who won a gold medal in IGNOU’s 2009 batch of B.Tech in civil engineering.

When it comes to getting a job, candidates need not despair, say experts. “It does not matter whether you hold a regular or a distance learning degree. Those who have done courses through the distance learning mode are eligible for employment if the degree is approved by the Distance Education Council (DEC),” says Vikas Gupta, director, DEC.

Source: HT Horizons