Networking through online colleges

So I was talking to my friend yesterday about applying to WGU, he brought up a great point about social networking. His main point was that with an online degree you lose the benefit of networking with others you'd normally have at a brick and mortar college. It really struck a chord with me. It made sense but I want to know what you think and how you've combatted that.

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Comments

Dakinggamer87

I think there is some truth in that as its invaluable experience and a great way of networking. I'm glad I went that route for my first degree meeting people. However, going forward I much prefer the flexibility and cost over traditional schools at WGU but this is just my opinion.

Plus I have the social media of LinkedIn which is a plus so I can still network just in a different context nonetheless.

YFZblu

Attend IT conferences / meetings

stryder144

B&M pros: fellow students could be a source of future job referrals, there is usually an active and visible alumni association, and your professors could notice you and provide either direction, recommendations, or referrals. All very good, very necessary components to have when building a professional network.

The only con to the whole B&M network gathering issue is that few students, straight out of high school, are interested in developing a professional network while they are in school. Many are strictly focused on the assignments, partying, and getting through school in one piece. It is typically the last year or so that they even become aware of how important it is to develop those networks.

In order to minimize the networking shortcomings while attending an online-only school, I would pass along this advice: build out your network using meetup.com, industry specific groups that have local chapters that you can visit/participate in, volunteer what you learn with local charities, linkedin.com, etc. Naturally, this is the same advice I would give to someone attending a traditional B&M school, too.

Jon_Cisco

I don't think you really compensate for this you just do life different.

There is definitely something to be said for making friends and networking but if you are doing this while working full time you might not have to to actually form the relationships you are thinking of. The bigger well recognized schools probably give you an advantage with networking but the average school probably does not. If like many people on this form you are looking at online school and working full time then I don't think you are really comparing top tier schools.

My only suggetion is to be realistic when you consider questions like this. Make sure you make choices that work for you.

Good Luck!

anhtran35

My Networking never came from my college friends. It came from my co workers. Those co workers would move on and I stay connected with them. The other day I got hit up by a former co worker who advise me of an SA position in Germany. We had worked previously in Afghanistan.