Does it matter if a degree is from online or brick-and-mortar schools?

This article originally appeared on USA Today's Ask HR on May 14, 2019

Question: I’m retiring from the military after 24 years and very interested in working in human resources. Are bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited for-profit universities viewed unfavorably by employers, and are online universities viewed differently than brick-and-mortar schools? Also, do certificate programs help in HR? – John

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.: I salute you for your service and congratulate you on your retirement from the military.

More than half of veterans say employment is a top challenge when transitioning from military service to civilian life. That’s partially because employers – and veterans themselves – may have difficulty translating military experience to the civilian workplace.

But it appears you are well on your way to meeting that challenge after identifying a civilian career path and educational opportunities.

Veterans are entrepreneurial and resilient and exhibit advanced team-building abilities – all of which are crucial to success in the workplace. Two-thirds of employers say veterans perform better than their civilian peers, and veterans also tend to stay in jobs longer.

These positive traits and skills transfer well to HR, so your interest in our profession is well-founded, and I think you’ll find yourself well-suited for the role.

Where you earn your degree is not the most important aspect of your qualifications. It’s just one dimension of you as a candidate – and experienced hiring managers understand that.

To illustrate this, many HR professionals say they view online degrees favorably, and most organizations hire candidates with these degrees.

Employers care more about what you studied and how your education and related experiences equip you for a position. You’ll want to work to distinguish yourself in your studies and supplement your education with related work experience and volunteer activities, as well as participate in HR professional organizations. 

Certification matters, too, because HR is more than the facts and figures you know. It’s also about translating those concepts into practical action. Being certified in HR shows employers that you can put your knowledge to use effectively in the workplace.

Keep in mind that certifications differ from certificates because they must be renewed and kept current. That’s what employers are looking for. Keeping your certification up-to-date shows employers you are continuing to gain new knowledge and competence. That’s particularly important because of the pace of change in HR’s work and role.

Whether you decide on certification or certificate, regionally accredited or nationally accredited, online or brick-and-mortar, those traits that made you successful in the military will serve you well as you prepare to enter the HR profession.

I look forward to welcoming you to HR.