I am currently in two DL masters degree programs (an MBA and an MS in Health Promotion) through two different state colleges at opposite ends of the country. They both finish up within three months of each other. I am curious how employers will look look at the dates of graduation. Any thoughts from those involved in the hiring process?
Often, it seems better not to mention on one's résumé that one's degrees are DL. But in your case, I think you'd better 'fess up. An MBA and an MS should make an excellent résumé. You'll look as learned as one can be without being overqualified. -- Mark I. (not involved in hiring)
I make it a practice not to provide graduation dates unless asked. I graduated at 20, two or three years earlier than my contemporaries. Plus, I had three years of military service completed by that time. I never wanted anyone trying to do the math and figure I was older than I was. (I'm 44.) Some applications ask for the information. Of course, I have to provide it at that point. But I don't put the information on my resume.
Age discrimination is still a big issue in corporate America. If a company wants to hire an MBA graduate, the company's H.R. folks will most often use your graduation date and the number of years you have worked in order to determine your age. With some organizations, as I have experienced with the federal government, age is not an issue. With others, the younger you are the less they will offer when it comes to negotiating your salary. Salaries are often factored into an organization's or company's annual budget. Nonetheless, hiring committees are in the business of getting the best and brightest for the least. It really doesn't matter how many degrees you hold. In the end what counts is how well you market yourself and what skills you have to offer your prospective employer.
It isn't unusual for a master's degree to be substantially complete, but some course, comprehensive exam, or thesis to delay the final completion of the degree. So if I saw two master's degrees that finished at the same time, I would not assume that the bulk of the work for the degrees was being done simultaneously.
