Bachelor of Commerce (Digital Marketing) - Postsecondary ...

the workforce than graduates of university business programs, with several employers singling out co‐op
experience as the key differentiator.
In terms of salary, a large majority of employers stated that they would not pay employees with
university degrees more than employees with college degrees, indicating that pay scales are set
according to the position, not educational qualifications. On the same basis, many employers also said
that they would not offer higher salaries to employees with college degrees compared to college
diplomas, if the employees were entering the same position. Following this, almost two‐thirds of
employers supported the continued offering of business diplomas if the business degrees go forward,
although some questioned the long‐term viability of business diploma programs since a college degree
may likely increase minimum educational requirements for entry‐level business positions. There is some
evidence indication that this “credential creep” is already happening, as indicated by the decrease in
number of applications to 3‐year business advanced diplomas corresponding to the increase in 2‐year
diplomas and 4‐year degree programs in our OCAS data analysis.
Employers were evenly split as to whether college business degree graduates would perform differently
on the job compared to university graduates. Several employers described college graduates as “ready
to hit the ground running,” with specialized knowledge that allows them to adapt quickly to the
workplace. Some employers also felt that college students graduate with more realistic expectations
than university graduates, with a few noting that college students have a better attitude and a
willingness to work harder than university students. Many employers also valued the real‐life
experiences brought to the classroom by college instructors, and the close interactions between
students and instructors in small class settings.
“I would probably look at a student with college education before a student with a university
education. College education at the business level is more realistic. Educators at college have
been in business in the real world. An instructor is going to teach not only the course but also
how it is in the real world. The students are given realistic expectations.”
“The beauty of the college program is that if you can have a prestigious college degree program
then you will produce grads that are trained in theory and practical application”.
“Diplomas don't provide professional designations, but degrees would fix this.”
“Right now we have a bias in favour of Fanshawe College. Their lack of pomposity is a big
factor.”
However, some Employers valued the ability of university graduates to work independently and think
critically.
“For higher level positions then I would choose the university candidate, but for mid‐level
positions requiring a lot of teamwork I would choose the college student for their tactical
strengths.”
“I would choose a university grad for the area of critical thinking and working independently.
College students are spoon fed too much and expectations to achieve aren't high enough.
Historically I have felt that a university B.A. shows that they can work independently. My
perception is that colleges take everybody and will graduate everyone.”
LKSB Degree Program Feasibility Study • 2011
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