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

Employers were evenly split as to whether college business degree graduates would perform differently
on the job compared to university graduates. Some differences were expected based on college
graduates’ practical skills and ability to “hit the ground running,” and university graduates’ broader
knowledge and superior business training. Those few who did not expect differences indicated that both
were degree programs, with similar expectations and learning outcomes.
Hiring Preferences and Online Delivery
While two‐thirds of Employers stated that they would not give preference to a university candidate over
a college candidate when making hiring decisions, one‐fifth of Employers would favour university over
college graduates, viewing university graduates as higher calibre and better critical thinkers and
independent workers.
Although the majority of employers did not perceive online degrees to be any different from other
degrees, one‐third said they would have reservations if the college degree was earned online and would
view those candidates’ qualifications differently.
Pay Differentials
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. Many indicated that pay scales are set
according to the position, not educational qualifications. On the same basis, most Employers indicated
that they would not offer higher salaries to employees with college degrees compared to college
diplomas, if the employees were entering the same position.
Employer Involvement
Many Employers were interested in making their employees aware of the opportunities to earn a
Fanshawe business degree, and believed that courses in Marketing and Business Management would be
particularly useful. By far the preferred mode of delivery for these business courses was a combination
of in‐class evenings and online.
More than three‐quarters of employers said they were definitely interested in participating in the
development and implementation of the new business degree programs – as possible business mentors,
co‐op placement hosts, and Program Advisory Committee members. Close to half of Employers
indicated that they would definitely provide paid co‐op placements across all four business program
areas. The opportunity to participate in co‐op does not appear to affect employer willingness to serve as
HR mentors: of the 11 Employers who are current HR mentors, only one said he/she would no longer be
interested in the mentorship program.
LKSB Degree Program Feasibility Study • 2011
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