The Best Degrees for Remote Work: Choosing Wisely

As remote work gains in popularity, many individuals are considering how to prepare for this new work environment. Whether you’re thinking of a double major or a dual degree after an associate’s degree, it's important to understand what types of degrees best prepare you for remote work.

Remote Work and Knowledge Workers

Remote work involves a knowledge worker, an individual whose work is primarily done through a computer and the software and hardware that it operates. Picture yourself sitting in a home office, working on data analysis, creating Excel sheets, and communicating with colleagues via email and phone. This type of work requires strong analytical skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to manage remote tasks effectively.

Data Work and Remote Opportunities

Data work is a crucial component in many enterprises, including marketing, sales, and customer service. These roles often require strong analytical and communication skills. Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are essential for data workers. In addition to these skills, remote workers need industry-specific knowledge. For example, the telecommunications industry requires specialized terms and knowledge that is not typically taught in community colleges or associate’s programs. On-the-job training and industry-specific education are more relevant here.

Challenges of Starting a Remote Job

If you are an inexperienced worker looking for a remote job, it’s important to recognize the challenges. Community colleges cannot provide industry-specific knowledge, especially for roles like marketing, sales, or customer service in companies like ATT, Chevron, or banking. Without a comprehensive understanding of the industry, job hunting becomes more challenging. Double majors or degrees can look impressive, but they do not necessarily demonstrate any superiority over a single degree. Recruiters and hiring managers often prioritize hands-on experience, graduate degrees, and relevant job experience over additional coursework.

Recommended Degrees for Remote Work

Here are some degrees that are particularly well-suited for remote work:

Programming: Programming roles can be performed entirely remotely, with the necessary skills and education in programming languages and frameworks. Digital Marketing: With tools like Google Analytics, social media management platforms, and SEO techniques, digital marketing professionals can work from anywhere. Graphic Design: Designers can create and deliver projects through digital platforms, requiring only a reliable internet connection. Copywriting: As a remote profession, copywriting allows writers to focus on content creation from home or other remote locations. IT Networking and Cybersecurity: These roles can be performed remotely with the right tools and infrastructure, making them excellent choices for remote work.

It’s important to reorient your mindset from that of a high school student to that of a professional manager. Double majors and degrees may impress you, but they don’t necessarily translate to a leg up in the job market. Recruiters and hiring managers look for experience, relevant skills, and practical knowledge rather than simply a list of completed courses.

With a high demand and low supply in specific fields, the job market becomes more favorable. For instance, computer science PhDs with specialized knowledge from top-tier schools often have the luxury of choosing their work arrangements. Conversely, fresh bachelor’s degree graduates in non-technical fields should focus on getting experience and developing relevant skills before seeking remote work.