Finding Success In Online Learning As An Introvert

The availability of online degrees has opened many doors for students who might otherwise not have been able to continue their education. However, the advantages of online learning also offer a unique opportunity for introvert to reach their full potential. The online learning environment is much less socially demanding than in-person options, which can be very beneficial to introverted students. Here are a few reasons why online degrees suit the natural tendencies of introverts and how they can use them to excel. 

What Are The Characteristics of Introverted Students?

While most people can be introverted in certain situations where they are out of their comfort zone, there are a few characteristics that are unique to students who are introverts.

Introverts Enjoy Solitude—Introverts are comfortable in their own company and don’t mind spending time alone to think, reflect, and recharge. 

Introverts Feel Drained by Crowds—Spending time with large groups of people can be draining for introverts, as they have to expend a lot of energy in social situations.

Introverts Tend To Have Fewer Friends—One common misconception is that introverts don’t like people, but the reality is that they prefer having smaller groups of friends. 

Introverts Feel Overwhelmed By Too Much Stimulation - In contrast to extroverts who thrive in these types of situations, introverts can become unfocused and overwhelmed when engaging in activities or environments that are too chaotic.

Introverts Prefer To Learn By Watching And Not Doing—Instead of trial-and-error, a learning method favored by extroverts, introverts tend to learn by watching a task repeatedly before they are comfortable attempting it themselves. 

How Is Online Learning Beneficial For Introverts?

Based on the characteristics listed above that are typical for introverted students, there are a number of reasons why online learning is a good option for them.

Personal Space— Introverts can struggle to concentrate in noisy and crowded classroom environments. Completing a degree online enables them to work from home or somewhere quiet, where they can better focus their attention. This leads to better concentration and makes it easier to absorb the information instead of constantly being distracted by other extroverted students.

Decreased Social Interaction—Social interaction can be draining for introverts but can be unavoidable in traditional campus settings. Studying online decreases the required social interaction, which means it is far less draining for introverted students. When interaction is required, it can be done in a manner that is comfortable for introverted students. Studying online instead of on campus also means there is less peer pressure to deal with when it comes to partying instead of studying, which can lead to better grades and healthier lifestyle choices.  

Written Communication—It can be a struggle for introverts to reach out for help in traditional classroom environments due to the pressure of speaking up in real-time. Since online degrees favor written communication, they allow introverted students to contact instructors with questions or ask for guidance. It is also easier for introverted students to express their thoughts this way. 

Study at Own Pace—The nature of online degree programs enables introverted students to study at their own pace instead of trying to absorb the information while under pressure. Online degree programs also make it easier to review the study materials repeatedly without worrying about how fast other students are going. This enables introverted students to build their confidence by ensuring they fully understand the subject.    

What Are Good Degree Options for Introverts?

There are very few career paths that don’t involve dealing with co-workers, clients, or customers, but the following degrees are good options for introverts. 

Accounting—An accounting degree is suitable for introverted people. It is a math-heavy major that involves plenty of detailed, analytical work that typically has to be done on your own. Introverts tend to be very detail-oriented, which makes this field rewarding.

Computer Science—The field of computer science also tends to appeal to introverted people as it often requires focused, independent work. The logical and technical skills required to excel in computer science are a good match for introverts.

Engineering - Engineering is a very diverse field, but it typically requires great analytical, precision, and problem-solving skills, which are common traits among introverted people. 

Psychology—Introverts fare much better when dealing with people one-on-one or in small groups and also tend to be very empathetic, which makes psychology a good degree choice. There are also different career paths in this field, many of which involve working alone or conducting research instead of working directly with people.   

Writing - Introverts tend to be good at communicating through writing, which makes them a perfect match for careers such as journalism, technical writing, copywriting, and freelance writing. This line of work is much less draining on introverts as they can do it independently without dealing with training social interaction. 

Biology/Chemistry—Biology and Chemistry are both degree choices that can lead to careers that involve working in lab settings alone or as part of a small team. This is great for introverts who have good STEM skills but would prefer not to interact with large teams of people. 

Conclusion

An online degree can be an excellent choice for introverted students, but some formats suit their personalities better than others. Some online courses feature virtual real-time classes, which can be just as draining as in-person classes. The other drawback is that it is still vital for introverts to get out of their comfort zones occasionally and put themselves in social situations, which can be avoided entirely with online learning. This can cause issues after their studies when they transition into workplace settings where a certain amount of social interaction is required. Nevertheless, online learning can be a great stepping stone for introverted students to find their feet, complete their education, and prepare themselves for their careers.