In my opinion, there are ways to develop necessary skills, get real-life experience, and begin a successful career in the design field without spending $50-$100 thousand on a college education. I believe that the alternatives to a normal college education can be even more beneficial in the long-run, especially for people in the design field.
40-60 years ago, a college degree meant more than it does today, simply because people with college educations were much more rare, and therefore more valuable. Today it’s a completely different story, because college degrees are expected, almost like a high school diploma used to be expected. Everyone goes to college. That means that you’ve got a lot more competition as a college graduate looking for a job.
From my observation, most employers are looking for real-life skills even more than a college degree. Certain careers require a college degree and even higher education, such as the medical profession, law, and others. Other professions are much more skill-based, rather than certification-based.
So how can a young designer begin a career in his/her desired field without spending thousands on a college degree and going into huge debt? And why do I believe that college isn’t necessarily the best way to begin this career?
Experience trumps education every time. You don’t learn to ride a bike by reading a book; you learn by going outside and doing it.
Here are a few reasons I think college is not always the best choice:
I say all this speaking as an almost-graduate (I’m finishing my bachelor’s degree in May, 2010). I have spent the last 4 years of my life in classrooms, doing freelancing on the side on evenings and weekends. Without that freelancing experience, I would be completely lost in the design world. I have learned many things in class, but have also learned that nothing educates like working for real clients. I am very grateful for what I’ve learned at school, but I now believe that there are better ways to learn those things.
So what’s the alternative? For young designers eager to get their feet wet, here’s what I would recommend.
To wrap up, I’m not saying that college is always bad, or that no one should go. For certain people, a college degree is the best way to learn the basics of design. My point is that college doesn’t prepare you for the real world, and that some people will benefit much more from a few years of real experience as an apprentice.
What are your thoughts? How did you get started in your career, and how valuable was your education? I’m sure there are many viewpoints on this issue, so please comment below.
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I can most definitely see where you are coming from on this. In my experience college did not teach me very many “skills” but taught me more to be motivated by my competition. I can be very competitive and when I went to college I was surrounded by others who had the same passion for design that I had.
My college degree did provide me with interviews I otherwise might not have had the opportunity with, but as far as my growth as a designer, I feel that I’ve grown more in the last one year out of college than my four years in college. The main thing that kept me from getting a job right out of college was experience. I would see “college degree preferred” in a job post but then right after it “MUST have at least 4-5 years experience”.
I’m glad I have a college degree but wish I had more to show in the end for the four years I committed to it.
Leighton Taylor Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Great points Dan. That’s interesting that 4-5 years of experience was more important than education to your potential employers.
Hi Leighton,
I believe the best way to prepare yourself for a design job is with a solid education combined with at least a 3-month internship.
That’s not to say you can’t be successful without design degree. You can. But I think you’re more likely to achieve this success with the backing of a degree.
On the other hand, you can have a wonderful degree, and be unsuccessful, possibly moving to a role outwith the design profession.
What’s of most importance is a passion for what you do, and a willingness to never stop learning. Combine that with a humble attitude and you’re onto a winner.
Leighton Taylor Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 7:39 am
David,
Yes, passion and teachability are hugely important. Thanks for adding your insight.
I like what you’re pointing here. I’m a sophomore college student, and trying to breakthrough a career in this industry. What I hate about college is they’re making you take up courses which I believe is irrelevant to your chosen field. As for me now, I’m self-teaching myself with the resources I find online so I will have the necessary ‘years’ of experience when I merge into the industry.
By the way, a college degree does not guarantee a person a successful future and career. It can only help but it will always be a mixture of passion and perseverance.
Good luck on your graduation,
Jenelle
Leighton Taylor Reply:
April 19th, 2010 at 6:27 am
Hi Jenelle, thanks for stopping by and leaving your input.
That’s great that you are teaching yourself using online tools. I’ve had to do the same, as my degree program includes only 1 basic course on web design, so I’ve had to learn on my own outside of class.
Good luck with your study and self-teaching! Please feel free to drop in and contribute your thoughts any time.
Leighton Taylor Reply:
March 9th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
That’s true James. A degree can help you get an interview. However, if you do an internship / apprenticeship for 1-2 years, one of two things will probably happen: 1) If you’ve learned well and worked hard, the company you apprenticed at will probably be much more likely to hire you than someone else who isn’t already familiar with their company and part of the team. 2) If they don’t hire you, you still have 2 years of experience and a solid portfolio to show potential employers, and hopefully a good reference from your apprenticeship.
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