A Degree?

[RonSexton]

Hi,
I didnt know where to ask this. But Im looking at getting a job/degree in dreamweaver/graphicarts/design. But I want to know what I need to do in order to get a college degree. That way when I go to look for a job Im covered. I really want a degree because I do see alot of places that mention they want someone with 2 years experience or some type of degree.
So my question is what kind of degree do I need to get to be able to work in the field I mentioned? The thing is I dont know "where" I want to work eventually, but I do know what I want to do.
So whats the scoop?

 

[propita]

Just my ideas, and they may not be spot on:

Since you feel you know "what" you want to do, you need to find out what degrees are preferred to get a job doing that. Then, if there are any schools offering that degree that are "preferred" in that industry. Which ones will give you the greatest chance of getting the internships/job you want.

After knowing which schools are your best options, you need to find out the criteria for getting into those schools. What prerequisites do they have in common? Does any school have special prerequisites? What are your options for fulfilling them--city/community college or directly to that school? What can you do to ensure your admittance into the school you desire--internship or other experience? Competition at most schools is pretty fierce, you need to give yourself all the help you can just to get in.

That's just off the top of my head.

 

[Bears Discover Fire]

From the perspective of someone whose work/education is not graphic arts/web design but intersects with it heavily:

An associate's degree with work experience you garnered while earning the degree should land you an entry level job - eventually. Remember, it's an artistic field. Be advised that graphic/web design is a field with a lot of freelancers, and a very high unemployment rate. Bachelor's and Master's in Graphic arts/web design are out there- I'd advise you to consult with people in the industry to see if degrees higher than AA are worth pursuing. In my experience as a photoshopper with a photography BA, I'd say anything higher than an AA is good if you want to be a specialist as opposed to a generalist.

Start at the community college level -- in my experience, schools that specialize in art & design tend to be for-profit institutions that will mire you in debt without offering anything inherently superior to a CC. There's no inherent advantage to going straight to a specialty school versus attending a CC, at least for earning your basic skill set. In fact, amongst people I know, those who studied art & design at the CC level emerged better connected and in less debt than the ones who did the expensive schools. Think beyond the CC if and when you wish to specialize. DO YOUR HOMEWORK and research potential schools throughly - CC and art & design schools both. Never, ever take just their word for their reputation in the industry you wish to go into, or exactly how they'll prepare you for your career. Google them, talk to current and former students, cold call working professionals if you have to - get the scoop before you invest the time, money and lifestyle into a school.

Some specific advice I've gleaned from my experience job hunting in the art, media and design worlds: While in school, obtain at least a working knowlege of the complete Adobe Creative Suite, and as many web design languages you can. Learn it all on Mac *and* PC (cross-platform compatibility is vital in this industry). Employers like seeing a long list of programs you are proficient in. I often see Photoshop, Illustrator, Dream Weaver, and After Effects lumped together as programs employers expect you to know.

I cannot stress this enough: begin looking for internships, assisting jobs or entry-level positions while still in school. The earlier, the better. The closer the work puts you to your desired field, the better. MAKE YOUR SCHOOL'S CAREER SERVICES DEPARTMENT EARN THEIR DAMNED PAYCHECKS, and don't wait until a few months to graduation to engage them. Work with them from the beginning. The more work experience you have, the better off you are. Period. If you come to an employer with both the degree and 2-3 years experience, you're going to have a HUGE edge over the guy who comes to the same employer with a shiny degree and nothing else. Higher chance of being hired, higher starting salary (which can affect your earning power for the rest of your working career). Note on internships: by law, the internship must either pay you or give you school credit. If it offers neither, PASS. If you see a temp-to-hire situation where they want you to work for free/without school credit for months on end while they decide whether to hire you (usually at below market wage), PASS.

 

[Rett Mikhal]

My experience taught me that the entire college system, top to bottom, worldwide, is corrupt and broken. It will collapse imminently, so you're better off getting real experience and doing night school.

 

[iguana_tonante]

My experience taught me that the entire college system, top to bottom, worldwide, is corrupt and broken. It will collapse imminently, so you're better off getting real experience and doing night school.

You attended all universities in the world? Impressive.

And doubtful.

 

[Bears Discover Fire]

My experience taught me that the entire college system, top to bottom, worldwide, is corrupt and broken. It will collapse imminently, so you're better off getting real experience and doing night school.

You attended all universities in the world? Impressive.

And doubtful.

What I don't understand is how he declares the entirety of the higher education system in jeopardy, yet advocates night school in the same breath.

 

[Brent]

Well start by getting your two year Associates degree. Apply at a local community college (best economical sense) and obtain a two year Associates Degree in the closest thing you can find to the field you are interested in. Many colleges offer more specific degrees with focus on on more specific topics, but even if you just have to get a general degree, do it, 2 years will lead you into doing the last two years for your Bachelors Degree at a University. You have to start somewhere though, and the first place is a 2 year Associate Degree. Between semesters, or at any free time you might have, community colleges will also offer "Certificate" programs, where you can get Certified in specific topics, like Web Design, Graphics etc... You just have to see what is around your area.

Arizona has some great schools for learning graphics design. An example: http://www.collinscollege.edu/

 

[RonSexton]

Thats alot of good info.
Just as a FYI, Im in Wisconsin. Id prefer not to have to go out of state. I was hoping to be able to get a degree at a Technical College. Im already slightly proficient at Dreamweaver and Photoshop and Illustrator. Im self taught. But Most jobs I see on CareerBuilder say they want someone with a degree. Its been a while since I looked. But I dont think any of them will just take a guy off the street because I say I can use these programs and have been learning on my own.
Thats why I want a degree, to be able to back it up with. I understand some peoples views of College and I actually agree with them for the most part. I have ALOT of friends who went off to 4 year state colleges after high school for one thing or another but are living at home with Mom and Dad. As far as Im concerned the major state universities are just there to pump money out of young people and keep them tied down with ridiculous debt so that they have no choice but to participate in the American Dream and keep paying on that 100,000 dollars worth of student loans. And then they cant get a job in what they trained for...
Enough of a rant. But in this case I do believe a degree would be best. The reason I ask is because I dont know what I actually should get a degree in to suit my interests...