[gray]

I am 21 and have so many commitments now that I would find it extremely hard to get to Uni, although it is someting i could work towards.

But as there are quite a few experienced / established designers on here, I was wondering whether or not you feel that a nice design related degree is a neccessary addition to your CV, or whether quality work* alone is good enough to secure positions (as well as some experience in the field)

*I dont think my work is quality yet, but I am trying to get there

[herbcrawler]

I did a two year part time HNC that although short of a degree was enough to get me into full time work. I would say though that all the degrees in the world wouldnt make me employ a designer unless their portfolio was up to scratch.

[dixon]

Same here, I have no degree, I quit college last year and only work part time, I dont know weather to apply for a university course or just go out and find a full time job!

[Brown]

i think it helps but depends where you got it from. anyone with good qualifications from LCP for instance jumps in my estimations if they are applying to be a designer. However, New Media Degrees i've found (from the people i've interviewed) to almost be a waste of time if you plan on becoming a 'Multimedia Desginer'. Best to specialist in something - Typography, Product Design, etc.

ps i seem to recall being told that the established designers left on the last bus.

[Bill Posters]

Originally Posted by Brown

anyone with good qualifications from LCP for instance jumps in my estimations if they are applying to be a designer.

hurray for me then.

[aaron]

I know some really great designers that don't have a degree.. and likewise some really bad designers that 'do' have what you would consider a relevant degree.

In the 'design' industry (by that, I don't mean a web 'builder'), it's talent that matters... and you don't define talent with a degree, you define it with your work.

I doubt anyone with a suitable portfolio [for the job] would be turned down due to lack of qualifications, unless it is a general company policy to do so (such as BBC).

[Bill Posters]

As idealistic as it might sound to do it, I wouldn't rely on talent alone if you're thinking about moving into the industry by climbing up in other agencies.
It might sound dull to play it safe, but it's worth noting that it's highly unlikely that anyone ever got turned away purely because they *did* have a degree.

There are other reasons why I'd recommend the degree route, but I won't go into them right now (too close to the end of my working day to muster up a lengthy post)


[brief addedum]

Just to quickly add on to a point made in an earlier post...

a bad degree is almost as worthless as having no degree at all and in many cases anything below a 2:1 will see you cv being pushed to the bottom of the pile or filed in the short, round filing cabinet next to the desk.

If you're serious about looking into doing a degree then it's worth being selective about where you want to apply. The right college course will do more than improve your work and thought processes.
As had already been pointed out, the right college name on your cv will open some doors and trigger interest amongst many employers all on its own.

[smallbeer]

Originally Posted by Bill Posters

(too close to the end of my working day to muster up a lengthy post)

Thank the lord!

[oli]

the right college name on your cv will open some doors and trigger interest

such as ?

[smallbeer]

Originally Posted by oli

such as ?

Just writing it on your CV doesn't count Oli

I did worry about how Bradford University is perceived. You can't get away with saying "that university near Leeds".

[oli]

Just writing it on your CV doesn't count Oli

of course I would back it up with the relevant paperwork - http://www.fakedegrees.com/fakedegrees/samples.asp

[smallbeer]

I done an a-level in art & design, and one in graphics, never went to uni. I am working full time as a web designer, I got in as a jounior designer under the wing of another designer who taught me feck all... got paid nothing well it may of well been nothing, got made redunant after 9 months and now working for quite a big company as there only designer, things are going well. My mate who went to uni to do web design got a job but was sacked after three months not enough creative thought. I cant see how you can be taught to be creative you are or you arnt, you can be shown ways methods etc, but they dont mean jack if you cant crack up a wicked idea/design.

[Brown]

you can be taught how to spell though. missed that day did you?

[sleepingfish]

Capital letters at the beginning of sentences are good as well.

[flatcat]

*lol*

anyway, I think if you want to be extremely succesful in this industry that a degree is pretty much needed. Not necessarily what they'll teach you (since some can't even teach you anything..), but the basis of getting work and good jobs in this industry is all networking and developing connections. This starts when you're in school, and IMHO this is one of the biggest benefits of going to school. It's not like being a natural talent and having all of the skills out of high school, you still don't know anybody in the industry and then you have to rely on your ability to write a resume as to who you know. It's kinda sad, but if you're capable of playing the proper games in this industry (which all begins on the first day of post-secondary), you can go a lot farther than simply relying on your abilities. I personally decide to have a lil from column A and a lil from column B

[edit]
I still put natural flair and talent because it can take you a long way, especially in this industry, and if you're good at networking (going to user groups and conferences and stuff), you can develop it anyway short of school, I just think that it's a great asset going to school...

[Brown]

good is such an atrocious word. how about: agreeable or congenial or favorable or even welcome?

i've never forgotten some bird in my english lit class describing wuthering heights as '...a bit shit.'

[oli]

joining the masons is always a help when looking for work

Scarey : An ex boss of mine was in the masons and tried to recruit me .. tales of speeches, fancy dress, secret secret, king of england was really the ripper etc etc ..

[Brown]

the flat one has a point. old school does help. i've come across some of my biggest clients through old school connections. (come, as in the verb 'encounter' before anyone gets on it)

[aaron]

Originally Posted by Bill Posters

...it's worth noting that it's highly unlikely that anyone ever got turned away purely because they *did* have a degree.

Sorry - I think that's a really pointless comment... almost as if you're intentionally playing Devils Advocate?

Although your blindingly obvious statement is true, I don't think I would choose to sign up to University for 4 years of my life to "play it safe"... particularly as a mature student with commitments (as is this case).

I'm afraid that as a designer, you're not gonna get any job (that isn't at a printers) unless you have a good (read: adequate/appropriate for the job) portfolio. No-one in the right mind will take you on as a designer with no portfolio but a good degree, although turn the tables (no degree and good portfolio) - and you would have an excellent chance.

Footnote: Obviously having both is the ideal scenario, but I think the portfolio is a million times more important - if it is a choice...