Degree Vs. No Degree »
This tired old topic is dredged up every time round the graduating season so I thought I’d throw in my two cents. Because, you know, a tired old topic isn’t tired and old until I’ve thrown a hissy fit about it. I’m also tired of hearing the two camps warring against each other. Generally speaking (because I understand there are a few good folks out there who are not petty enough to whine in favour of either) academics rant about how uneducated designers don’t grasp the principles of design, whereas self-taught designers rant about how academics lack real world experience. Because neither flaw can be remedied. Ever.
The only thing that matters is whether or not it is appropriate.
For some people an education is more than necessary – it’s vital. They may not have the relevant network, skills or knowledge. Maybe they’re not motivated to teach themselves theory or find relevant texts. I personally feel depressed if I spend too much time home alone doing private study. There could be a number of reasons someone isn’t ready to make the jump from school to work. The same is reverse. Some people have a get-go mentality and understand how to hone their talents within a working environment, without the need for tertiary education.
Either pathway does not require the validation so often argued in ‘degree vs. no degree’. There are gifted graduates and terrible graduates. There are talented self-taught folks and others are full of shit. Some people can take criticism. Others can’t. Some adapt well to the working world. Others don’t. There are awful universities, terrible online tutorials, great courses and fantastic resources. It’s another case of blaming the flaws of the designer on the tools. A degree is a tool, and it’s down to the individual to make the most of it or decide whether or not it’s right for them.
Personally, university has been an invaluable investment. I like academia. I like theory beyond the predictable. Networking has been both useful and fun. Without university it would have taken me longer to uncover my niche. I won’t lie when asked whether or not I’ve found university beneficial for the sake of appeasing to those who are self-taught. I’ve been taught well by intelligent lecturers and have attended a good institute. But that has been my personal experience and naturally it’s completely subjective.
What do you think about this pretentious, weary topic? Should I blog about other more interesting things instead?
I think a lot of it has to do with where you live/ where you want to work, as well. Truth is, in a large city like my own, you need the piece of paper that says you’re educated to even be considered.
I also love the school feel, which is why I’m going to post-sec. I enjoy the community. And I like to think that I’m being taught by people who know exactly what they’re saying (and not self-teaching from Joe Blow’s website) and I also know that with classmates, I will be competitive. The competitiveness will help push me toward excellence, and hopefully that momentum will continue throughout my career.