Comments on: The Dubious Advantages of a Web Design Degree

By: Stefan Mischook

Stefan Mischook — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 07:16:47 +0000

Just as there is cronyism and corruption in government, there is the same in higher education.

Many degrees are in subjects where the skill of the ‘practitioner’ (for lack of better words,) cannot be easily measured … if at all. So now we have this artificial system (master degrees, PHD’s etc) that supposed to ultimately be a measure of ones skill.

… I’ve met many highly educated professionals in many fields who had practically zero REAL knowledge in the field that they were certified as being experts in.

Stefan

By: surreal5335

surreal5335 — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 04:40:58 +0000

This has always been a tough idea to sell to traditionalists of education, especially with regards to IT… formal education not required. My wife’s side of the family is really big on expensive private higher education. Sure they are well versed in academics and run circles around me when it comes to subjects usually found in schools.

My wife is working on her Masters, her sister has a masters, her brother will have a PHD next year, father… masters and her mother (the black sheep of them all :P) dropped out of school to raise her children while writing her thesis for her masters. So me 10 years behind schedule and finally finishing my BS in computer sci… not looking too hot.

Despite this history and my research online and talking with IT professionals, they all refuse to admit that IT employers dont care about degrees or certificates much at all. I would try to explain the employer wants to know you understand that specific topic you are trying to get a job in well, not an introductory base of multiple subjects. They just wont hear it.

I am not saying education is bad… Americas poor education standards is one the biggest reasons we are in the state we are in.

By: Stefan Mischook

Stefan Mischook — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:40:02 +0000

Hi,

The debt/expense is a major issue … especially these days where a degree in web design can easily run you $10000+ whereas we provide the same training for about $100-200!

…. Check out our Complete Training video packages: http://www.killervideostore.com

Beyond that, the four benefits you mentioned (getting placement etc ..) can easily be had on your own.

1. There are many job placement agencies looking for people to place. It cost you nothing.

2. You can get connected via the Web and friends and family. I will put something together detailing that.

3. Portfolio is easy to build, you just need a little discipline.

4. True, degrees can’t hurt but I think the benefits are marginal.

Stefan

By: Mickey

Mickey — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:40:44 +0000

I think these are fair points re a uni degree.

However some things that a uni course is great for.

1 – Getting you a placement.
2 – Getting you better connected and networked thus getting you of to a flying start.
3 – Helping you build a superb portfolio that can be used towards your degree.
4 – A degree cannot hurt. It can only ever make you more employable.

Im not so much arguing ‘for’ a degree here as I personally do not think the debt/expense outweighs the benefits listed above, but feel the need to highlight, there ‘are’ benefits.

By: Alli. B.

Alli. B. — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:41:56 +0000

So true.

By: peekold

peekold — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:50:07 +0000

I got learned web design in the 90s by modifying established websites and learning how they were put together. Later I was told that a formal education would improve my employment prospects. Like a fool, I believed it. The classes were so entry level that by the time I got finished being taught everything I already knew, I had to catch up on new technology.

On the upside I now have an associates degree.

I wish I had had your advice 7 years ago.

By: Bill Cole

Bill Cole — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:31:36 +0000

On the upside I now have an associates degree.

I wish I had had your advice 7 years ago.

By: Stefan Mischook

Stefan Mischook — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:45:42 +0000

@Troy,

I appreciate it.

Stefan

By: Troy

Troy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:11:55 +0000

There is a lot of truth in that my friend. I was just inputting my opinion.

Thanks again for all the great info I have received from your website. I bought 2 of your dvd’s and they rock!

Cheers

Troy

By: Stefan Mischook

Stefan Mischook — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:56:16 +0000

Hi,

As I said in the article, some schools can be very good. My main points were:

1. Don’t get into huge debt.
2. Degrees in web design are not required.

Stef