Hey everyone, been loving all the support I've been getting from this site so I figured I'd ask this on here as well. I'm 21, Junior in college pursuing a degree in psychology. Recently, I've had so many people ask me if my major was graphic design I can't keep track. I'm also beginning to question my degree choice and I'm not enjoying it like I was. I know it's late to change my major now but my real passion is art and I think a graphic design degree would make me happier in the long run.
Question being, do you think I should pursue a bachelors, associates, certificate in graphic design? There's a local community college where I can get a certificate in graphic design for 20 credits or an associates in about double that time. I've also been looking at online schools and courses but I'm somewhat weary on this unless someone has some recommendations. Do you think it would be hard for me to find a job with an associates in graphic design and then later work towards my bachelors? Does anyone know exactly what this "certificate" is and if employers would even look at that?
I know this is a long post so I'm very thankful for all that read this and gave their opinion. Thanks for your time as always!
Question being, do you think I should pursue a bachelors, associates, certificate in graphic design?
Dave, you really don't think "WE" can answer that question do you?
Only you can decide what is best for you! Maybe try asking someone a bit closer to you and hopefully they can provide you with the guidance you are looking for.
If they encourage you to go for yours then research graphic design schools in your area as well as online schools and compare them. But I think the final decision on wether to change your major needs to be "YOURS".
I agree with Katrina... its all about what you want to do! just to give my opinion, I think when it comes down to getting a graphic design job, its based on your portfolio and experience. many companies require a degree, but what most employers want to see is what you can accomplish according to the position you are taking in the company. I suggest doing some internships or something where you can get some on the job experience. this will show potential employers that when they hire you, you will know right where to start and will understand how to communicate from a designer standpoint (file formats, reading/laying out spec sheets, color numbers, etc.).
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I agree this is completely my decision, I was just looking for some opinions or what other people would do kind of scenarios. Thanks for the replies, just trying to find my spot. I think I'm going to go for it and change my major, you only live once right? May as well do what you like best..
I graduated high school in 2002, went to college for a year, then left and went to automotive tech school for 2 years. Went back to college as an art major, got my degree and went to work as a mechanic for a year. In the process I started a screen printing / sign shop, and now the shop is overtaking my automotive career (which is fizzling out these days) so I'm considering leaving and putting 100% of my efforts in the printing business. I'm 25 now.
Moral being, you never know what life will throw at you - it's fine to take extra time to pursue different passions, if you can do both at once for a while, it might suit you better in the long run. If you decide to do graphic arts now and then find that you hate the business side of it after school, you won't be able to pursue your other interest of psychology as easily than if you had gotten degrees in both. Then again if you HATE your current major and really have no interest in pursuing it after school, there's no reason to stick with it. I didn't declare my art major until I was a junior in college, and many of my friends changed their major once or twice. I have one friend that graduated as an art major with me, and decided that she really wanted to pursue her love of animals and is now at vet school.
Life is long. Take time to consider your options and really get a feel for your passions and where each might take you in life.
Question being, do you think I should pursue a bachelors, associates, certificate in graphic design?
Depends on time mostly.
I wasted four years of my life on a bachelor's degree I hated. I ended up following it up with a visual arts diploma later. I'm glad I did the diploma - no regrets there. I just wish I could have got to it sooner. I feel like I wasted too many good years where I could have been doing something productive. On the other hand, everything you learn along the way will help you be better at what you do, and you never know how successful you would have been without even the things you wish you hadn't bothered with. I did the diploma when I was actually ready for it, which is why it was so right for me.
Your psychology degree will help you with your marketing and presentation - it's obvious looking at common marketing plans that a lot of people lack even a basic understanding of psychology.
Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb11
There's a local community college where I can get a certificate in graphic design for 20 credits or an associates in about double that time. I've also been looking at online schools and courses but I'm somewhat weary on this unless someone has some recommendations.
Be careful you pick the right course. A good course is worth every minute and then some. A bad course is a waste of time and money. Let's face it, some courses are worth it for the awarded degree alone - but visual arts is not one of them. It's not worth it just for the piece of paper; if you're not learning actual skills, don't do it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb11
Do you think it would be hard for me to find a job with an associates in graphic design and then later work towards my bachelors?
I'm in a different (but similar) job market, so it's hard to say. I'd say that ten years ago things would have been a lot easier. At this point there are many more qualified graphic designers than there used to be, and we're in a global recession.
On the other hand visual communication is increasingly valued, and if you make your psychology degree relevant to that (no reason it can't be) then you don't just have an associates, you have a bachelors and an associates.
If you had a major in psychology, a minor in creative writing, and an associates in graphic design you'd be a good all-rounder in an ad agency environment.
Hey everyone, been loving all the support I've been getting from this site so I figured I'd ask this on here as well. I'm 21, Junior in college pursuing a degree in psychology. Recently, I've had so many people ask me if my major was graphic design I can't keep track. I'm also beginning to question my degree choice and I'm not enjoying it like I was. I know it's late to change my major now but my real passion is art and I think a graphic design degree would make me happier in the long run.
Question being, do you think I should pursue a bachelors, associates, certificate in graphic design? There's a local community college where I can get a certificate in graphic design for 20 credits or an associates in about double that time. I've also been looking at online schools and courses but I'm somewhat weary on this unless someone has some recommendations. Do you think it would be hard for me to find a job with an associates in graphic design and then later work towards my bachelors? Does anyone know exactly what this "certificate" is and if employers would even look at that?
I know this is a long post so I'm very thankful for all that read this and gave their opinion. Thanks for your time as always!
Dave
Why are they asking if you're a graphic designer? Is it because you're creating graphics?
Ask people have said before, we're not going to be able to answer that question for you. BUT, if I were you, I would just work on my portfolio. Most employers (especially graphic design studios/firms) do not care what school or training you've had, it is more like a bonus. Your PORTFOLIO is what gets you hired, you may even find working in your other psychology field full time, and perhaps you can freelance on the side before you decide where you want to go.
I'm 23, so I understand what you're going through because I was there just a few years ago. I have a Bach of Sci degree in Industrial Design (with the intent to become an automotive designer for GM, I'm so glad I didn't take that route now), but all throughout school I blew everyone away (even graphic major students) with my graphic design. I was scouted and hired full time at a graphic design firm when I was a sophmore (I LOVED graphic design, but I hated working for somebody else). Now I own and run a screen printing company and it's been about 2.5 years now, and we're growing rapidly. Now I get to own my own business PLUS be the graphic designer of my own business. Now my friends from college are working 9-5 jobs, most of them didn't even land a design job.
You control your own destiny!!!! Choose your options for yourself, no one else can tell you what to do.
Thanks a lot for the posts everyone. Just talking about this and hearing other people's opinions helps me think a little bit clearer in a hectic time. My passion is art and design. You only live once and I'd like to enjoy myself as much as possible so I think I'm going to take a stab at it. Thanks again to everyone who contributed!
This is a discussion about I need some guidance/opinions for my future! that was posted in the General T-Shirt Selling Discussion section of the forums.
I need some guidance/opinions for my future! 
