I am working currently as an art director with a diploma on hand. I know that the paper doesn’t really make or break you in the creative industry but getting a degree has been a goal of mine.
As much as I like to get a university degree, I am quite afraid as I might end up falling further “behind” in life. Any advice on what I should do?
For context, I went through Nitec+Hi-Nitec+Poly which costed me 7 extra years before I started working full time at the age of 27. Going through a university this coming year would mean that I’ll starting again at 32. I know that if I am to stay and work I would be able to put myself back on track but it would mean sacrificing my goal to get a degree.
Netizens’ comments
Creative director here. A fine arts degree will not increase your pay. I would argue that even further education in UI/UX in paid multi-year courses will not get your far. You’re better off taking short stint courses from Hyper Island or the multitude of similar agencies hawking their offerings.
The fact that you’re only one year in, is especially telling. You probably haven’t even scraped the ins and outs of the business.
You should be working on your book. Showing you’re ready to be a senior creative leading the strategic development of a campaign and honing your commercial craft.
Going through this process for a year or two more will give you more clarity on the next steps to explore. You might be better at planning — which pivots you to a different career path in the industry, you might be better at executing — which can redirect you to a more specific role like directing or content creating — knowing your strengths will help to decide where further training requires.
If you want a degree for kicks, that could set you up for a career outside or adjacent to advertising like Marketing, get a business degree. But caveat emptor — you’d lose years.
Better you make the switch now, and work + study at the same time.