I am about to go off to college and am deciding where to go. I don't really want to leave home and am considering C.W. Post, but my mother wants me to go to Drexel because of its better reputation. But its farther from home and I will have to go to classes all summer my sophomore year because co-op is required for 6 months of my junior year. As I hope to become a graphic designer, my question is that when I go to find a career in this field, will the chances of my getting the job strongly rely on where I recieve my degree between these 2 schools? And what do you guys think of Drexel or Post if you know anything about them?
2007-03-14 08:22:48 · 4 answers · asked by shatteredstar00 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Your mum is right in terms of reputation. Drexel has a good rep in the design field - it's known for its design programs. CW Post is not known as an art school.
But you're right in terms of fit. If you feel that Drexel is too far away, you're probably right.
The fit needs to outweigh the reputation.
That said, what others said is correct. In graphic design, it's not necessarily the school you go to, but the portfolio of work that you have, which will get you jobs. Although, if you go to one of the top schools, it can help get you in the door, it's still the portfolio that's going to sell you.
If you feel CW Post is a better fit, so long as they offer the major you want, go there. It's a decent school. While you're there, make sure you do things to build your portfolio and your experience, so you'll be employable upon graduation. Do co-ops, internships, and volunteer work in your field, both on campus and off. Take advantage of every opportunity to build that portfolio, and to build a network of contacts in the field, and you'll do better than most upon graduation.
Make sure you take some courses that teach you computer skills, because they'll be very useful in design. It may also help if you learn how to type, because that helps you do some of the work more quickly.
If you're still open to applying to other schools, programs that might appeal to you may include:
-The Pratt Institute
-School of Visual Arts
-Parsons
2007-03-14 09:49:24 · answer #1 · answered by RoaringMice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In graphic design, your chances of getting a job rest solely on your portfolio. Some degrees are about the piece of paper, but in graphic design the degree is about learning and honing your skills. A talented designer can have no degree at all and employers will snap him/her up immediately over a designer with little proven ability but who has a degree. Go to the college that looks like you will enjoy the most and learn the most from.
2007-03-14 08:30:22 · answer #2 · answered by Rex M 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, be sure that you are learning some basic web programming skills and not a bunch of crap. Graphic Design jobs pay very badly ($10-$14 an hour) and have been hard to find, unless you have web design experience you could double your salary! I've never heard of either of those schools, I would personally pick the one that advertises on TV less.
2007-03-14 08:31:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i think when it comes to a graphic design degree the schools are less important. (especially if they are anywhere close in the same reputation category). what is important is your display of work in your portfolio. in your classes learn more that what the book/teacher is showing you by working on your own... my brother did this and he excels with his digital media and graphic design majors... also if during college you find some opportunities to do free/low cost work for local non-profit/community organizations, those are great to put into your portfolio.
2007-03-14 08:30:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋