I’ve met many web designers in my professional career, and they all come from different eclectic backgrounds. Some of these web designers were born knowing they wanted to pursue an artistic profession, while others simply stumbled their way into the design field. Some are profoundly meticulous in their creative endeavors, while the others rely on sparks of inspiration and intuition to guide the way. Some have a degree in web design, while the others don’t have a degree at all. All the web designers I’ve met are of equal talent, but each of their styles and techniques set them apart from each other.
One topic I like to talk about with these web designers when I’m around them is whether or not a degree in web design is necessary in the modern workforce, given today’s fiercely competitive professional design environment, and I’m always surprised by the opinionated answers I get.
Some argue for and some argue against. My opinion, however, is that a degree in web design is a great way to get started in today’s career world. For those of you who are debating whether or not you should get a degree in web design, here are three reasons why going to school for a web design degree might be a viable idea.
You’ll learn the crucial fundamentals of design
Let’s face it: without understanding the fundamental basics of design – both web-based and non – it’s extremely difficult to excel in your artistic endeavors. Much of what is entailed in web design is based on knowing a number of core, fundamental design principles, and without those technical skills, your work will likely suffer. Before you decide to dive headfirst into design projects, take some time to learn the fundamentals of design. I’m not saying that you need to learn these fundamentals at a college or university; in fact, as long as you take some time to hone and grow your fundamental web design skills, that’s all that matters.
You’ll build a portfolio of great work
Part of what helps web designers move along in their career is a strong portfolio of work samples and finished projects. Without an impressive body of web design work to build your professional reputation upon, it’s hard to get a foot in the door at a web design internship, let alone a job. One of the greatest things about studying towards a web design degree is the ability to take some time to build a solid, diverse portfolio of work. Under the guidance of professors, internship advisors, fellow students, and mentors, you’ll be able to take the time required to edit and cultivate a solid body of work that will help jumpstart your design career.
You’ll create a web of contacts
Perhaps the greatest advantage of studying for a web design degree is the ability to build a rolodex of personal and professional web design contacts. Throughout your professional life, you’re going to meet people who can and will help you obtain various internships and jobs. It takes time to build these personal contact, and the four years you’ll be at college is a more-than-enough time to meet and work with professors, internship advisors, mentors, and career recruiters who can help you along in your web design work. As long as you put in adequate time and effort to meet and get to know web design professionals, you’ll be making the necessary steps in building contacts who can help you advance your web design career.
Obtaining a degree in web design isn’t for everyone, but it can certainly help individuals build a web of contacts, create a strong web design portfolio, and learn the fundamentals of basic design.
As a blogger for www.WebDesignSchoolsGuide.com, Rachel Sanders has a passion for helping potential and current web design students fulfill their education and career goals. Always looking for the latest and greatest in web design news, Rachel also writes about education in general, computer technology, and student life. Feel free to leave your comments and questions for her below!
