Question

Topic: Career/Training

Importance Of Certificates/degrees

Posted by Anonymous on 1/15/2012 at 4:16 PM ET 250 Points
I'm in the middle of a job transition, and looking for some feedback as to what is standard in the industry and which option might be my best.

I'm a self-taught writer/editor/marketer/web designer. I own my own business and have directed publications and marketing for a state-wide non-profit that has a convention with more than 10,000 attendees and regularly sent promo e-mails to more than 10,000.

I'm trying to hone in on my skills and take on contractor work in the field while I work on some writing, and possibly down the road get a full-time position in some aspect of marketing (probably copy writing or website).

I do not have a degree, and my question is how important that is in this field? I have more than 8 years' experience...is a degree very important, or do employers/customers care more about your portfolio? I know I personally cared about portfolios, but am unsure if that was just me.

A follow on to that is that I would also like to explore multimedia and promo video production, as that's an area I see a need for and have dabbled in, but do not know well. My local community college offers a certificate in multimedia design (both one through actual credit courses and a less-expensive one through continual education courses); I saw Adobe also offers certification on Photoshop/Premier. I've also found books/self-taught courses.

I'm very comfortable with self-teaching, but wondered if the certificates or an associate's degree would be particularly valuable down the road and the better way for me to obtain the information.

Thank you for any information you can share.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 1/16/2012 at 8:59 AM Accepted
    Some employers will care about degrees and some would rather see a real-world portfolio. The key in applying for a new job is to cater your application to their needs, mapping your skills/experience to the stated qualifications. So before you start thinking about getting a degree, start looking at jobs in companies you'd like to apply for and learn what they're looking for. Do informational interviews with people to learn what the inside scoop is.

    As for learning - if you know you do better being self-taught, do that. If you prefer formal classes, do that. But these days, the proof's in your portfolio. If you're interested in multimedia, start experimenting now. Find a local non-profit that would appreciate your efforts, and do a wonderful job for them. It'll create a win-win for you.
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 1/16/2012 at 7:51 PM Accepted
    My opinion - certificate may add something to you, but not a lot. AA wouldn't.

    One you have a bunch of years experience and can really show what you have done (in your area - having a good portfolio), that is what I would look at.
  • Posted on 1/17/2012 at 10:01 PM Author
    Thank you both--very helpful confirmation.
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