pros and cons of a bfa?

[skitty770]

I am currently a freshmen at San Jose State, CA and I am trying to figure out if i want to pursue the bfa path in regards to graphic design. I know that graphic design is one of those careers where experience and skill are considered more important than education, but i cant help but think a bfa could potentially help hone my skills even more as a designer?
I know that a mfa could be viewed by employers as "overqualified" but what about a bfa?

Thanks so much for taking the time, it really means alot!

[Buda]

Hi skitty770 and welcome to GDF.

We ask all new members to read the threads posted HERE and HERE. They will give you all the info you need on how the forum runs, the rules and regulations, frequently discussed topics as well as clearing up any baffling inside jokes.

Design is really competitive and without some proof of education, it's hard to even get an interview. Not many employers require an MFA, but it really depends on what you want to do once you finish studying. Do you want to teach? Do you want to work in an agency? Freelance?

Every area is different so have a look at job postings for design positions in your area and see what they require.

[<b>]

Originally Posted by skitty770

I know that graphic design is one of those careers where experience and skill are considered more important than education, but i cant help but think a bfa could potentially help hone my skills even more as a designer?

Skill and experience might be more important than a diploma, but in today's economy, without that diploma you will likely never have a chance to develop those skills or get that experience.

[Cosmo]

Originally Posted by skitty770

I am currently a freshmen at San Jose State, CA and I am trying to figure out if i want to pursue the bfa path in regards to graphic design. I know that graphic design is one of those careers where experience and skill are considered more important than education, but i cant help but think a bfa could potentially help hone my skills even more as a designer?
I know that a mfa could be viewed by employers as "overqualified" but what about a bfa?

Thanks so much for taking the time, it really means alot!

You're not going to get an interview without a 4 year degree no matter how much experience you have. You don't need a MFA unless you want to teach or the specific job calls for it, but you definitely need a bachelor's.

[Sketcher]

You don't need to have a degree to be a good designer, but you do need one to get ahead of all the competition in today's job market. Most employers won't even read a resume unless they see a Bachelors degree on there right away.

[KitchWitch]

Originally Posted by Sketcher

You don't need to have a degree to be a good designer, but you do need one to get ahead of all the competition in today's job market. Most employers won't even read a resume unless they see a Bachelors degree on there right away.

Agreed. Being a good designer will get you the job, but in the corporate arena, it's the degree that will get you the interview.

[emersonkelly]

Originally Posted by KitchWitch

Agreed. Being a good designer will get you the job, but in the corporate arena, it's the degree that will get you the interview.

For the resume to get shortlisted I mean to get an interview call we need degree but after getting shortlisted we must prove ourselves by our skills!!

[KitchWitch]

Hi emersonkelly and welcome to GDF!

We ask that all new members take a few minutes read through important threads here and here. These will explain our rules, answer frequently asked questions and explain some of the long running jokes you'll run into.

Enjoy your stay.