MA: any point?
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- coolhipNgroovy
Is there any bonuses to getting an MA? Do employees actually acknowledge the qualification? I am tempted to do a part time MA in Communication Design, mainly to learn something new as training at my current job is non existent.
What do you reckon peeps?
- Jaline0
Not sure if it has any importance in the design world, but in many jobs it's easier to get a higher position if you have an M.A. It's also probably good if you want to be a teacher.
I think I'm giving up on that. Rather get a job right away.
- woodyBatts0
I have an M.A., it's good if you want to teach, or to develop yourself as a designer / artist.
For working, there really is no substitute for making good work, and networking through clients, Art Directors and Creative Directors.
- kezza_20
I did the MA in Communication Design at St Martins, Fulltime. I suppose it worked for me. I'm a CD in a big agency at 30 which is pretty young and I earm more money than I thought I would of.
Saying that a friend who did the same BA as me but didnt to the MA is in an equivilant job on the same money at the same age.
So difficult to say. He got a placement, I did an MA, both ended up at the same place.
Having the extra year after uni, allowed me to focus on which creative sphere I wanted to go in, as I didnt know. I went for Digital on the MA.
Good course, but out of 50 students only 5 were English, so a lot of it was a money generator for CSM. Personally I'd think about somewhere else other than CSM these days. Hypermedia at Westminster, RCA or out of London like Surrey or Watford depending on what you want to do.
Hope that helps
- creative-0
Eventually I want to teach/lecture so I'm going to have to do one at some point. Putting it off as long as possible. If you want to do it, go for it. It's a decision that needs no validation from anyone other than yourself.
- Not sure that last line makes sense but you get the gistcreative-
- Well putwoodyBatts
- coolhipNgroovy0
Thanks kezza, that does help. Working in Plymouth means there are not many agencies that want to spend money on their staff helping them be the best at what they love.
creative- I'm not really interested in teaching (just yet), just learning more and creating some stunning work! I think yet another company move might be in the pipeline. (pooh)
- kezza_20
Often if you're on the working ladder, just keeping on ploughing away will help you more than dropping out and studying.
My advice, freelance or get a new job, and have a plan over the next 2 years, the average length of an MA, where you want to be.
The advice I've always adhered to is don't work somewhere more than 18 months if it isnt perfect. By keeping moving, it's kept my portfolio ticking over and gained me a better salary every time i've moved.
- coolhipNgroovy0
Kezza, how long have you been at your current job?
- detritus0
As already started, unless you're an academic I really don't see the point in these kind of higher qualifications.
Seems to me to be a ruse for late twenty-something perennial students to stay in a safe, cosseted environment where they're unchallenged by the real world.
For the design, web, motion, graphic or whatever industries - it's talent and/or hard, practical experience that matter.
- kezza_20
18 months, leaving in 3 weeks.
- creative-0
Plymouth huh? I did my Foundation course at Plymouth College of Art and design way back when (I'm from Ivybridge). Design jobs pretty much suck in the westcountry, that's why I moved up to London. Bristol has some good agencies, but not many. It's a shame as Devon is a great place to live, but if you're a designer not to work.
- Gotta second that, love going home to Devon but needed to be in London to work...dr_pangloss
- Yeah Im starting to think London's the only way forward, or maybe New Zealand?!coolhipNgroovy
- mirrorball0
fuck all yer only as good as yer last job kiddo!