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How necessary is it to get a college degree for web development or UI/UX design?
I am a current high school senior considering whether or not I want to dedicate four year’s time and go into debt for a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a minor in design. I am hoping to get online certificates and take online courses instead as I’ve heard the computer science/design fields hire mostly based on experience and portfolio rather than education. If I were to not attend college, what are my chances of obtaining a good job as a web developer or UI/UX designer? Would it take forever for me to find a job in these fields without a degree?
#design #computer #technology #computer-science #uxdesign #uidesign #user-experience #graphic-design #technology #web-development
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7 answers
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Jerome’s Answer
The question to answer is this: "Why would an employer hire me?" If your resume and references indicate that you have sufficient experience and proven skills to do the job for which you are applying, then you probably don't need a degree. But if that's not the case, and you're competing with folks who have been in the business for a while, then that degree might help you get your foot in the door while you grow that resume.
It's a tough call to make, and it really depends on your background. You're right that going into debt in order to get your degree isn't always the best choice, but if that's the only way you can get hired, then that may be the only available path. I'd suggest that once you graduate from HS, you talk to a few prospective employers and ask them whether they'd hire you; if you're lucky (and your finances permit) you might even be able to talk your way into an internship so you can try your hand at doing the work before committing to either online courses or a full-time degree program.
Best of luck!
It's a tough call to make, and it really depends on your background. You're right that going into debt in order to get your degree isn't always the best choice, but if that's the only way you can get hired, then that may be the only available path. I'd suggest that once you graduate from HS, you talk to a few prospective employers and ask them whether they'd hire you; if you're lucky (and your finances permit) you might even be able to talk your way into an internship so you can try your hand at doing the work before committing to either online courses or a full-time degree program.
Best of luck!
Appreciate it, thank you!!
Jamie
Updated
Gladys’s Answer
I think certain fields in Computer Science will benefit more in a 4 year Bachelor's Degree. I agree with what you've heard from others that a UI/UX career puts more emphasis on prior experience and a portfolio. Although a Bachelor's Degree will not hurt in your case, it's worth looking into the investment vs reward. Do you have a means to get scholarship and/or grants without going into too much debt? Research public universities that have a good CS program instead of going to a more expensive university. Look into UI/coding bootcamps, a lot of these places have partnerships with companies which might get you a job right after a 6-month course or something similar.
I would review what options you have and decide from there. From a cost/time perspective, I think a 6-month to 1 year program might give you the best bang for your buck. I have worked alongside people who don't have a 4 year degree or have a degree unrelated to Computer Science and are doing very well.
Once you manage to get 1 year of experience, finding a new job becomes more about networking and selling your skills and experience.
I would review what options you have and decide from there. From a cost/time perspective, I think a 6-month to 1 year program might give you the best bang for your buck. I have worked alongside people who don't have a 4 year degree or have a degree unrelated to Computer Science and are doing very well.
Once you manage to get 1 year of experience, finding a new job becomes more about networking and selling your skills and experience.
Thanks, appreciate the advice!!
Jamie
Updated
Maria Eugenia’s Answer
I think that probably for the first years it's enough doing some courses and self-learning to obtain a job as a web developer or UI/UX designer, without a CS degree, and in the next years, the work experience will have more relevance.
Anyway, it is worth being a professional in CS to have a deeper understanding of other components and structures, to have the training to solve complex issues, to explore other areas that could be interesting, and to increase the chances to get a better job.
Anyway, it is worth being a professional in CS to have a deeper understanding of other components and structures, to have the training to solve complex issues, to explore other areas that could be interesting, and to increase the chances to get a better job.
Thanks for the answer!!
Jamie
Updated
Delilah’s Answer
Firstly, a hearty pat on the back for recognizing your interest in this field. That's a fantastic first step! Remember, though, that interests can evolve over time. Speaking as a current user experience designer without a formal degree in the field, I can assure you that a degree isn't a strict requirement to break into this industry. However, it's worth considering investing time in a broad area that aligns with your interests.
I personally chose to pursue a Marketing degree, as I was uncertain about my exact career path. Over time, I transitioned from marketing to graphic design, and ultimately landed in UX/UI. In retrospect, I sometimes wish I had dedicated more time to building a stronger foundation in this field. But what I've consistently done is remained a lifelong learner - reading, watching videos, and taking online courses to enhance my skills.
My background in Marketing provides me with a unique perspective when approaching UX/UI, compared to a designer without such experience. So, set your sights on your goal, stay adaptable, and value every bit of learning - it can be beneficial in numerous other aspects of your future life. You might not see the full picture now, but trust me, it will all make sense in due time - it certainly did for me!
I personally chose to pursue a Marketing degree, as I was uncertain about my exact career path. Over time, I transitioned from marketing to graphic design, and ultimately landed in UX/UI. In retrospect, I sometimes wish I had dedicated more time to building a stronger foundation in this field. But what I've consistently done is remained a lifelong learner - reading, watching videos, and taking online courses to enhance my skills.
My background in Marketing provides me with a unique perspective when approaching UX/UI, compared to a designer without such experience. So, set your sights on your goal, stay adaptable, and value every bit of learning - it can be beneficial in numerous other aspects of your future life. You might not see the full picture now, but trust me, it will all make sense in due time - it certainly did for me!
Kelle Link, MBA
User Experience, Roadmapping, Strategy, Service Design, Business Design, Innovation
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Kelle’s Answer
I know 3 people who did great in web development if they were self taught and good enough to show working code. UX/UI requires certification and a good portfolio... I don't know anyone who did well in UX/UI without formal training, just because they rarely have a disciplined approach to have a well constructed portfolio.
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Brandon’s Answer
While there are many places that are hiring based mostly on experience rather than education, I personally think it is worth it to get the bachelor's degree. There are some jobs that require you to have the advanced degree in order to get the job, but also it provides some other benefits as well. One of the benefits is, that with the bachelor's degree you can also have the liberty of pursuing other careers that may not be related to your bachelor's. Also, having a higher degree can generally mean that you make more money than those that do not.
Like Jerome mentioned, talk to some employers to see if they would hire you based on the knowledge that you have right now OR if you had certain knowledge in the future. They will be honest with you because you do not work with them.
Overall, I think the bachelor's degree will have a lot better long term result in making money than not having one at all.
Like Jerome mentioned, talk to some employers to see if they would hire you based on the knowledge that you have right now OR if you had certain knowledge in the future. They will be honest with you because you do not work with them.
Overall, I think the bachelor's degree will have a lot better long term result in making money than not having one at all.
Thank you for the advice!!
Jamie
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
I would definitely try to get some sort of college degree before looking for jobs because a degree proves your knowledge. While it is not necessary to be successful, you should try to get one if possible.