7 answers
Lina
Student
Orlando, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
293 views
Should I get a second bachelor's degree if I didn't like my career-oriented classes in my first BS degree?
I loved my lower division classes for my Bachelor's. I majored in Interactive Design, and my less-career related classes included drawing, color theory, and visual communication. As I got into the upper division classes, I found I enjoyed them less and less.
It's been several years since I graduated, and I would love to have more experiences with a creative-oriented academic environment, as I feel that I don't have enough on my portfolio, nor do I have the knowledge of taking a creative campaign through every 'creation phase', to compete with my more creative-minded peers in the artistic community.
I found a program that really speaks to me, that merges art and marketing. I am not currently interested in pursuing graduate level work, as I haven't found a grad program that would help me 'catch up' creatively, whilst also innovating in a business direction*.
*I've found graduate programs vaguely in that direction, but they are mostly offered by private institutions, and I do not have the budget to attend a private school (I'm in the US).
ADVICE?
7 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Choosing to pursue a second bachelor's degree, especially when you didn't enjoy the career-oriented classes in your first degree, is a significant decision. Here's some advice to help you make an informed choice:
1. **Evaluate Your Goals**: Clearly define your goals and what you hope to achieve with a second bachelor's degree. Consider how this degree will benefit your career and creative aspirations. Is it essential for your specific career path?
2. **Portfolio Building**: If your primary goal is to enhance your portfolio and creative skills, you may not necessarily need another bachelor's degree. You can achieve this through self-directed learning, workshops, online courses, and personal projects. Building a strong portfolio is often more about the quality of your work than the number of degrees you hold.
3. **Consider Certificate Programs**: Explore certificate programs or professional development courses that focus on specific areas you want to strengthen. These programs can be more time and cost-effective than pursuing another bachelor's degree.
4. **Networking and Collaboration**: Engage with the artistic and marketing communities in your area. Networking, collaborating on projects, and learning from experienced professionals can be equally valuable in building your creative skills.
5. **Continuing Education**: If you still desire a formal education, consider enrolling in individual courses or non-degree programs at universities or community colleges. This allows you to select courses relevant to your interests without committing to a full degree program.
6. **Work Experience**: Gaining real-world experience in a creative or marketing role can be invaluable. Look for entry-level positions or internships that align with your goals. Practical experience often complements academic learning.
7. **Self-Reflection**: Reflect on why you didn't enjoy the upper division classes in your first degree. Ensure that the second degree you're considering aligns better with your interests and expectations.
8. **Budget Considerations**: As you mentioned, attending private institutions can be costly. Be mindful of your budget and explore financial aid options, scholarships, or part-time work while studying to manage expenses.
9. **Talk to Advisers**: Discuss your intentions with academic advisers at the institution offering the program you're interested in. They can provide insights into the curriculum, career prospects, and alternative pathways.
10. **Alternative Education Models**: Consider alternative education models like online courses, bootcamps, or mentorship programs in marketing and art. These can provide specific skills and knowledge without the commitment of a full degree.
11. **Time Commitment**: Assess the time it will take to complete a second bachelor's degree and how it fits into your life and career plans. Balance your educational pursuits with other responsibilities.
Ultimately, whether you pursue a second bachelor's degree or explore alternative learning paths, the key is to ensure that your decision aligns with your creative and career objectives. Keep in mind that continuous learning and practical experience are often just as important as formal education in creative fields like art and marketing.
1. **Evaluate Your Goals**: Clearly define your goals and what you hope to achieve with a second bachelor's degree. Consider how this degree will benefit your career and creative aspirations. Is it essential for your specific career path?
2. **Portfolio Building**: If your primary goal is to enhance your portfolio and creative skills, you may not necessarily need another bachelor's degree. You can achieve this through self-directed learning, workshops, online courses, and personal projects. Building a strong portfolio is often more about the quality of your work than the number of degrees you hold.
3. **Consider Certificate Programs**: Explore certificate programs or professional development courses that focus on specific areas you want to strengthen. These programs can be more time and cost-effective than pursuing another bachelor's degree.
4. **Networking and Collaboration**: Engage with the artistic and marketing communities in your area. Networking, collaborating on projects, and learning from experienced professionals can be equally valuable in building your creative skills.
5. **Continuing Education**: If you still desire a formal education, consider enrolling in individual courses or non-degree programs at universities or community colleges. This allows you to select courses relevant to your interests without committing to a full degree program.
6. **Work Experience**: Gaining real-world experience in a creative or marketing role can be invaluable. Look for entry-level positions or internships that align with your goals. Practical experience often complements academic learning.
7. **Self-Reflection**: Reflect on why you didn't enjoy the upper division classes in your first degree. Ensure that the second degree you're considering aligns better with your interests and expectations.
8. **Budget Considerations**: As you mentioned, attending private institutions can be costly. Be mindful of your budget and explore financial aid options, scholarships, or part-time work while studying to manage expenses.
9. **Talk to Advisers**: Discuss your intentions with academic advisers at the institution offering the program you're interested in. They can provide insights into the curriculum, career prospects, and alternative pathways.
10. **Alternative Education Models**: Consider alternative education models like online courses, bootcamps, or mentorship programs in marketing and art. These can provide specific skills and knowledge without the commitment of a full degree.
11. **Time Commitment**: Assess the time it will take to complete a second bachelor's degree and how it fits into your life and career plans. Balance your educational pursuits with other responsibilities.
Ultimately, whether you pursue a second bachelor's degree or explore alternative learning paths, the key is to ensure that your decision aligns with your creative and career objectives. Keep in mind that continuous learning and practical experience are often just as important as formal education in creative fields like art and marketing.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lina !
My simple advice for now is to go for a Masters degree and a teaching certificate. You don't know what the future will hold.
If you go for a second Bachelors degree, you will have to re-take all of the required courses you had to fulfill the first time around for another four years course of study. Having two Bachelors degrees doesn't carry as much weight as having one Masters degree and you never know where your career is going to carry you in the future and that Masters degree will be very beneficial to you.
Of course you should read up on each college and learn what the Masters degree study offers and see if you want those courses. You should also seek on line instruction or even free on line training in the particular design subjects you feel you didn't enjoy for your Bachelors. This would be an alternative way to take a class in something you feel you need more instruction in while working towards an advanced college degree that can only enhance your future career. While going for a masters, you can consider majoring in business and do the design courses on line or in the community based adult education or at a design studio that offers classes.
Most important is that you need to do what you feel driven to do as you know your plans and should be the one to decide. As I've advised getting a Masters degree, it is something to consider because it will give you the competitive edge that some employers will be looking for. You also can fall back on teaching later on if you choose to. But whatever you do choose, do not give up as you are on your way to a wonderfully creative career !
Best wishes in your decision !
My simple advice for now is to go for a Masters degree and a teaching certificate. You don't know what the future will hold.
If you go for a second Bachelors degree, you will have to re-take all of the required courses you had to fulfill the first time around for another four years course of study. Having two Bachelors degrees doesn't carry as much weight as having one Masters degree and you never know where your career is going to carry you in the future and that Masters degree will be very beneficial to you.
Of course you should read up on each college and learn what the Masters degree study offers and see if you want those courses. You should also seek on line instruction or even free on line training in the particular design subjects you feel you didn't enjoy for your Bachelors. This would be an alternative way to take a class in something you feel you need more instruction in while working towards an advanced college degree that can only enhance your future career. While going for a masters, you can consider majoring in business and do the design courses on line or in the community based adult education or at a design studio that offers classes.
Most important is that you need to do what you feel driven to do as you know your plans and should be the one to decide. As I've advised getting a Masters degree, it is something to consider because it will give you the competitive edge that some employers will be looking for. You also can fall back on teaching later on if you choose to. But whatever you do choose, do not give up as you are on your way to a wonderfully creative career !
Best wishes in your decision !
Mike Hayes
Singe
6
Answers
The Villages, Florida
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Lina, my first thought is that you have a degree in a field that is highly necessary in the design of user products. I was employed by a couple of international design firms and later partnered in my own design consultancy. My specialty was working with major corporations in helping them design products from tools, to toys, to appliances, to medical devices. The only way to design and produce a successful product in any marketplace is to design it so the user can interact with that product.
Your degree has taught you how to derive user needs, limitations, making a product safer, and how to support product designers in customizing the product to suit precise demands. There are a number of design firms constantly looking for your expertise. And smart companies today who manufacture products know of the importance of interactive design.
I would put yourself out there and see what companies are looking for your skills. Check out the website Linked In and you will see who is looking for your skills. I see others have recommended you get a Masters Degree in your field. That is a good solution as well. I know my firms hired interactive and ergonomic specialists both with or without a Masters Degree.
Your degree has taught you how to derive user needs, limitations, making a product safer, and how to support product designers in customizing the product to suit precise demands. There are a number of design firms constantly looking for your expertise. And smart companies today who manufacture products know of the importance of interactive design.
I would put yourself out there and see what companies are looking for your skills. Check out the website Linked In and you will see who is looking for your skills. I see others have recommended you get a Masters Degree in your field. That is a good solution as well. I know my firms hired interactive and ergonomic specialists both with or without a Masters Degree.
Erika Nelson Davis
Crisis Response Team EMT
9
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Erika’s Answer
Lina,
I noted you do not want to pursue a Master's at this time or that would be my initial advice.
Have you ever thought about just auditing some classes to get 'up to speed ' in your areas of interest?
It would not count for credit or a degree but it would expose you to some of the areas you feel you need to gain strength and knowledge to move forward.
Just a thought.
Best of luck to you!
Erika
I noted you do not want to pursue a Master's at this time or that would be my initial advice.
Have you ever thought about just auditing some classes to get 'up to speed ' in your areas of interest?
It would not count for credit or a degree but it would expose you to some of the areas you feel you need to gain strength and knowledge to move forward.
Just a thought.
Best of luck to you!
Erika
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3824
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
The first degree you earn, the first step in your academic journey, will never be in vain. It's a valuable asset that you can leverage to enhance your career performance. Think of it as a life experience that nourishes your professional growth.
For instance, if you've started with a degree in art or graphic design, you can always switch gears and dive into the field of information technology. In my case, I was able to create an art program using a computer in Visual Basic 6. This program was designed to create stunning skylines during sunset and sunrise, all through an artificial image generated by a Visual Basic timer.
The colors were produced using different RGB (red, green, blue) hues, tied into sine and cosine functions, and triggered on metric angles. These colors represented the intensity of the angles. So, if I could do it, you can too! You can definitely use your skills and knowledge to create innovative computer programs.
Remember, every degree you earn, every skill you acquire, is a stepping stone towards your success. So, keep learning, keep growing, and keep reaching for the stars!
For instance, if you've started with a degree in art or graphic design, you can always switch gears and dive into the field of information technology. In my case, I was able to create an art program using a computer in Visual Basic 6. This program was designed to create stunning skylines during sunset and sunrise, all through an artificial image generated by a Visual Basic timer.
The colors were produced using different RGB (red, green, blue) hues, tied into sine and cosine functions, and triggered on metric angles. These colors represented the intensity of the angles. So, if I could do it, you can too! You can definitely use your skills and knowledge to create innovative computer programs.
Remember, every degree you earn, every skill you acquire, is a stepping stone towards your success. So, keep learning, keep growing, and keep reaching for the stars!
Brittney Tabron
Graphic Designer
5
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Brittney’s Answer
I would consider online design classes if you're not interested in pursuing a graduate program. There are a lot of online programs you can pay for that would be cheaper and less time-intensive, but still allow you to be in a classroom environment with other people. Online courses have teachers that can help you if you're struggling with certain design concepts, and will also provide you with projects that will help add to your portfolio. You already have strong knowledge in the UI space, so I agree that adding creative expertise would only elevate the experience you already have.
Here's some places to get started:
www.dribbble.com/workshops
LinkedIn Learning
I would also search Youtube. There's a lot of free advice creatives give on their Youtube pages as well.
Abi Connick
Flux Academy
Satori Graphics
Envato Tuts+
Here's some places to get started:
www.dribbble.com/workshops
LinkedIn Learning
I would also search Youtube. There's a lot of free advice creatives give on their Youtube pages as well.
Abi Connick
Flux Academy
Satori Graphics
Envato Tuts+
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Lina, I want to start off by applauding your thoughtful decision to pursue further education in line with your passion for a creative academic environment. Your genuine enthusiasm for lower division classes in Interactive Design clearly reflects a strong creative spirit. It's perfectly reasonable that your career goals may have seemed less defined in upper division classes.
My middle son, an artist and art teacher at the University of Nebraska, and I had a chat about your situation. We both agreed that the program you're considering, which combines art and marketing, seems to be a perfect match for your interests and could potentially boost your creative portfolio. Choosing to go for a second bachelor's degree, considering your current lack of interest in graduate-level work, appears to be a sensible choice.
He pointed out that while private institutions might offer similar programs, it's crucial to consider the financial aspect. Looking into more affordable options or hunting for scholarships could be worthwhile strategies to explore. Remember, your educational journey is unique to you, and finding a program that resonates with your creative dreams is a vital step towards achieving success.
We both sincerely wish you all the best as you make this significant decision. I want you to know that we hope the path you choose brings you the creative satisfaction you're aiming for.
My middle son, an artist and art teacher at the University of Nebraska, and I had a chat about your situation. We both agreed that the program you're considering, which combines art and marketing, seems to be a perfect match for your interests and could potentially boost your creative portfolio. Choosing to go for a second bachelor's degree, considering your current lack of interest in graduate-level work, appears to be a sensible choice.
He pointed out that while private institutions might offer similar programs, it's crucial to consider the financial aspect. Looking into more affordable options or hunting for scholarships could be worthwhile strategies to explore. Remember, your educational journey is unique to you, and finding a program that resonates with your creative dreams is a vital step towards achieving success.
We both sincerely wish you all the best as you make this significant decision. I want you to know that we hope the path you choose brings you the creative satisfaction you're aiming for.
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