Is school worth it or not?

[kula23]

I went to Odessa College for two years but then this college was messed up on me due to student loans, dorm, etc. It's long story to tell you this.

What I am asking is that I got certification in Digital Imagine, Portrait Assistant, and Photo Lab. I don't know if BA and MFA really worth it to get a job in photo field or to learn more? I am in point in middle of road if I should go back to school (different school that is) and finish it what I left off? My TCB (Texas Commission for the Blind) counselor who paid for my school say that certification is enough, not worth getting BA/MFA. Let me know if it is worth it or not. Thanks for reading this.

[picman]

Speaking from experience - get it done. You never know where life will lead you and more doors will be open with a degree than without. It is something you will never regret doing.

[kula23]

That sound true. My grandmother kept asking me when I will ever finish college. I see some people don't need degree and got lucky job and such. So I was just wondering.

[johnastovall]

The BF and MFA will give you larger exposure to the arts which photographers truly need.

It's not about a job. It's about a deeper and broader understanding of the world of ideas.

Great photography is not about mechanics but ideas.

[ggeen]

Get a BA in underwater basket weaving, anything. Employers do not care what the degree is in, just that you have one. It shows that you can learn. It will open many doors for you in the future. It is worth it. Get 'er done!

-G

[kula23]

Thanks for tips, everyone. I suppose I can attend at TTU (Texas Texas University).

[Comanche]

Yeah, Kelly - I'll chime in with more of the same - get the degree! Sure, you might be able to find a good and stable job without it, but the chances of getting a good job improve a lot with that piece of paper. That's not to say that a degree guarantees a job - but it improves the chances.

Most of what you took at Odessa should transfer over to Tech. Keep in mind, there are some very credible degree programs from good schools online.

Good luck !

[Riff Raff]

I can't really advocate for not finishing school, but I'm forced to admit that I have the exact same job now (as a programmer) that I would have had if I finished my Computer Science degree. Getting that first programming job was quite difficult, but after I had two years work experience nobody has ever cared whether I finished my degree or not.

[Truckman]

As an employer for years, I can tell you this: When a job applicant showed me a degree he showed me that he was capable of starting, staying with and completing a project ...He showed me he was capable of learning something he didn't know before regardless of what area of specialization...For those things alone, the degree is worth the effort...

I spent ten years getting an associate's degree...Ben

[JohnT]

I agree with everyone else. Do it.

[kula23]

Thanks everyone! I was sad that I left college in Odessa because I had great teachers that I learned for two years. I wouldn't mind going another school and meet great teachers to learn more. I guess that will be worth it, then.

[ggeen]

Kelly, some of your credits will transfer. Also, check out the local community colleges in Lubbock. They will most likely have 2yr. degree plans that will transfer many more credits to TT as well -- and they tend to be much cheaper. Then finish up at Tech if you so desire. By all means, finish. When you do, you will be glad you did. It is quite an accomplishment and something that you will share with family and friends.

A four year degree opens so many doors for you. -G

[kula23]

Thanks.....the strange thing they don't have community college but only TTU here that have my major which is sucks. I suppose I don't mind just take night classes but that will takes time for me to go back school, maybe next year if everything settle down. I don't want to loan more like I am already owed the student loan and haven't pay it off yet. Would be nice if my TCB will paid for it but not sure if they will. But would be cool if I have many scholarships to cover that expensive school.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by ggeen

Get a BA in underwater basket weaving, anything. Employers do not care what the degree is in, just that you have one. It shows that you can learn. It will open many doors for you in the future. It is worth it. Get 'er done!

-G

My thoughts exactly. In the professional world, it is now assumed that applicants typically have at least a bachelor's degree. A degree isn't a guarantee for success, and there are stories (more rare nowadays) of those without degrees making it big. Just do it.

If you want to be a photographer, you might even pursue a field close to the images you like to take. For example, underwater basket weaving or marine biology if natural sealife interests you, geology or ecology if it's natural landscapes, and psycology/self defense if you want to shoot weddings.

[David_3]

Originally Posted by Truckman

As an employer for years, I can tell you this: When a job applicant showed me a degree he showed me that he was capable of starting, staying with and completing a project ...He showed me he was capable of learning something he didn't know before regardless of what area of specialization...For those things alone, the degree is worth the effort...

I totally agree with Ben. Having that degree demonstrates your ability to set, and accomplish a long term goal. Very important to many employers.

If you want to run your own business (photography, or whatever), then major in business, or accounting. That will be just as, if not more important than, knowing how to use the camera.