The question is arguable. Is college, and earning a degree, useful for web designers and developers? As someone who is currently enrolled in a course of study at a University, let me shed some light on my experience and how it has affected me, as well as my work life.
Since I started my courses a couple of years ago I have found that college really is not what it’s all cracked up to be. The classes are generally behind on the current trends, there doesn’t seem to be much regarding becoming a ‘master’ at a certain programming language or design method, and to be honest there was a point in time when I started questioning why I was even pursuing a degree in the first place.
I realized that it wasn’t a question about whether or not it’s useful for web designers and developers, but whether or not it’s useful personally and professionally. Since I started my studies, I have noticed fundamental changes in the way that I work, the way that I write, the way that I approach problems, and begin projects. A majority of what you learn in college isn’t about learning the new trendy things, it’s about giving you flexible foundations to build your knowledge off of.
“Do you think that you would still be doing what you’re doing now, even if you did not attend college?”
Sure. There is nothing in college that you cannot learn on your own if you wanted to. I would still be designing and developing software even if I had not started going to school again…I mean, c’mon, I was doing it before that. It’s a personal choice, which I feel the benefits gained from attending college could be worth it for some people.
“Do you think your better off with a degree?”
Yes. I don’t think that I am better than anyone without a degree, just because I have one, however I do feel that it is more than just a piece of paper. It’s an accomplishment, the personal emotions tied with that are awesome for your self-esteem and personal image. Professionally, it also allows potential employers to perceive the dedication you have to learning and your career. It’s not a measurement of what you know.
Going to college is a personal choice. For some people it’s going to do wonders, while others may not need it. What’s important is how it affects you.
