i want to get into a web design course

[Martin_Man]

I am hoping to become a web designer this year but I need to start getting some qualifications. Do you know of any good short courses I could join which lasts for a few days/weeks/months and are they worth it just to boost the chances?

I have my own portfolio but no certificates.

I'm thinking about this adobe course as it’s the most recognisable software company around the globe, but before paying for something so damn expensive, I’m hoping there would be something else

 

[AHarvey]

I hate to tell you but many web companies couldn't care less about qualifications, in fact, a work friends brother just got a job with a web dev company and was told "Everything you learnt at Uni..forget it"

It's about your portfolio, knowing people in the industry and using good standards.

A few basic courses may be ok but I wouldn't look at anything expensive.

 

[Martin_Man]

Ok, this bit of advice has helped saved my pocket thanks.

What about finding work experience? It’s rather odd for a 22 year old to do this but is it worth it?

 

[simisker]

[...] knowing people in the industry [...]

This is, in my opinion, one of the few good reasons to undertake a course of some kind.

Not only would you meet like-minded types, but if it's the sort of course that has guest speakers from within the industry, then you'd have valuable networking opportunities.

Urgh... did I just type "valuable networking opportunities"?

Let this be a little warning: if you're intending to take up design as a career, you'll almost inevitably end up dealing with marketing types. And before you know it, you'll be using phrases like "valuable networking opportunities". If this alarms you, change career plan now.

Though my point still stands: lots of business is 'who you know'.

EDIT: Having said that, a good, intensive pure graphic design course will probably stand you in good stead. It'd teach you fundamental principles that would put you above a lot of other web designers, that's for sure. And some design agencies do still stipulate design graduates only [particularly in America, for some reason]. But that's quite a commitment.

 

[Martin_Man]

This is, in my opinion, one of the few good reasons to undertake a course of some kind.

Not only would you meet like-minded types, but if it's the sort of course that has guest speakers from within the industry, then you'd have valuable networking opportunities.

Urgh... did I just type "valuable networking opportunities"?

Let this be a little warning: if you're intending to take up design as a career, you'll almost inevitably end up dealing with marketing types. And before you know it, you'll be using phrases like "valuable networking opportunities". If this alarms you, change career plan now.

Though my point still stands: lots of business is 'who you know'.

EDIT: Having said that, a good, intensive pure graphic design course will probably stand you in good stead. It'd teach you fundamental principles that would put you above a lot of other web designers, that's for sure. And some design agencies do still stipulate design graduates only [particularly in America, for some reason]. But that's quite a commitment.

mmm... very powerful statement there, but once you have the experience doesnt things get easier? Just like if you are an accountant or something

 

[simisker]

mmm... very powerful statement there, but once you have the experience doesnt things get easier? Just like if you are an accountant or something

Well, yes. Inevitably.

It's a tricky one for me to comment on, as I've got where I am today through self-tuition and on-the-job learning, not through formal qualifications.

However, I'm near-positive I would be in a better situation had I had formal schooling in design fundamentals. These are things that I've had to learn the long way - certainly longer than the 3 or 4 years that dedicated learning would take - and as a consequence, I'm only recently in a position where I've learned enough to have a portfolio of worth, and command the sort of salary that goes with it.

Mind you, there's a hell of a lot to be said about the importance of interpersonal skills that you'd acquire through on-the-job experience; something they really don't seem to teach on design courses these days. That, and the evaluation of the worth of your skill and time.

So I guess it's up to you; both paths have their merits.

I think that if you strongly suspect you have a talent or an innate eye for design, you should develop it formally. Invest in your future, essentially, and the pay-off can be great.

Otherwise, go straight to the coal face and learn real-world skills for some cash

 

[Martin_Man]

I'm interested, can i see some of your work? What made you want to become a designer? and would you change your mind about becoming a web designer if you knew what you was getting yourself in for before you done it?