Expert: Sean Trapani - 2/7/2009

Question
Hi i am currently in school for visual communications degree at UT and right after i am finished i plan to go to school at "The creative circus" or "Portfolio Center" in Atlanta and i was wondering if the four year degree is necessary because i keep hearing that its all about the book?!. But i have also researched and heard that agencies wont even entertain your book if you don't have a 4 year degree. To be honest i am so excited to go to the portfolio schools in Atlanta that i really don't want to finish my degree here in Texas if its not necessary. Any advice would be great! Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi, Courtney

Only you can answer this question, of course. And you've offered a few reasons to leave UT.

As an alternative, here are two reasons to stay put:  one, this is a lousy economy and the longer you stay in school, the better your chance for going job shopping in a better place.

Two, people change careers - on average - of 2-3 times. Regardless of your passion about the career right now (and that's great, by the way); there is a good chance that you may want to try something else. You'll want your 4-year degree when that day comes.

That's my two cents :-)


ST