Adam, I've seen similar discussions in the software engineering field, where I come from. And you see similar answers. Those who have invested in schooling tend to want to defend it as important, which makes perfect sense--nobody wants to think they wasted their time and money, and higher degrees do have a certain mystique.
Those who have managed to succeed without the schooling tell you that, surprise, you can succeed without the schooling. That makes sense, too--cuz they did it. I have a BA in medieval history and a minor in humanities, and I've been what I'd call pretty darn successful as a software engineer/architect. Now my interests have turned more towards design, and I'm lucky enough I guess to have positioned myself at a company that supports me so that I can pursue that. I have no doubt that I'd pick up certain things in, say, an MFA program that I won't pick up by personal study and on the job experience, but I echo what others say in that it just doesn't make sense for me to pursue that right now. In the end, it comes down to just applying yourself to what you're passionate about and finding a place that values you for what you do and the kind of person you are, a place where you fit in, as it were. If you think having a master's or higher is important and you're passionate about that--do it. You'll likely be happier with others who have that same opinion. You'll be happier in a culture like that. On the other hand, if you prefer to work for folks who can recognize a valuable person despite formal education in your field, I have no doubt that you can be quite successful taking that approach. It may be harder in some senses to establish yourself, but once you show your passion and (one hopes) ability, you don't have to worry about it. I'm probably biased given my experiences, but I am one of those who thinks higher degrees are a nice to have. I'll take someone who's paved their own way any day. That, in itself, says a lot about a person, if you ask me. --Ambrose ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
