how web designers get hired

[scem0]

In web design/interface designer careers how important are school choices? Which is a better choice for a future job? A liberal arts college such as RIT or a technical school such as the Arts Institute at San Francisco. Does accreditation of the school matter to employers, or does it depend mostly on your portfolio?

How many employers demand a degree of some kind, how many just want to see your portfolio?

What sets you apart from other web designers? Does a degree from a well-known school help me get into the 6 figure salary range, or will a portfolio that demonstrates highly sought after skills like database programming, get me a six figure job?

My mom thinks that I should go to a school that will give me an accredited bachelors degree, even if I don't think it will get me as good of an education. I really like the curriculum at the Art Institute, but my mom is against it because it isn't an accredited degree, and she doesn't think I will get hired to do a high paying job without accreditation. I keep telling her that it doesn't matter, assuming I have a good portfolio. I can get decent jobs making websites, commercials, advertisements, brochures, etc. for small busineses, and work my way up the chain to the higher paying jobs.

scem0

 

[chanoc]

Be prepared to work for ****** wages, 8-12 an hour. It makes no difference were you went to school as long as you know how to code. An escape from the crap wages is to be self employed and develop Web sites for flat fees.

 

[rozwell]

i had the same choice as you... tech school or art school. i picked art school. if you want design go to art school, you want code, go to tech school. i haven't found a school in the eastern US that does both. if you want to be a visual designer you wont be getting paid those '*****' wages. they get paid nice salaries, best advice i could offer is to do some research. TALK TO PEOPLE AT THOSE SCHOOLS. <--- thats a big one for me. also just take a visit to the campus. and lastly think about money if its an issue for you. if you want to know how art school is for me, you can contact me on AIM or pm me or what ever.

 

[jeremy.king]

Does a degree from a well-known school help me get into the 6 figure salary range, or will a portfolio that demonstrates highly sought after skills like database programming, get me a six figure job?

LMAO, you think you will get 6 figures out of school working for someone else? Don't know of anyone paying that much for a graphic designer. Programming skills will help you eventually get there with YEARS of experience, but expecting that level of income anytime soon is a bit a of a dream.

Frankly, I would look into a school with good connections and job placement support. Obviously, if you go to an artsy fartsy school, there may be employers that hire directly from them and that will help you get your career started. Who knows, you may run into an alum that has clawed his way up and likes to hire fellow alums. But I guess that could be said of any school.

This may help you with your decision.
http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/facts.asp?CareerID=74
http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/facts.asp?CareerID=43

Whatever your choice, at least you are going to go to school. Too many people out there that think college is a waste

 

[Kwyjibo]

I don't know many careers that enter the 6 figure range right out of school , unless your stealing / scamming / working for your parents and getting overpaid. Web design is certainley a skill but its not a skill that would get you that kind of salary until your name has director before it and you've worked your way up the ladder.

 

[JLS]

When it actually comes to getting a job, I can say without doubt that actual work experience is FAR more valuable than the equivalent time spent in education. Degree or no degree, without 2-3 years good experience, its very very hard to get a half way decent job.

I went to College and i'm now taking a year out before I do a degree, to build up a decent C.V. full of experience, because it's so important. The more time I spend working, the easier the next job comes... which equals a faster salary increase rate.

The reason for this seems to be that any old idiot can go through the motions of getting a degree, but only capable people can stick at jobs, and do well (or else they just get fired, unlike a degree).

 

[RacerX]

What sets you apart from other web designers? Does a degree from a well-known school help me get into the 6 figure salary range, or will a portfolio that demonstrates highly sought after skills like database programming, get me a six figure job?

I don't think anyone has gotten six figures for web design since around 1997. On the other hand, being able to work with something like WebObjects (which requires both web design and programming skills) would let you demand far more for your time... but I think six figures is still a bit high.

You could become a doctor or lawyer. That could get you into the six figures.

 

[varmit]

You should shoot for something higher than just web design. Like me, Tech guy, getting 55k at the moment, during the day, and doing websights at night and on the weekend for a little extra cash.

 

[scem0]

Well, I didn't mean to imply that I was planning on getting six figs any time soon , but I do see it as a viable salary with enough hard work.

This job may be a possibility

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But really this whole thread is to prove to my mom that portfolio is the most important aspect when it comes to getting hired as a web designer.

scem0

 

[neut]

job titles, wage scales and degrees are crap unless you want to work in the corporate world... contractors right outside of that world is where it's at. i went from making **** at the university's promotions dept. to making 2G+ a month (which is pretty decent around here... cheap cost of living) at a web-training dev. outfit with a print portfolio and no degree to show for my 4+ yrs of college. i can wear whatever i want, leave when i want, and work at home if i would like (though... there are personal boundaries as with everything else in life ). i still have to go to HP for photo/video shoots, but it's a nice reminder of why i work where i do... at least until i build a nice client base.

not to shabby for a rebel. i still kinda work for corporate (HP), but they don't know that.


peace.

 

[ChicoWeb]

Well, I didn't mean to imply that I was planning on getting six figs any time soon , but I do see it as a viable salary with enough hard work.

This job may be a possibility

among
o
t
h
e
r
s


But really this whole thread is to prove to my mom that portfolio is the most important aspect when it comes to getting hired as a web designer.

scem0

That six figure salary Web Systems Director is completely different then a "Web Designer". As a Web Designer you will probably never make that much money, until like everyone said, you are very well established and VERY GOOD. This world is so saturated with web designers, and everyone and there mother thinks they are a designer. All my clients do.

Coming back with your question about going to school or not, I definately think you should. There is more than just putting crap into dreamweaver and PS that goes into a website. There are marketing techiniques, programming, and communication skills you will need as a Designer as you start getting the good clients. I personally have a business degree with an option in MIS and never took a web design class in my life. Now, I do web design for myself full time and teach a college course in web design. Did it matter if I had a degree? No. Do I have a leg up on marketing, business, and communication from my compeditors. Maybe. Just go to college, its a blast anyways! Trust me, you won't have any regrets. The real world can wait a few years

Not to mention, you will have a degree to fall back on!

 

[BakedBeans]

job titles, wage scales and degrees are crap unless you want to work in the corporate world... contractors right outside of that world is where it's at. i went from making **** at the university's promotions dept. to making 2G+ a month (which is pretty decent around here... cheap cost of living) at a web-training dev. outfit with a print portfolio and no degree to show for my 4+ yrs of college. i can wear whatever i want, leave when i want, and work at home if i would like (though... there are personal boundaries as with everything else in life ). i still have to go to HP for photo/video shoots, but it's a nice reminder of why i work where i do... at least until i build a nice client base.

not to shabby for a rebel. i still kinda work for corporate (HP), but they don't know that.


peace.

Can you tell me a little bit more about your job and what you do ect? im very interested

 

[scem0]

That six figure salary Web Systems Director is completely different then a "Web Designer". As a Web Designer you will probably never make that much money, until like everyone said, you are very well established and VERY GOOD. This world is so saturated with web designers, and everyone and there mother thinks they are a designer. All my clients do.

Coming back with your question about going to school or not, I definately think you should. There is more than just putting crap into dreamweaver and PS that goes into a website. There are marketing techiniques, programming, and communication skills you will need as a Designer as you start getting the good clients. I personally have a business degree with an option in MIS and never took a web design class in my life. Now, I do web design for myself full time and teach a college course in web design. Did it matter if I had a degree? No. Do I have a leg up on marketing, business, and communication from my compeditors. Maybe. Just go to college, its a blast anyways! Trust me, you won't have any regrets. The real world can wait a few years

Not to mention, you will have a degree to fall back on!

There isn't a chance in hell that I won't be going to college. My mother won't allow it, and I won't allow it. It is the kind of college I go to that we can't agree upon. I want to go to an unaccredited art school, and she wants me to get a more liber-artsy education. There are advantages to both, but when it comes to work, I think the unaccredited school is going to get me the better jobs, because (in web design) a degree is unimportant. What you learn, on the other hand, is very important, and is shown through your portfolio.

Yeah, I know that web design is the bottom rung of the ladder, but I want my mom to acknowledge that it is possible to go different directions with a start in web design. No, I'm not getting a six figure job in web design, but it's a place to start. For example, you have both a web design portfolio, but you also offer hosting. I might end up doing that (doubtful though, I've never enjoyed messing with servers, networking, etc . But it's a possibility, none-the-less).

scem0

 

[JLS]

....Yeah, I know that web design is the bottom rung of the ladder, but I want my mom to acknowledge that it is possible to go different directions with a start in web design. No, I'm not getting a six figure job in web design, but it's a place to start. For example, you have both a web design portfolio, but you also offer hosting. I might end up doing that (doubtful though, I've never enjoyed messing with servers, networking, etc . But it's a possibility, none-the-less).

scem0

You do the degree in what you want to end up doing, not the 'first step' on your career.

If you want to do web design for a while, do it as a night course while your taking a business degree.

 

[neut]

Can you tell me a little bit more about your job and what you do ect? im very interested

sure... im an html/Flash dev/designer (lots of image manipulation, some video pruduction, and a little bit audio: voice overs, FX, loops, etc.)

we mostly create online training for HP employee's and some customers. we also do some hosting, and dev. for a few commerce sites too. i work on PCs all day and the content is usually boring... but i've learned most of my html/Flash skills here. school was crap, but i made a lot of friends and contacts... and it got me this job (a freind interviewed here—it didn't work out—she suggested i interview—i got the job).

im making closer to $3G+ now. i've been here 2yrs now. turnover is low and we are a very small operation (10 employees). it's pretty difficult to get into places like this as you usually have to know someone. that's how the last girl got hired. a lot of the Flash and html you learn here is fairly specific to what we do. we've fired trained designers before 'cause they suck and can't get along with everybody. we've got four already and that's more than enough.

i like it here. college was fun. i wish i didn't pay and learned to sit in the back. i would have felt a little better after all that time and no degree (i made that decision; i could have battled the art admins... i had enough credits, but i didn't feel i learned what i set out to and the degree was a lie; why was i being asked to teach when my 'professor' didn't know the material/programs? where's my salary?). blah blah blah...

my job's cool... i will probably switch up here in a year or two. if not working for myself i will be desperately searching for another one of these places.


peace.

 

[42gb]

... but i've learned most of my html/Flash skills here. school was crap, but i made a lot of friends and contacts... and it got me this job (a freind interviewed here—it didn't work out—she suggested i interview—i got the job).

What kind of skills/experience did you have when you got this job?

 

[neut]

What kind of skills/experience did you have when you got this job?

i had worked for the university for 2yrs... promotional print design with limited web work. i knew Illustrator and Photoshop very well. my flash and html experience were crap (i had built a few crappy web pages, tweens, gifs, and ran through most of the Flash tutorials).

i also had 4 years of schooling, but no degree to show. this usually makes or breaks the interview. independent thinkers like me as an employee... corporate minds do not; a come across as a threat to their way of business. corporate minds finish school.

i had also played in a band for 2yrs (playing my mac of course ). this helped with audio experience and public appearances/events. im really really shy so that really helped a lot. i still get scared when i go on stage, but at least i know how to keep cool. playing in front of 1000 people changes you.

im an all araound geek too. that usually helps. i've been using computers since the days of tapes and ataris before i ever started public schooling. most people don't know tech stuff and you can come across really intelligent (or an ******* 'cause they don't like the fact thatyou know more than them). but don't fake it; one of my bosses is an IT guy.

most of all i have a passion for what i do. i know the power of it and i know what i am capable of doing. if you can befriend your employer; they may show sympathy for this passion and let you be a little looser than some. i know i feel prvileged where im at... i like it here, but i won't be here forever.


peace.

 

[scem0]

You do the degree in what you want to end up doing, not the 'first step' on your career.

If you want to do web design for a while, do it as a night course while your taking a business degree.

But I don't think there is a degree that fits the jobs I posted above better than a web design degree. I don't just learn HTML, scripting, WYSIWYG editors, Photoshop, 3d programs. I learn about advertising, design theory, etc.

It isn't even called a web design degree. It is called 'Interactive Media' curriculum

I don't want to be limited to a web medium. Out of college, I want to be able to call small businesses out of the phonebook and ask "do you need someone to make you a cheap website? Or a TV commercial? Or a print ad? Or a brochure? Or what do you want? I can probably make it for you... A logo, a menu, etc."

I think I can cover a spectrum of desired creative computer jobs, then I won't have too much trouble finding work.

scem0

 

[aus_dave]

Out of college, I want to be able to call small businesses out of the phonebook and ask "do you need someone to make you a cheap website? Or a TV commercial? Or a print ad? Or a brochure? Or what do you want? I can probably make it for you... A logo, a menu, etc."

That's all fine, but I would lose the "cheap" part of your sales pitch. Just because you aren't a big web design company doesn't mean you need to discount your services to find work.

Other companies are willing to pay reasonable money to use contractors that know what they are talking about and can provide solutions for their business. Knocking together cheap web sites is fine if you do it in your spare time and have a day job, but it's not a sustainable business model.

 

[broken_keyboard]

One advantage of the more technical school is that you're more likely to make friends who will end up working for technology companies. One of the best ways to get a job when you're starting out is to contact your friends and ask if they know of any openings. A recommendation from someone already working at a company is how I got my first programming job, not through my CV or portfolio etc.

 

[chanoc]

With no entry-level Web jobs here, it looks like another pizza parlor winter.

 

[Mr. Anderson]

But I don't think there is a degree that fits the jobs I posted above better than a web design degree.

Those jobs, except for the Security Manager are all Director level - you don't get those out of college and you need to spend time learning about the business, not the fundamentals you get in school. Web design isn't a big part of that, in any case.

If you plan on being a Director and want to shorten your trip a bit, you're going to need to get an MBA or Masters degree after your bachelor degree. If its a business/marketing thing you're looking for, the MBA will probably help more.

Good luck,

D

 

[JLS]

But I don't think there is a degree that fits the jobs I posted above better than a web design degree. I don't just learn HTML, scripting, WYSIWYG editors, Photoshop, 3d programs. I learn about advertising, design theory, etc.

It isn't even called a web design degree. It is called 'Interactive Media' curriculum

I don't want to be limited to a web medium. Out of college, I want to be able to call small businesses out of the phonebook and ask "do you need someone to make you a cheap website? Or a TV commercial? Or a print ad? Or a brochure? Or what do you want? I can probably make it for you... A logo, a menu, etc."

I think I can cover a spectrum of desired creative computer jobs, then I won't have too much trouble finding work.

scem0

I doubt anyone with a large company would contract work to such an obvious 'jack of all trades' to be honest. Alright for small jobs here and there - but not big league.

 

[chanoc]

Still no Web jobs, accept one Web Developer, but they ask for somebody that knows C++ - sounds misleading.

This is a worthless college degree, unless you have connections in the porn world. Porn is where the money is.

These .02 cent banner clicks make me about 1.00 a week, what a joke it's like picking up pennies on the sidewalks.

 

[jgumm]

As someone who has been on the employee and the employer side I thought I'd offer my two sense.

If you want to make the big money, you will need to know more than design. You will need to know how to operate in the business world. Whether you end up finding a corporate job or end up working for yourself if you expect to make 6 figures (good luck) you will need communication skills, marketing skills, some business sense, etc. I don't know if an art school is going to teach you all of that.

As far as what your degree is in... I have a B.S. in journalism - never worked for a newspaper in my life. I went straight into publishing layout, stumbled into web design in 1996 when it was really hot. Even then I was only making about 30k. But I have a minor in business and a minor in graphic design and I truly think it was some of my business courses that helped the most.

At my highest paying point I was making 63k as the manager of the web group at a media company of about 500 employees. I had been working there for 6 years by then. In six years I went from 24k-63k which was pretty awesome. (Made way more than hubby!

In that job I was often making presentations to our corporate headquarters and the bigwigs - managing 6 employees of my own.

When I hired designers (and I'm mean heavy emphasis on design - just your basic HTML, maybe Flash - we had other programmers not under me) THE most important thing is your portfolio. I could look at a portfolio and tell in you in 5 minutes whether or not that person made the cut design wise. Then I would delve into the other stuff. You want to see some work experience, even if it's entry level. I want to know that you know how to work with other people in a team environment, meet deadlines (very important), interact with clients professionally, etc.

After leaving that company I got a job working with a very large university making 55k as the web manager. Now I work from home (while raising my kids) doing work for the university part time and freelance work on the side. I charge my freelance clients anywhere from $35-50/hr (print on the lower end, web on higher).

I would do some more investigating to see if if you can find a college that will offer both. My alma mater actually offers a digital media program that started about 3 years after I left. I was so bummed. I would have loved to go through it. It's a great college - it's private and small (and acutally not too expensive as private schools go). Web address is below if you want to check it out.

http://digital.jbu.edu/asp/index.asp

Anyhow, my 2 cents.