Suggestions and Feedback

**diggitydeegee** · 01-04-2009, 01:47 AM

Hey everyone,

I am a web developer looking to further my education in the web industry by getting my BFA or equivalent. My question is, where have the professionals and people in the industry gone to school? Where do you recommend?

I'm looking into the Academy of Art's New Media Arts Online Program, for example, as it fits my schedule and offers really amazing coursework. However, I've done some research on them and other trade schools and have heard mixed reviews. I'm not really in a position to go to a traditional 4 year university so I'd really like to know if there are any other options.

I'd love to hear your horror stories, insight, or other advice! Thanks everybody!

**The-Pixel** · 01-04-2009, 02:03 AM

Hello,

I actually went to a local community college and obtained degress in
1. Associates in Applied Science Degree Computer Analyst Graphic Design
2. Associates in Applied Science Degree Computer Analyst Internet Administration

I'm not steering you away from 'Academy of Art's New Media Arts Online Program' but, obtaining real live experience in the work environment is sometimes more beneficial then what you will learn in the class room. You can purchase text books and read them on your own. Granted you wont have that degree which is a plus at times. I did an internship for 6 months and I learned so much in that 6 months I can't even describe it all for you. Simple things that you might not even thought about such as different printers CYMK. Knowing how to make your Photoshop File (PSD) work in all versions of Photoshop.

I went to school 4 years -- 2 years for both degrees. At the present moment, I'm the CEO of my own web designer and developer agency (http://www.the-pixel.com) working in Cascade, Iowa or Toledo, Ohio. I’m also employed at TheHosted LLC ( http://www.thehosted.com ) as a Technical Support (Level 1, 2, 3) and Senior-Level Systems Administration. I recently landed a rewarding job working as a Customer Service Representative at HostingZoom ( http://www.hostingzoom.com ). This is just my little underdog story, haha. I aimed big and yes I was rejected but that's just part of life. And of course I was stressed beyond measures about landing a job. I'm a firm believer that everything works out for the best and that everything will work out. Best of luck to you.