Question by Sky: Would an Associates degree in video production be worth anything?
I’ve been debating back and forth, back and forth about what schools I want to go to and what programs I want to pursue. I go from just looking at smaller state schools to thinking out of state and double majors. However, I keep reminding myself that what I really need to focus on is exactly what I want to do with my life- which is work in television/film production.
I know it’s a really hard field to break into- a field that some never succeed at breaking into. I know it’ll be a struggle and I know I’ll probably have to start small, like at local broadcast stations.
I’m wondering how much focus I should put on school. I know I don’t want to go to a film school, that just costs WAYYYYY too much money! I’m not a person who has to go to a fancy 4-year school or who wants to be in a ton of debt after college. I’ve definitely considered 4-year schools, but I’ve also found what looks like a pretty good in-state technical school that has a program I like, classes I would want to take, and it seems like they really know what they’re doing. It’s probably the only associates degree program I would consider going through and just leaving it at that.
But would an associates be worth anything? Do you know any stories of how people have broken into the business, with or without a degree? If I knew this degree could almost be as valuable as a bachelor’s than it’s a school I would definitely consider going to.
By the way, here are some of the things I’m interested in when it comes to video production:
– screenwriting
– editing
– sound production
– producing/directing
– cinematography
– really just anything that has to do with video production! 🙂
It kinda frustrates me because a lot of the time the difference between an associates and bachelors degree is just a bunch of theory classes they force you to take. A technical degree sounds like a good deal…but is it?
I’d appreciate any advice or stories!!
(P.S.: I also tell myself that if I pick a school, even a technical program like this one, I can always change my mind if I don’t like it…I guess that would work)
Best answer:
Answer by jon f
To be honest there is a huge difference between an Associates and Bachelor’s degree in an associates program you might take 6-11 classes associated with your major. In a BA or BS program that number doubles if not triples. Also the difficulty of classes greatly increases when you get in to your 3rd or 4th year. As far as job wise if its hard to break into this industry who do you think an employer is going to hire a person with a 2 year degree or 4 year degree? Its a sad truth but what you put on your resume sets you apart from other applicants. If most people in this field have 4 year degrees you may want to go to a local State college to get a 4 year degree which is the best of both worlds its cheaper and you still get your degree. Also remember people who have a 4 year degree vs a HS diploma make a MILLION dollars more in their lifetime as opposed to the HS graduate. College debt would easily be paid off if you succeed and secure a job.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!