{"id":7482,"date":"2015-01-02T11:00:26","date_gmt":"2015-01-02T17:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getflywheel.com\/?p=7482"},"modified":"2023-04-24T20:35:06","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T01:35:06","slug":"portfolio-versus-degree","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/case-studies\/resources\/portfolio-versus-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Portfolio More Important Than Your Degree?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In college, I began my academic career as an architect student. As we were drafting ideas at our tables one day, my professor wisely said to us about our chosen field, \u201cYou\u2019ve got to love what you\u2019re doing now, or you\u2019re going to hate what you do later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking down at the repetitive rows of straight lines forming a boxed garage, I had a realization. I hated what I was doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a graphic design instructor, I can tell you that a college atmosphere can breed community, set higher sets of standards, challenge skills, raise questions, expose gaps, introduce new ways of thinking, and instill confidence for a career. One that you can continue to grow and expand upon once you graduate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you have to love it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re an Artist, Not a Robot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Little<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A completed representation of a creative\u2019s work — a portfolio — is your desired goal upon graduation. It\u2019s what you as a creative will showcase as you interview for jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your education\u2019s focus is solely on your degree, you\u2019ll only spend your time satisfying what is asked of you. Your portfolio will probably be filled with tasks not of your own choosing. You\u2019ll have little to show at an interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re focused just on a degree, your work represents a student who can follow directions. Complete this project. Write this code. Design this layout.<\/em> It\u2019s an approach that can completely miss the most important part of why you chose to get this degree: that you love what you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pursuing a degree is a demonstration of commitment to your selected profession. What\u2019s placed in your portfolio is a demonstration of the thrill behind that commitment. Learn how to make a portfolio site here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowledge is Shared, Talent is Unique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you love what you do, there\u2019s a natural desire to practice it and make it your own. The more classes you take, the more your portfolio should shift from a requirement to a personal statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While a degree shows the interest and commitment, a portfolio shows the talent and contribution. The 2012 census stated that over 30 percent of U.S. adults have a bachelor\u2019s degree. That\u2019s a lot of people with frames on their walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But only you (and possibly your creative crew) came up with that unique solution found in your portfolio. It\u2019s worth the time to exhaust your creativity into portfolio-worthy work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Work Speaks in Your Absence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We are visual people. It\u2019s why we dress up for an interview. It\u2019s why we smile more during first impressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s why what we place in our portfolio matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creatives don\u2019t regularly make it a practice to post their academic credentials on their websites, at least not in a prominent place. What you should see first, whether online or in person, is the creative\u2019s talent showcased prominently by their portfolio. Creativity is there, and the skills garnered during the time in school are demonstrated. You won\u2019t need to tell people you went to school for this \u2014 it\u2019ll be obvious from the work on display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the day, it\u2019ll be the designs created and not the degree that will leave the greatest impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portfolios Don\u2019t Live in Frames<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Your portfolio should grow as you grow. And if you place focus on what will go into it while you\u2019re still in school, your portfolio can give future employers a glimpse into your potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employers do look at portfolios during the interview. And clients request to see your work and not your degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A degree is a milestone. It represents what once happened however many years ago. It\u2019s an accomplishment that is indeed worth its frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But a portfolio shows what you are currently capable of creating. It offers ideas that are most important to you now. Not five years ago. It should be just as current as your resume and updated more often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking hold of your degree upon graduation will be much more satisfying when you\u2019ve enjoyed the work that got you there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A degree says you took that walk in cap and gown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A portfolio says you\u2019re now ready to run with it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In college, I began my academic career as an architect student. As we were drafting ideas at our tables one day, my professor wisely said to us about our chosen field, \u201cYou\u2019ve got to love what you\u2019re doing now, or you\u2019re going to hate what you do later.\u201d Looking down at the repetitive rows of…<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":143187,"template":"","resource-topic":[908],"resource-role":[897],"resource-type":[916],"class_list":["post-7482","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nIs Your Portfolio More Important Than Your Degree?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What's the best thing to send prospective employers when you're searching for a job? 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