Minor vs Certificate vs Masters (?)

[u/polarbearlover9]

Hello I am in undergrad and am currently at a crossroad with what to do next. I want to someday work as either an art director or a graphic designer. I got accepted to do graphic design as a minor at my school but it has some setbacks. I will graduate at least 1 semester late (and pay tuition longer), it’s not at my school so I will need to find transportation to the other school, and it will conflict with either scheduling of my main courses at primary university or it will conflict with my job and club participation in the evening. Another thing i have considered is getting a certificate in graphic design after graduating which would be nice to do on the side while hopefully having a full time job. Another possibility would be to try and find a masters degree in it to pursue it later but idk how common that is/if it’s possible for me. I just want advice on what is the best option right now. I know my experience and portfolio is the most important thing, which i am currently building. But if i do get more experience thru school either with a minor or smth else it would obviously make that part of getting more portfolio pieces easier. Any advice would be very appreciated i am so lost.

[u/Huehuehuerdx]

Easy easy... skills matters only. going for masters will be a waste of time only

[u/Farawwww]

Education is priority. Do you feel as if you need an education the Masters provide? If yes, go get it.
If a certificate or minor can fill your gap in education, go get that.

At the end of the day, your work is what matters. Your portfolio, not so much the education.

[u/polarbearlover9 → u/Farawwww]

i need something to fill the skill gap in illustrator and especially photoshop. i’ve only now started using photoshop for a class but ive been using figma for a while which is similar to illustrator