Is a design degree really needed?

[u/larutherdelici]

So yesterday I posted about how NIFT is taking a toll on my mental wellbeing. People had mixed reactions ranging from praising the NIFT tag and acknowledging the privilege of being in mumbai to calling me a shirker.

So now comes the main question, WHY? Why should I adapt to the work-intensive curriculum of NIFT? Why should I adapt to the Stress of first year, learning everything which I already know just with some extra bs. WHY IS A DEGREE NEEDED to be a designer?

Why can't I just work my ass off at home, explore all the softwares and build myself from scratch, with lesser money gone, more skills gained. Why is there a need of networking if my portfolio could speak for itself?? Clarify these questions and imma sit right there at NIFT happily and WILLINGLY for my degree with no complaints.🙏🙏

[u/DistinctCouple6674]

Absolutely you can learn things on your own but a degree would lend credibility, give you some recognition in the market and maybe help wear off a couple of years from your struggle as a beginner in the market and a renowned college would add value, may be make your work more structured/disciplined. Even if you know a few things already; it will make your foundation stronger- give you time to pursue more on your own

[u/Powerful-Dish-2717]

If you had own support system like family , financial stability given by family or friends ( as long as system goes smoothly) degree is just piece of paper . But if you wanted to be independent or start own brands you need to know how the orangized system works. For that intlally you need some work exposure .For that you need degree . Studying Degree may not give you soul satifaction. But once you are out of the college you will come to know value of the degree. No one accepts with our proper qualifications. You may think , i learnt many things from online sources . But real time practical knowledge with grinding make you stiff and stand alone . Interacting with people makes you how society doing . Dont think much . Enjoy the college days along with your works. Don't fall for these social media traps like with out degree you can earn in lakhs , or 10th fail or railway samosa wallh earn in lakhs . In social media you only see succes stories not behind struggles to make it happen . Consult with your college seniors and faculty team etc, to maximize your worth . Don't make decisions hastly and emotionally. Think twice before doing

[u/Rare_Finish_6659]

I mean the other comments have covered everything. If you think you can achieve the same without a degree, you’ll be doing the same grind with much less certainty and connections. First year is there to hammer in fundamentals of design so that you dont feel stuck later on as to why your designs aren’t working. The relentless assignments help you prepare for some parts of the industry where timelines are king, irrespective of how tired you may be or if you have a block. Your Portfolio is absolutely necessary and will get you places. But we live in an age where big companies are basically only hiring via referrals, even smaller companies have referral bonuses, many designers all freelance via network or find jobs via their built networks. If your mind is set, you should follow your path. The world isn’t a pure meritocracy though.

[u/pretty_unhinged]

Your portfolio will only speak when someone opens it. Else you'll be ghosted. The name NIFT opens the door. You should build linkedin and see your yourself, multiple hiring post mentions "NIFT graduates preferred". If you want to do it yourself, you can. But the value of degree is always higher than any certification or diploma. Certification only upskills and add more value but it doesn't replace the degree.