That’s also the thing, perhaps a significant thing I missed out: a “piece of paper” is something that employers look for on your other piece of paper (the CV/resume).

It was hard finding my first job, but I think it’d been even harder to get noticed with merely a portfolio. In fact, the CV helped me get noticed in the first place — without that I wouldn’t have a chance to even show my portfolio. So gaining a degree helps you break in.

On the other hand, there are instances where the quality of the portfolio is the only thing employers are looking for — degree and degree classification don’t matter as much as the proof in the folder. In the long run, the only thing that matters is whether you can deliver.

Thanks for your thoughts. I like your site, by the way.

Rebecca

I’ve always thought of going for a degree, but I could never see the actual benefits. Plus, having a loan you have to spend the rest of your life paying back isn’t really much of an incentive. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure it has its appeal to certain people, but for me I’ve been doing this work myself for many years and I always believed hands-on experience (or natural born talent) was preferred. Of course this is not always true, since I have had prospective employers pass me by for the kid with the “piece of paper”.