neotrotsky
Member
I was complaining (as I am known to do when the work is slow... it's my nature ) about having to work full time and do full time class loads in order to get two more degrees nailed by the next spring, and one of our student workers was saying how an Associate's degree is a "worthless" degree, and I should just focus on a masters if I were "serious". One of our administrative staff also chimed in wondering why I wasn't exploring a higher singular degree and instead going for two more associates.
My reasoning is that, while I am versed in the subjects of each degree (Audio Engineering and Business), I don't have the certification on paper that SAYS I do. I have a resume that obviously backs this up else I wouldn't be working where I do, but that doesn't always tell the full story. Also, I can honestly say that ever since going back to school my work has improved by miles! I may of been an "old hand" at stuff like live sound, but after diving head first into subjects like Ableton Live application and Copyright law, I cannot tell you how much better my shows have become. An old dog can learn new tricks!
This all leads to an interesting argument: While I feel several "certification" degrees backed by nearly 15 years in related fields may be a perfect fit for someone of a Technical Director path, would that be on par, below or above in desire than someone with a Masters with only a few years experience going for the same position? To me, anyone who strives to get any degree in what they love are already better than the majority of the population who either just coast along or get "easy" degrees that they know they can get jobs at but have no passion for. Also, the money difference between the two paths is quite stark: It's flat out cheaper for me to get two more Associates in fields I *know* I will use at a City College level than to pay nearly 6 times the price at a University that may only devote 3 to 6 credits towards each discipline while I have to take other courses that have little to no bearing on the real-life applications of a director.
At this point I'm already set on my path (that and grad school would kill my marriage. I know it.), but it is interesting to hear other views. We have been talking about me looking into larger markets for better pay, and neither me or my wife are comfortable living in Arizona any longer. But, I still have alot of work to do. If I'm going to look towards the future of getting out of here, am I stocking up on the right ammo for the fight?
My reasoning is that, while I am versed in the subjects of each degree (Audio Engineering and Business), I don't have the certification on paper that SAYS I do. I have a resume that obviously backs this up else I wouldn't be working where I do, but that doesn't always tell the full story. Also, I can honestly say that ever since going back to school my work has improved by miles! I may of been an "old hand" at stuff like live sound, but after diving head first into subjects like Ableton Live application and Copyright law, I cannot tell you how much better my shows have become. An old dog can learn new tricks!
This all leads to an interesting argument: While I feel several "certification" degrees backed by nearly 15 years in related fields may be a perfect fit for someone of a Technical Director path, would that be on par, below or above in desire than someone with a Masters with only a few years experience going for the same position? To me, anyone who strives to get any degree in what they love are already better than the majority of the population who either just coast along or get "easy" degrees that they know they can get jobs at but have no passion for. Also, the money difference between the two paths is quite stark: It's flat out cheaper for me to get two more Associates in fields I *know* I will use at a City College level than to pay nearly 6 times the price at a University that may only devote 3 to 6 credits towards each discipline while I have to take other courses that have little to no bearing on the real-life applications of a director.
At this point I'm already set on my path (that and grad school would kill my marriage. I know it.), but it is interesting to hear other views. We have been talking about me looking into larger markets for better pay, and neither me or my wife are comfortable living in Arizona any longer. But, I still have alot of work to do. If I'm going to look towards the future of getting out of here, am I stocking up on the right ammo for the fight?