Master degree recommendation

efwfew16 · Aug 2020

I've already posted on another forum, but I feel like people here are more qualifed to help me

I'm entering my last year of bachelor in 3D modeling. I'd consider myself a "generalist" even though I haven't really touched on animation. (I'm in Europe)

My parents are recommending me doing a master degree, because of covid, and because master= easier to find work, right ? (my mindset is that a degree doesn't even matter for modeling but well).

I'd like to know if anybody would recommend doing a master in this field. I know my portfolio is what is gonna sell me, but I don't know if my portfolio is up to industry standard for an entry level job at the end of my bachelor (it's not finished yet) It's kinda hard to look online for juniors portfolio as I tend to end up on the few that have an incredible level, and more rarely on the "commom folks" (but i'm still looking at artstation job). I feel like doing a master is gonna give me more time to work on it (and of course learn)

I really don't know where I want to work, i'd just like to find a job lol. I'm thinking about specialising my master in something precise ( I don't really know what yet ) as it could make me stand out in the job market (?)

My plan right now is searching for masters degrees abroad, maybe apply, and keep my option open at the end of my degree job wise (as in applying for a master, but if I find a job i'd take it)

I think an important point is that since i'm in Europe, I wouldn't go into huge student debt by doing a master (for various reasons)

My parents really want me to do a master, but at the same time I don't know if they really understand that my portfolio is my degree in a way.

If I go into a master, what is really valued in the job market ? Is it even looked at by recruiters ?

What's your take on it ? I'm even more confused with covid going on right, and what's gonna happen next year. Thanks!

PixelMasher · Aug 2020

if you are not going to go into debt for it, and you actually WANT to do it, then go for it. But the other option is just to work on your portfolio in your own time, you dont need to be enrolled in school to do that, and tbh you will probably be able to focus on the stuff you actually want to make and be way more efficient that way.

A degree wont really help you get a job, that is all based on your portfolio and a tiny bit by networking. It WILL help you get a work visa if you ever wanted to work in the US or canada though, so it might be worth it long term.

This is coming from someone who only finished high school and has gone from the jr environment artist - senior artist - art director career path and not once has anyone asked me about a degree, and most were impressed in interviews when i told them I was self taught. however, I am only just becoming eligible to work in the US based on my years of experience....13 years later. But ironically I already work remotely for a US based company and dont need a visa for it as I am in my home base of canada.

more remote job options will continue to open up as the industry adapts to not only COVID but just the trend in general. So take it with a grain of salt.

tldr: if you want to do it, go for it. dont go into crazy debt, your portfolio will be the thing that gets you jobs.

Zi0 · Aug 2020

PixelMasher said:

A degree wont really help you get a job, that is all based on your portfolio and a tiny bit by networking.

This, especially here in Europe. Recruiters etc wont care if you have a Master Degree. If you dont have a choice and you really have to do a master because of your parents then you can use that year to make a impressive portfolio piece or two next to doing your master.

poopipe · Aug 2020

I generally agree with pixelmasher but I do think that for artists a bachelor's degree is beneficial - unless you've got professional experience in another vaguely related industry it's the only thing that shows me you can complete tasks, communicate semi effectively and that you've worked cooperatively with other people.

A master's in "game stuff" though..

As said above, if it's something you want to do, you can afford it and you feel like the course will help you generate better portfolio work then there's no reason not to do it.
Just be aware that it won't pay for itself in terms of a better wage

Master degree recommendation

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