My wife is looking for school advice.

[toasted]

My wife is currently a waitress at Olive Garden and as you can imagine she is not liking her job. The hours fluxuate, the pay fluxuates, and people are tipping less because everyone knows it's my wifes fault the economy is bad. :bangin:

She has been thinking about going back to school for something. This is where lots of questions arise.

Here is a short back story.....

My wife, Jess, was one of those kids pushed into college right after high school even though she didn't know what to major in. She is an artist, so what did she pick... ART!

She now has a BA in Art and has no idea how to use it. She don't have any schooling in graphic arts, this degree is simply painting, and other things that go along with creating art on a canvas.

This degree is something you get if you want to get a masters and be a teacher, or go into art therapy, but she wants neither. Like I said, this wasn't planned out, she was forced into college and didn't know what to do.

Fast foreward to today......

Here she is, miserable at her job and thinking she has accomplished nothing. Now she wants to go back to school. I told her we should talk to some sort of councelor at a college, but we don't want to go in there and have them keep trying to sell us on their school, we want real advice.

Here are some of the questions we have for her future.....

What can she actually do the the degree she has?
Can she directly add onto a degree she got 6 years ago?

She wants to do something creative, so here are more questions we came up with.....

What would it take to get into interior design?
Are there actually jobs out there for that?

How about Architechture, is that a 2 year or 4 year thing?
How about jobs in that field?

I'm sure there are fields we aren't thinking of. What else is out there?


Basically she really needs advice and guidance. She has no idea what she can do, she only knows what she likes to do. We need to sit down and talk with someone that can point her in the right direction and get her trained in a career she will love.

I hope somone here can help. If you can't, please, please, please point us to someone that could.

Thank you.

[Toftii88]

architectural design is a 5 year bachelorette program and most go back for their masters. the market is down right now but by the time she got out jobs would be readily available. now is a good time to be in school.

[Topher]

What he said. Five year program. Expect internships (likely unpaid) and a time drain.

I still wish I had done architecture.

Creative jobs are a scary field to be in right now (what I am in), creative jobs are the first to be terminated in a down economy.

I know the U of M and other schools have a career counseling type class. Essentially you pay $2-300 and you take standardized tests, etc and they can help guide you into what you want to study.

She could consider the legal route... isn't there a 1-2 year program where you assist lawyers? Spacing on the name of the field.

Interior design is another option if she likes art, she could probably get that at a two year program, but most require 4-5 years, depending on the program.

[toasted]

We were thinking the same thing. Thats why she is looking into this.

But the first thing we want to know is if there is anything she can do with the degree she already has? We want to avoid starting over completely if we can.

Thanks for the info Topher.

We will have to look into that counceling class.

She is very creative, know what goes with what, she would be great in an interior design role. Our fear is how difficult it is to get into that field. She is leaning towards drafting now as well because she can see how easily I find work that pays well. My problem with that is she isn't as mechanically minded as I am. I suggessted instead that she look into landscape design, or archetechure.

[vweezly]

Wow. I hear ya. I know lots of artists who are in the same position. One thing... Architecture is not for most artists. If she loooooves math then it's for her. It is super technical and exact. It's a long program. I thought about it for a while, but decided against it because of all the extra math and whatnot. I graduated with a BA in art as well. I had no clue what major to pick either. So i picked art because that's all I did in my free time. I'm on of the lucky ones to get a job that is art related and not a teacher. If I were her... I would shoot for interior design. I'm not sure what the program is like though. I am sure that her degree would allow her to skip an ass load of the classes so she can get the degree faster.

I really don't know any art jobs that don't require something specific. I work as a computer animator and I didn't go to school for animation... nor did I take classes. I lucked out on getting to intern at a startup company who allowed me to use their computers and learn the software. I worked for free here for almost a year... I'd work 6 hours here and then 8 hours at a group home. Not a great thing for a marriage. But I'm a senior member here now. I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back at all. I'm just trying to emphasize the odd things and crap work that may need to be done to get a job in the arts. The best thing about a specific concentration like interior design is that you can make connections and think more about where you can work. She may have more drive now than when she was in school. I know I do. She'll be able to kick ass in school. I can ask some friends where they would suggest for an Interior Design ed.

If she likes computers... the only place I would go for animation is MCAD. I would highly recommend do going to one of the "for gigantic profit" schools like Brown, AI... and the like. They are all about numbers and don't give a shit about the students. There are a few here that could vouch for that. They paid alot at those places and hate the schools. MCAD is a very very reputable school for anything art related. I would look at their programs.

I will try to help as much as I can. Keep buggin me. Feel free to email me too.

[Russo]

Brown College and Dunwoody both offer interior design programs, and I believe some of the other small colleges in the Twin Cities do too.

I think the program at Brown was a two-year deal. I signed up for it but the classes I had planned to take that semester were canceled at the last minute due to lack of interest so I went to another school for a different program. That's one of the biggest problems about small business schools - classes get canceled often because only two or three people sign up for them.

Topher, you're either talking about paralegals or legal secretaries. I did the two-year paralegal program through the Minnesota School of Business and am currently employed as a paralegal. I would recommend it to people interested in law. The average paralegal salary for the midwest is somewhere around $50k, which isn't terrible imo.

[toasted]

Jess is organized enough and detailed enough to do something in the legal field, but we both know she would not be happy if she doesn't get to be creative.

weezly, I'll have to talk with you more. It sounds like you were in the same boat.

My wife is not great at math past the basics. That being said, maybe architechture should not be her route. The interior design thing is looking more and more like the way she should go. My only question is, assuming the economy gets better, will it be difficult to find jobs in that field?

[Topher]

Topher, you're either talking about paralegals or legal secretaries. I did the two-year paralegal program through the Minnesota School of Business and am currently employed as a paralegal. I would recommend it to people interested in law. The average paralegal salary for the midwest is somewhere around $50k, which isn't terrible imo.

That's what I was thinking of.

:thumbup:


Toasted, landscape architecture is tougher than you would imagine. Lots of biology, learning plant species, etc.

Granted, I am basing all of my arch/landscape/interior design on where I went to my undergrad, Ball State University, which has one of the most rigorous programs in the nation.

I'll look around on the u of m site for counseling stuff. I wouldn't go to a third party place, stick with a school, I don't think they will hard sell you.

Also, stuff like that should be tax deductible.

[Topher]

Found it, it's $400--annoying, but hopefully helpful.

http://www.ucs.umn.edu/counseling/nonstudent.htm

[toasted]

Damn, $400!

They must not know me, because I don't have money.... lol

Thank you for all the help so far. I really appreciate it.

My wife is struggling here and she knows she can amount to more, we just don't know how to get her there.

[Biz]

Ball State University, which I picked solely on the basis of being able to make genital jokes for 4 years

Fixed it for you.

And yeah, landscape architecture is tougher than it seems at first blush. The ex was a landscape architecture major for a couple years. For the creative-minded, though, it is not a bad fit. She's not the creative type in the art sense of the word, she's more a numbers person, and it didn't fit for her.

[Crispy222]

Brown College and Dunwoody both offer interior design programs, and I believe some of the other small colleges in the Twin Cities do too.


Dunwoody has a two year program. They also have an OPEN HOUSE tonight from 6-8pm. Just come park in the main lot and walk in the front door. Their will be people to assist you in finding everything you're lookin at. You can also fill out a Financial Aid packet on site and you'll be able to see what kind of loans and grants you can get before you start school next Fall.

The programs run 6 quarters, 3/year, Fall, Winter, and Spring, Summer optional. Depending on what she has already taken for classes, she might barely be a full time student. I would say its pretty easy to carry a part time job while attending. Especially something like waitressing nights and weekends if she has that kind of senority.

If you run into a man in adminitions named Kevin Wirkkala, let him know you know Chris Person. He was great at getting me through adminisions and getting credits transfered in from the U of MN. His email is kwirkkala@dunwoody.edu

Good Luck

[toasted]

Wow, we need to get over to Dunwoody tonight then.

Even if she doesn't go there, we can at least look at what they have to offer.

Thanks.

[toasted]

The other thing I am scared of is financial aid.

I'm worried that I make too much for them to lend us enough. We honestly can not afford to pay anything for school until she is done and working, but if they see our income they may have some formula that tells them they can't finance us 100%.

[Topher]

The other thing I am scared of is financial aid.

I'm worried that I make too much for them to lend us enough. We honestly can not afford to pay anything for school until she is done and working, but if they see our income they may have some formula that tells them they can't finance us 100%.

It's unlikely. I was able to get student loans for grad school (federal loans, Ford, etc)

[Topher]

Fixed it for you.


I went to Ball U and lived on Dick's street.

:beer:

[megafr0]

She should look into a 2 year technical degree or even a certificate.

The thing to remember with a bachelor degree is that it in a some cases it really doesn't matter WHAT the degree is in. Having the degree (and hopefully) a good GPA shows consistency and follow through.

She could attend Century, Dunwoody, Saint Paul Tech, and take a single semester of classes and pickup a certificate in a variety of programs (Computer Technical, office administration, massage, photography, etc).

You combine the certificate with a bachelors degree and good grades and you make yourself an excellent candidate for the job.

[Topher]

In most cases I don't think college "teaches" you... it simply shows that you are can commit and stick with something.

It does give you a sense of "credibility" -- deserved or otherwise. Getting my M.A. has opened a lot of doors for me recently, but that doesn't mean that I am "smarter" than someone with similar experience and no advanced degree.


So yeah, nothing wrong with looking at a certificate or associate program.

[toasted]

She had an excellent GPA throughout her schooling for her BA.

I'm goig to talk to her about going to Dunwoody tonight. I think the interior design or Arch will be her thing. She is very creative and artsy, but not computer saavy. We have a room in our house just for her to paint in.

Thank you again for all the input. It really makes me realize how usefull and helpful this community is.

[Toftii88]

The only think i'd worry about with the architect stuff is that it is a 60+ hours a week career. You really have to love it to be in it. Also, nearly everything is cad now. If she loves it though, it is definitely doable.

[toasted]

Yeah, I am worried about the hours thing too. I know she would HATE overtime, but but she may change her thinking if she is doing something she actually likes doing.

As far as CAD goes. She is not one for computers, I mean she goes online and stuff, but doesn't really get into much else on the computer. Knowing her though, if she was taught CAD and other design programs, she would take to it well and enjoy it as a new way to create.

I have also brought up advertizing, but neither of us have clue one about what those jobs are like. I would imagine you would have to be aggressive in advertizing as well, and I know she is not.

[08Rabbit]

Interior design would be a good one to go into, but as others have said the job market is down. My girlfriend just graduated from AI in December with a degree in interior design and she hasn't found any jobs yet. She might even try to go back to school for a masters because of the lack of jobs. Also, most of the jobs that her "career services" finds for her to check out are retail type jobs at bigger corporations like Macy's or Home Depot. If the job market gets better though it sounds like interior design would be a good idea for her.

[toasted]

Thank you for the insight.

Would you say the AI was a good place to get a degree for interior design, or would you reccomend somewhere else?

[08Rabbit]

My girlfriend did like going there because it is a smaller school so you get the help you need and it was all year around so you can get out pretty quickly. She also said the school is very business oriented, and is a good school if you are looking to get a job right after you graduate.

I think she liked going there overall, but it is expensive and their career finding services don't seem to be the greatest from what we've seen.

[Biz]

I have also brought up advertizing, but neither of us have clue one about what those jobs are like. I would imagine you would have to be aggressive in advertizing as well, and I know she is not.

Ad jobs are a weeeeeeee bit tricky to get right now.... Sucks.

[Topher]

Uhhh, yeah, I would not recommend advertising jobs right now. Especially without experience, you will be competing against a ton of people that have been laid off but have managed national communications for fortune 500 companies.


Realistically, I wouldn't recommend advertising to anyone but the most dedicated. She'll work 60+ hr weeks but at pay far below what a corporate marketer would get paid.

[toasted]

Kinda what I thought.

Advertizing is out.

We are going to check out Dunwoody tonight so she can learn more about Interior Design.

Thanks again for the help.

[Biz]

you will be competing against a ton of people that have been laid off but have managed national communications for fortune 500 companies.


Or people with no experience and 2 MA's.

[Topher]

Or people with no experience and 2 MA's.

Or that.
:wub:

[Biz]

Or that.
:wub:

The jobs are hard to get, I guess, is the point of that story.

http://www.planet-familyguy.com/pfg/images/characters/pirate_tn.jpg

[toasted]

We went to Dunwoody and all I have to say is WOW!

That school has their act together. She filled out an application, and it looks like she is going to be able to transfer over a buch of her general ed credits as well.

We haven't decided on this 100% yet, but it's right up her ally and I think we are going to have her do it.

She is looking at starting the Interior Design program in the fall.

[sgt snuffles]

http://go.nti.edu/big-questions/?gclid=CM3f4bGZwpkCFSQeDQodJDWQvA

my brother, his two friends, and my buddy all went there and are doing good... maybe he'll chime in they specialize in architectural and Engineering programs.. and its a two year degree.. i just applied there also if you have questions for my brother about the program his name on here is (ventovdub2pt0)

[Wireclimer]

Well loans can not be had cheaper then they are right now, so thats a plus, You will likely need to loan most of the money to do what you want... You need to be very poor on the balance sheet to qualify for assistance.
That said... When you do figure out what to look into talk to the school. Admissions and registrar offices along with individual Major field offices have grants available in most situations and Profs usually know of even more. Most of them seem stupid and like its not enough money but they all help and on top of that most can be awarded together. My point is 5 or 6 1500-3000$ scholarships/grants adds up to a year of tuition and no one ever applies for them so you have better odds then you think.
Next warning... Most schools wont count any major portion of her degree to another one, and almost no school will count your credits towards any other degree more then 7 years after you get it. (by most schools i mean MNSCU system)

[TTaM]

Toasted, landscape architecture is tougher than you would imagine. Lots of biology, learning plant species, etc.

Granted, I am basing all of my arch/landscape/interior design on where I went to my undergrad, Ball State University, which has one of the most rigorous programs in the nation.



One of my best friend's wife is a landscape architect, and currently unemployed. Most of the firms have made major job cuts in this economy.

Plus, her program was 5 years, and required her to study abroad for a semester.

[Crispy222]

We went to Dunwoody and all I have to say is WOW!

That school has their act together. She filled out an application, and it looks like she is going to be able to transfer over a buch of her general ed credits as well.

We haven't decided on this 100% yet, but it's right up her ally and I think we are going to have her do it.

She is looking at starting the Interior Design program in the fall.

Hey, I'm glad you guys like really like Dunwoody. I like my instructors and they have great connections to the work force.

[Digital K]

to be blunt, usually (not read: always) creativity is best left as a hobby. Everyone can't have jobs that are awesome, creative, cool, and comfortable. Part of my job is cool, part of it sucks. There is NO creativity taking pictures of cars at a dealer, but I do it. Its a job I know how to do it, and it pays money. I went to art school too. what a waste of 40,000$. I know a few people that went to school for interior design. At risk of sounding insensitive its kind of a bogus program. LOTS of people go for it, because its theoretically easy, "creative", and nifty. There are very very few jobs out there in this market.

[toasted]

Thank you for being "real" about it Kris, I appreciate your take on things.

Do you really think your art school degree was a waste?

[vweezly]

She has her BA which makes a huge difference in getting a job... in my experience. I know some others who feel as kris does, that art school was a waste. Having a BA and going back to get a concentration in something else is different though. Her education is broader which employers like. Again... that's my experience.

[toasted]

When she is done at Dunwoody she will have two BA's.

[SlapTTy]

As someone with 2 art degrees, I feel her pain. I was lucky enough to find jobs as a production artist for several graphics companies right out of college (graduated a LONG ass time ago - 1987). Luckily I was able to teach myself computer skills and the like. fast forward to today and I'm working as a webmaster for a large school district.

I keep thinking I'd like to get into law, but at my age, I'm not so sure that'd be a wise choice.

With her art degree, she COULD go into any number of fields but the idea of getting to a good career counselor is sound advice. Unfortunately, the job market sucks right now.

She could also start creating art again and trying to sell it. I thought of doing this too, but I'm a lazy SOB and haven't really created any REAL art in quite a long time.

[toasted]

I encourage her to paint all the time, but she gets depressed about her job situation alot.

I took our third bedroom and painted it a soothing green color, painted all the trim white to go with the color choice, bought her a table, and even set up an easel for her but she lacks motivation.

[Topher]

Don't depressed artists usually do the best work?

[toasted]

Thats what I thought.

I told her to channel that depression into the canvas and she would be a millionare.

[Speed4]

Don't depressed artists usually do the best work?

that and heroin.

[08Rabbit]

Well from my point of view finding jobs right now is more about who you know and not as much about what you know.

[JTapper]

The graduate with a science degree asks, 'Why does it work?'
The graduate with an engineering degree asks, 'How does it work?'
The graduate with an accounting degree asks, 'How much will it cost?'
The graduate with an art degree asks, 'Do you want fries with that?'

[Topher]

classic

[Digital K]

Thank you for being "real" about it Kris, I appreciate your take on things.

Do you really think your art school degree was a waste?

Yes.