I got into ID school at 23 and thought I was pretty old (I had a previous 4-yr bachelors). By the time I graduated I was 28 (1yr of internship) and had to do a lot of catch-up and knew at age 28 I was suppose to be a staff designer instead of Jr. Even though I had a late start I realized I made the right choice because ID was the right career for me. Now I’m the head ID guy of a corporate medical device manufacturer- so I’m doing something right.
makedonas-
It’s a total cliché but if enjoy what you do for a living it almost doesn’t feel like its work. At 34 you might be kind of late going in but you have a good 20+ years to fill that time with doing something you really like.
I started uni at 25, finished when I was 29 and walked straight into a job. The job I’m in isn’t my dream job, but I am getting amazing experience.
The advantage of being older is you have usually gone through the house-mate thing, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd ex girlfriend thing so you are more focused and life is in perspective. I think mature age students are also less eager to please everyone at once so they get more of what they want out of it.
One mistake I made in uni though was not building a guitar as my 4th year project. I went into my degree with that as my plan and got sucked into a crazy sounding musical sculpture project with a huge corporate client who really stifled my project partner’s and my creativity. We basically had to make a run for the finish line after getting our funding and go-ahead so late. I wasn’t happy with the outcome. Do what you want to do 100% of the time. It’s your degree and your life. Not the douchebag sitting next to you.
You’ve also got to think to yourself: What happens if I don’t do this? Where will I be in 4/5 years? If it’s working in a cheese sandwich factory or at wallmart then study your ass off.
ps. I couldn’t draw for shit when I started my degree. I could build things though, so that helped a lot.
I enjoy reading this discussion, nice to know people on the same boat =)
I’m actually deep in thought about this. I turn 25 in a few days and I’m going back to school in summer. I’m having my doubts, I’ve been working for seven years straight and I’m not even sure if my brain can still keep up with the curriculum . But I guess what’s important is getting your foot in and pursuing your passion. I may struggle doing this but at least I can minimize the regrets. Just like what they say, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”
I have a similar uncertainty about ID. I am 34 yrs. I am a documentary filmmaker, and an online commnunications specialist apart from having worked as editor for a magazine and an art director. Yet today I feel that I am keenly interested in coalescing my skills in research, filming, communication conceptulising to creating interactive experiences and help build products that actually make a difference.
Can I start as a design researcher? Or do I need formal training? And yes, am I too old to start?
@Danielyorba - What program did you go through at Art Center? I just requested info from Art Center. I’ve always been into bikes and car design and now that I have time I’d like to get educated. Are there any workshops in the L.A./SoCal area that people recommend to start out with until I decide if going back to school is the right choice?
Age is only a problem if it detracts from your passion. It should be a non-issue unless someone you interview with is agist and thinks anyone over 25 can’t understand trend forecasting.
This thread should be renamed “Please tell me I’m not too old to start an ID programme”.
No you are not too old.
I’m 40 in a few months and still studying ID part-time. I’m getting the best grades of my life (I’ve got a BA and also have studied Architecture (briefly) and Economics) and my work has been exhibited in a few shows and competitions. I interned in San Francisco at the start of the year. My work has been featured on blogs and got some newspaper press. I might be selling something I’ve designed soon. It’s because I’ve found (later than most) what I want to do with my life, and it makes studying a joy not a chore, and because it’s a joy you do good work.
If you want to study and have a passion for it, then do it. There are some drawbacks (studying when you are working fulltime is draining, finding time for your family is a balancing act, some young kids in class do not know who the ‘Six Million Dollar Man’ is when you mention him in a critique, explaining to your boss during your yearly review that “Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years Time?” is not here) but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Core is a great resource, it keeps me on track when I go through a tough patch and need a gee-up to keep on going, which I think is the concern of most mature-agers.
Do you want to look back in 5 or 10 years and regret not having a go?
One more option to consider…I’m 34 and have a bachelors in microbiology and a masters in mechanical engineering/product development. Would it be appropriate for me to go back for a masters in ID instead of another bachelors? I’m curious about the differences.