A Well Rounded Designer Pursuing Two Programs

Our May student of the month is recent high school grad Scott Warren. At Sessions College, Scott is simultaneously pursuing two credentials with the goal of becoming a well-rounded designer. Attracted to Sessions by our affordability and flexibility, Scott is finding his degree is already paying off as his new skills have landed him landed a job in a local print shop. 

Q: What made you pursue the Associate Degree in Web Design?

I have had an interest in design from a young age. Creating things is something that is almost second nature to me. I’ve enjoyed working on small design projects for family and friends, so I figured it would be a great career option. With today’s ever-changing marketplace, and the evolution of the Internet, I believe web design will be a booming industry to enter. I found that the AOS in Web Design offered me a great foundation in the basics of web design, and was the most career-relevant program that I could find.

Q: Why did you choose to study online at Sessions College?

I chose to study online with Sessions College fora number of reasons, the main two being affordability and flexibility. Before enrolling at Sessions, I looked into my options at some other “big box” schools her in the D.C. area and out of state, but could not fathom dishing out that much tuition alone for an education. Web Design is somewhat of a specialized degree, and only certain schools offer it. Because of that, only a few schools in my region offered the major, and all were a good distance away. By studying online I am able to avoid a lengthy commute to and from school, and ultimately put more time towards my studies.

Q: What’s the most fun or enjoyable project you’ve worked on to-date?

That is such a tough question, simply because there have been so many fun and interesting projects so far. However, there is one that still stands out to me when I look back upon my work. The poster I created for the Mostly Mozart Festival in my Design and Composition course remains my favorite of all. I really liked how this project was based on an actual event, rather than a fictional one. In addition, I liked that I was given a bit more design freedom to create what I thought would be best and add my own flair to it.

Q: How do you manage program deadlines alongside your work, family, or other commitments?

Keeping up with my studies, work, family and friends can be tough at times. However, setting up a schedule and sticking to it is vital. I have to schedule enough time in each day to complete my work for my classes, while balancing my day job and keeping up with the family all at once. Sometimes long days and nights are necessary, but in the end it’s all worth it!

Q: What is the biggest difference you’ve seen in your work since you’ve started with Sessions?

For the longest time I would have a vision in my mind for how I wanted my projects to look, feel and function. Unfortunately, I did not have the ability to make those ideas happen. Since coming to Sessions I have found that my technical skills have expanded a lot. I can now take my vision and make it a reality with the Adobe software programs. In addition, I think that having some basic knowledge in color theory, design and composition, and typography help me make smarter design choices.

Tell us about why you decided to pursue a second credential, the Undergraduate Certificate in Graphic Design.

I want to be versatile when it comes to my skills and abilities, and that is one of the main reasons why I chose to pursue the certificate in Graphic Design on top of my Associate’s Degree. I think that if I am able to be fluent in graphic design as well as web design I will be even more valuable to future employers.

Q: You’ve recently found employment in print production. How do your work and studies tie together?

I can say with confidence that the skills that I have acquired from Sessions helped me to land my current job working at the print shop. Having a good understanding of the Adobe software programs and design fundamentals helped to propel me to where I am today. I use what I have learned from my classes each and every day on the job. I work in Photoshop to edit supplied images and designs, but also create one-of-a-kind programs for clients. This has allowed me to firm up the skills I’ve learned from Sessions, and apply real-world experience towards my studies.

Q: Describe your goals on graduating from the program.

Up until now I was never really sure what path I would like to take after graduation. My options that included opening my own business, working as an in-house designer, or for an agency.  However, from my current job I know that I personally like a fast-paced and constantly changing environment. For that reason, I would like to open my own design firm, or work for an agency. That way each and every day would be different from the last.

To find out more about our programs in Web Design and Graphic Design, visit our Associate Degree and Undergraduate Certificate programs.