Is a College Degree Necessary for Success in the Entertainment Industry?
🌟Career Coaching: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Higher Education in Showbiz
A college degree can provide some invaluable benefits, but many entertainment professionals have built careers without one (Steven Spielberg, Rihanna and Walt Disney, to name three of many). Talent, drive, curiosity and connections are often more reliable predictors of success in the entertainment industry.
So should you invest in a college degree if you (or your child) have your heart set on a career in showbiz? Like much of life, the answer is complex.
The Networking Power of College
The number one reason to attend college is because of the networking opportunities it provides. Students build relationships with potential colleagues and collaborators, and with faculty, who may be active practitioners (e.g., working directors, writers, actors, producers) and thus can provide pivotal introductions within the industry.
At most colleges, students also gain access to a vast alumni network. Being able to reach out to people who share an alma mater can be a powerful way to get your foot in the door. Look at LInkedIn, where the schools you list in the education section on your profile are a fundamental driver of the connections that LinkedIn feeds you to build your network. Alumni tend to be the low-hanging fruit when you’re trying to move ahead in showbiz.
Building a Network Outside of College
Building a network without the aid of a university and its alumni is certainly possible – you just have to be fearless and persistent. Join professional associations such as Film Independent, NY Women in Film and TV or Theatre Communications Group. Look for residency programs and creative labs in your community. Attend and volunteer to work at festivals and industry conferences. Find out where entertainment professionals are gathering near you and get involved.
The Cache of a College Degree
A college degree can signal maturity, dedication and professionalism to potential employers. It might make you appear more credible, reliable, disciplined, sophisticated and/or any number of other desirable qualities. This is especially true if the person hiring you is a college graduate. Can you possess and project these qualities without a degree? Of course you can! – but you may be expected to prove it, while a college degree-holder is given the benefit of the doubt.
Developing Essential and Specialized Skills
Most colleges focus on helping students develop skills that are essential to any industry, such as critical thinking, research and collaboration techniques and problem-solving abilities. It is also a brilliant place to hone written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in these areas can be achieved outside of a degree program, but the opportunity to spend a concentrated amount of time developing these strengths at a university shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s a luxury worth considering if you can afford it.
Colleges usually offer specialized knowledge through majors like Film Studies, Theatre, Creative Writing, Business and Finance. But it is possible to develop expertise in these and other useful areas through coursework and certificate programs outside of the university system. And these programs are usually offered at a significantly lower cost, or no cost at all.
Industry Training: Affordable Alternatives
Here are three avenues to explore for industry training outside of university degree programs:
Union Apprenticeship Programs. From writers and directors to actors and crew, entertainment is the most unionized industry in the world. Many unions have apprenticeship programs that help train tour managers, editors, scenic designers, electricians and a host of other jobs. Most of these programs pay you a salary while you learn. Check with the local union offices near you to see what they offer and whether you’re eligible. (Not sure where to start? Check out the IATSE and Teamster directories.)
Online Learning Platforms. Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, EdX and Skillshare offer a wide array of courses in many aspects of film, theater and music. The cost is very low compared to a four-year or community college; for example, Coursera offers a plan for $400/year that gives you access to as many courses as you can handle. There are also more focused platforms serving specific communities within the showbiz ecosphere. Stage 32 offers a seemingly endless supply of webinars, labs and forums for filmmakers. Actors Connection has in-person and online training and resources for performers. Entertainment Careers not only has a robust job board, but also resources to help you navigate the industry.
Skill-Specific Training Opportunities. A number of industry players have free or low-cost training in specific areas. Entertainment Partners offers a deep dive into production accounting, film financing and other business skills. (FUN FACT: good production accountants are always in demand.) Sundance Collab provides training for filmmakers–leaning heavily on writing and directing skills–and scholarship support is available for most courses. The Entertainment Community Fund is a great source for career services, including a program to help artists become qualified to work as teaching artists. AARI Academy provides training on its camera equipment. The American Theatre Wing presents free master classes in theatrical costume design, stage management, fight direction, etc. These are but a few of many.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue a college degree is a deeply personal one. While a college education can provide valuable networking opportunities, develop essential skills and enhance your professional credibility, a successful career in entertainment is often more about talent, drive and (too frequently) luck, than any piece of paper. Alternative pathways such as union apprenticeships, online courses and specialized training programs, can allow aspiring entertainment professionals to gain the knowledge they need to succeed, regardless of their educational background.
Thanks for such great advice!