Portfolio school
A portfolio school is a higher-learning institution that trains students for a career in advertising, specifically the disciplines of graphic design, art direction, copywriting, or art. Students expect to be educated on advertising techniques and make professional connections. Rather than receiving a certification (or, sometimes, in addition to receiving a certification) graduates leave with a completed career portfolio that includes samples of their creative work.[1]
Mary Warlick, of The One Club, described portfolio schools as "finishing schools" for advertisers.[2]
Instructors and learning programs
Instructors at portfolio schools are typically advertising industry professionals capable of providing practical insights into the processes and practices of the advertising industry.[2] Students are expected to have completed some amount of college or university education before attending. Portfolio schools have no standardized program length, and a full program can last between one and four years.
Criticism
Critics of the portfolio school concept have suggested that similar professional experience can be gained through volunteer work, internships and opportunities and that completion of a portfolio school program isn't necessary for career advancement in advertising.[3][4]
See also
References
- Carson, Jeremy Is going to portfolio school even worth it?
- Volk, Nancy and Kestin, Janet Breaking Into Advertising and Staying There, Wiley (2005)
- King, Brittany 4 Things to Consider Before Determining If Portfolio School Is Right for You in AdWeek (20 August 2019)
- Alston, Trey How Portfolio School Alternatives Are Teaching Aspiring Advertising Creatives For Free in Working Not Working (14 July 2021)