Masters in Communications Design in NYC

[MHDG]

Hello all,

This is my first post. I work in finance right now (6 years) and want to transition into the design field to pursue a career in communications design and/or design research. While I have a lot of the business/management/communcations skills, I don't have refreshed technical skills (in Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) I have to stay in New York and have been exploring some Master degree programs. Here is what I have found to date:

NYU-Tisch: Interactive Telecommunications Program (MPS degree)

NYU-School of Continuing Education: Graphic Communications Management and Technology (MA degree)

Pratt: Communications Design (MS degree)

Which do you think would be the best program for me, given my background and what I want to do? I'm looking for a school and program that is reputable, has good resources (especially in career services when it comes to finding internships and a full time job at the end) and a reputable and involved faculty.

I don't know any people in the industry, and while I've met with all the schools, I would really like an unbiased opinion. If there any other programs in NYC that I should be looking at, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

[Await]

Hi,

I've worked with people at ITP before and they were all fantastic, well-connected, and smart. I think the program is pretty tight-nit, reputable and growing. The facilities are nice too.

The first thing you need to do though, is get with your people! You should start reading design blogs (and the websites of firms like IDEO or wherever you might want to work) and go to events held by PSFK, go to Pecha Kucha nights and just talk to people in the design world about where they studied, interned, what they do, and how they got their current job.

The design world (especially in NYC) is competitive and you can only be helped by who you know and where you go!

http://www.pecha-kucha.org/cities/new-york

http://www.psfk.com/

http://www.ideo.com/

And a great blog to get your head in the game (written by big guns, although more graphic designers, they cover a lot of ground): http://designobserver.com/index.html

Hope that helps. Good luck and have fun!

[MHDG]

Await, thanks for your help and suggestions. I appreciate it.