Education - The Key To Success?

The New Media industry isn't by any means a hard one to get into. In fact, success in the industry could be as simple as uploading a clever YouTube video, and raking in money as millions are forced to watch advertisments on your YouTube channel. This success can be seen in internet supstars such as RayWilliamJohnson and Shane Dawson.

Both of these YouTube users regularly upload comical videos which are seen by millions and a hefty commision is offered from YouTube as a "business partner". We can rest assured that is a lot of money. Especially in comparison to what the average person who works in the industry earns. The average person who most probably has invested money in an education for the industry. So is this fair? Is it fair that someone invest money and time (years most of the time) and STILL earn less than someone who simply mixes together a couple of funny videos and gives a dubious commentary?

Admittedly, not EVERYONE in the industry has an education. "The vast majority of participantspreferred informal learning or ‘learning on the job’ as a way of developing their skills." (Gill 2007) Is this the more efficient way to go?

While an education is definitely beneficial to attaining work in the industry, it's not always the best option, after all, nothing beats actual experience in the actual industry.

REFERENCES

Gill, R. (2007). Informality is the New Black. In Technobohemians or the new Cybertariat? New Media work in Amsterdam a decade after the web. Amsterdam: Institute of Network Cultures: 24-30 & 38-43.