Portfolio schools are most often two-year programs that teach writers to build their portfolio. They pair students with designers to work together to create and curate pieces for your portfolio. While this may sounds great, there are also drawbacks.
In this episode, Nicki and Kate break down the pros and cons of portfolio school, what it really means to get a certificate at the end, and how to discern if portfolio school is the right decision for you!
TUNE IN: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Looking for closed captioning or a transcript? Watch the episode on YouTube!
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[2:45] As a copywriter you need a portfolio and it reflects your ability to write copy. It shows prospective clients what you are able to do. It’s samples of your work for previous clients with descriptions about it.
[3:50] A spec ad is a fake ad, it demonstrates your skills and can be used before you have clients who have paid you to write copy.
[6:30] A portfolio school will help you create your portfolio, you’ll be paired with a designed and they’ll help you create pieces for your portfolio. Most portfolio schools are full time workloads, often two years worth of full time work, and you are working on their schedule and following their teaching, so less flexibility on that time frame.
[8:00] In addition to the two years of schooling there is the cost that goes with that. The majority of schools are between $33,000 to $88,000 in the US.
[11:00] In the CCA you are given steps to find designers to work with, and that is important because it helps to build relationships that you can come back to as your are working as a copywriter. The vast majority of CCA students do not take two years to build their portfolios, it can definitely be done part time in a much shorter time period.
[14:45] With completion of a portfolio school students have a certificate to show. But a certificate doesn’t mean anything beyond that you’ve paid for that certification. It doesn’t prove quality or ability or competency.
[19:15] Post pandemic people are way more interested and used to connecting online. You can make connections that are impactful without the in person relationship that portfolio provides.
Must-Hear Takeaways
As with every episode, we highly encourage you to listen to the entire conversation! But here are a few of the highlights:
“Yes at a portfolio school you’ll be paired up with designers and there will be other creatives in the room, and you can build connections, but those same connections are available to you right now.” – Kate
“Again, no matter what, whether you’re going to portfolio school or you’re doing it a different route, like the CCA you still have to put work to build those relationships but there are multiple ways to go about this.” – Kate
Mentioned In This Episode
Get an *Exclusive* Bonus Recording!
Tell us what you love about the podcast and what you hope to hear next! When you do, you can get access to an exclusive bonus recording featuring five wildly successful entrepreneurs who share what they do (and don’t!) look for when hiring copywriters. You do not want to miss it!
Get all the details on how to get your recording here »
About the Build Your Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
See Previous Episode
Ep. 134: Keep Copywriting Fun: 3 Must-Implement Business Boundaries
Last Updated on June 29, 2023
