A series of people have been asking me online about my experience at NYU ITP. This blog post was created as a way for me to direct potential applicants to common questions about the program, why I’m here, how it’s been for myself personally. I can say that NYU ITP has been a life-affirming program for me. For reasons, how I got here, I’ve linked to this post. Before making the decision to come, I did my research — research the courses, instructors, look at student work/thesis, and talk/stalk alumni and current students through various social media/email contacts.
Below are some questions people have asked me and I hope will help folks as they come across this program.
Why did you decide to apply?
For me, in order to “talk the talk about digital media” I wanted to “walk the walk.” Yes, I wanted to be a geek with the credentials to create. NYU ITP is a diverse program that lets you choose which course work you want to do and offers a technical foundation for you to build on if you didn’t come with it. It gives you enough rope to hang yourself, I like to say. I liked the fact that it was centered on self-motivation, collaboration, creativity, and had strong support within the NYC tech community and alumni.
ITP is indeed a very unique program and if you get in, it’s quite a collaborative, fun environment to be in if you’re looking to expand your mental/imaginative horizons. In that regard, it’s a great experience to experiment and try new things.
Would you mind also shedding some light on the diversity of the pool of students in the program? I know the ITP website states that a design/programming background is not required, but most of the students I’ve spoken to have done something related and have a strong portfolio of work.
You don’t need design/programming to enter the program. The first semester offers you the fundamentals to get started and build from there. Does it help to have design/programming? Heck yes. I’d say 1/3 of the students were professional developers/designers, 1/3 had tinkered in their own time, 1/3 had NO experience (never touched HTML, Photoshop, etc). But that’s okay. We have people in my year (and I’m sure in others) who’ve been architects, landscape designers, dancers, DJs, photographers, etc. It’s truly a mixed bag here. For my own experience? I knew Photoshop, etc. because I was a graphic designer. As far as programming, I had tinkered with HTML, CSS throughout college/working life because I was semi-interested but was frustrated with learning-as-I-go. I probably learned more in 6 weeks here at ITP then the last 2 years alone. You can’t beat being in a place where if you can’t figure something out within a .5-1hour, you can just walk around and tap someone on the shoulder to help you. Everyone’s in the same boat for the first semester and your experience in 1 field may help someone else in another (aka, you know Final Cut Pro and can trade your knowledge with a web programmer, vice versa).
Are there any common career paths for the students you know and what opportunities have you had to learn about new careers after graduating?
NYU ITP students – depending on their prior skills or developed during the program – run the gamut, career-wise. Some become developers, program managers, artists, exhibit designers, researchers, etc. I’d recommend checking out ITP alumni blog blender and alumni Caleb Clark’s tips about his experience at ITP.
How do you feel about your experience?
You take what you put into it I believe. You will get the most out of the program if you come with strong motivation to learn, be open minded about technology, and with a focus on what you want to get from 2 years of intensive graduate school learning. I came to ITP for a career change ~ before I was a designer/journalist. Now I’m actively learning code to build on my prior skills.As far as job skills go, yes, I’ve built an initial foundation in understanding computer languages + will probably build on that in more classes. The first semester is like a bootcamp if you’re not a techie. You learn the basics: Intro to Comp. Media (software), Physical Computing (hardware), among others. It’s grueling as hell but if you really pursue it wholeheartedly, you’ll be amazed at what you learn. Just be prepared for long hours and no life outside the ITP floor. 
Aside from the technical skills, I am very happy with the caliber of research assistants, professors, and peers. ITP’s really competitive to get in but once you’re in, it’s a very collaborative, nurturing atmosphere which you won’t find at alot of other programs. In terms of internships and job posts, I see a fair amount in the ITP listserv; Facebook, Apple, interactive design agencies, social networking startups, etc. drop by here to speak, recruit or lecture.
Since it’s a design-intensive program (meaning portfolio work), you will always have your hands on something. Prior to that, I was more in a communications program (lots of paper/analysis) and I found it stifling. I’m more of a producer at heart PLUS I have alot to show for myself just in my first semester’s amount of work. I’m now in my second year and I’m really happy by the progress I’ve made for myself so far.