sometimes it will depends on which type of company u r goin to interview.
Or the way u "promote" urself.

Online portfolio is the cheapest way to impress the employer.
(Some company will ask for u portfolio website, but some specify which college students they prefer).

A cert would be much easier to get u a passcard to attend an interview. Afterall, they still care bout ur Portfolio works.

So, if u dun haf extra money for study. It is still best u polishing on ur portfolio that suit for ur next job position.

And, which field u wanna indulge next? Some field might not need cert but still an Impressve portfolio.

one thing to join gfx course is best to stick wif those ppl who really passionate in art & design.

Those ppl are very good motivation to keep brushing ur skills & knowledge.

In future, college's freinds might help/intro u to get a better career.
At least, u wouldn't worry bout ur job's prospect so much if u oredi done ur part best.

Der are ppl who really like Arts b4 enter a course. After studying the course, minority of them dislike Arts more than before. Due to the intensive homeworks & pressure from others better artwork btwn friends. (This could be personal issue lar. But i knew ppl like dat.)

Being self-taught could be frustrate & helpless for quite sometimes.. At least, u prefer to do this than others job.
We are on the same boat. Dat's y I could feel why u wanna get the paper.

XED, do u personally know anyone who had completed the animationmentor course?

The course seems pretty good. The paid is incredibly high for normal income ppl..