Originally Posted by
bmyers
I think you already know the answer and it's inside you. This will be a different answer for everyone and dependent on your profession as well!
If it's important to you, then it's important to you. But be aware that not all jobs are going to believe AU is important! So yes, it could be a deal breaker if it's important to you and not to your company.
For myself (and yes, I'll likely be in the minority on AUGI with this comment) I don't care in the least about AU. The classes are great and it's a great place to socialize too! But would it make or break me when it comes to getting a "dream" job? No. I wouldn't give AU a second thought. While AU may be the ultimate in learning environment, you can learn everything you would learn at AU on your own eventually (or at local classes) if it's truly important to you and your company (just think of how much CAD knowledge you learned on your own already!)
But is it important to YOU? My guess is that YES it is or else you never would have asked. That's what matters... so think of the big picture and how not going could could effect your life, happiness and professional career. If it matters that much to you then it's a deal breaker. If it doesn't, then don't worry about it.
Just my 2 cents...