Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Computer Animation graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 67 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 57%, Computer Animation graduates have a lower likelihood (-10%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 16% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Computer Animation graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 65% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Computer Animation. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONUI/UX Designer Andrews McMeel Universal Jul 2010 - May 2011 UI/UX Designer Spyfu.com May 2011 - Mar 2014 Senior UX Developer ChronoTrack Apr 2014 - Jan 2015 Senior Front-End Engineer  Life Time - The Healthy Way of Life Company Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 Senior Front-end Engineer Follow Up Boss Feb 2016 - Present ABOUTAs a designer, my main focus is delivering a great user experience. As an engineer, I leverage programming to build tools that helps make a great user experience. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of graduates with a degree in Computer Animation, there seems to be a mixed bag of jobs related to their field. Many graduates have taken roles that directly apply their animation skills, such as animators, artists, and designers in various realms of digital media. On the flip side, there's a significant number of graduates who have moved into positions that appear to have little to no connection to their studies in animation. A recurring theme among these job titles indicates a divide between engaging in technical artistry and diving into more generic roles in customer service, retail, and management.
Among the common job titles seen in the analysis, things like “Animator,” “2D Artist,” and “Compositor” highlight the relevant fields where individuals are fully utilizing their animation education. These positions require a solid understanding and application of the principles and techniques learned in computer animation programs. However, many graduates have ventured into seemingly unrelated territories—such as acting, retail, financial services, and even fitness training—where the skills learned in their animation courses are not utilized. For example, roles like “Bartender” or “Customer Service Representative” focus more on hospitality and customer interaction rather than any artistic or creative skills honed during their degree.
Overall, while there are certainly graduates who land jobs that perfectly align with their training and interests in computer animation, it is concerning to see that many have not only moved away from their core competencies but have also taken positions that may not utilize their educational background effectively. This raises questions about the employment readiness of animation graduates and the practical application of their skills in the job market. In a nutshell, working in animation is possible and certainly common for many graduates, but there remains a sizable portion who drift away from this path entirely.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer Animation graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Computer Animation, there's a mix of exciting paths and some less successful ones. The first jobs after graduation generally reflect a blend of freelance gigs, internships, and even some non-animation-related roles. Many graduates don't jump straight into their field; they might start as a cashier, event coordinator, or even work in unrelated retail jobs for a while. However, for those who can secure a position related to animation right after graduation, it's often in roles like 3D animator, graphic designer, or various assistant positions in animation studios.
Fast forward five or ten years later, and you'll find that some people evolve into pretty impressive positions in the animation industry, working as lead animators, concept artists, or even starting their own studios. But the truth is not everyone stays directly in the field. A good number drift into areas like project management, data analysis, or even teaching, which might not utilize their animation skills in the way they had hoped. While there’s definitely a promising chance for those who stay motivated and agile in their career paths, it’s clear that many graduates end up in roles that aren't directly connected to their degree, showing a mix of success and missed opportunities.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Animation can be a pretty challenging journey, but it's not insurmountable if you're passionate about it. The coursework often involves a mix of art, design, and technical skills, so you’ll find yourself juggling multiple disciplines like drawing, 3D modeling, and software proficiency. Some people might find it easier if they already have a solid background in art or computer science, but for others, it can feel like a steep learning curve. You’ll definitely have to put in a lot of time and effort to develop your skills, especially when it comes to mastering animation software and working on projects, but if you love creativity and storytelling, it can be a really rewarding experience despite the challenges!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Animation.
Looking at these graduates' job histories, it's a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some folks have landed solid jobs in established companies or done freelance work that likely pays well, especially those who jumped into roles like Animator or CG Generalist at big names like DreamWorks and Riot Games. Graduates from specialized schools like Ringling College of Art and Design seem to have an edge, scoring gigs at desirable companies sooner, which typically means better pay. But then you have others who bounced around from part-time gigs to entry-level positions, which might not bring in a lot of cash. Overall, it seems like creativity and determination pay off for some, while others are working their way up the ladder and probably not raking it in just yet.
In the end, if you’re passionate about animation and willing to hustle, there are definitely opportunities out there that can lead to really good pay. But it may take a bit of time—plus a few odd jobs along the way—before hitting those upper salary brackets. Just remember, though, success in this field often hinges on two things: networking and your portfolio, so keep those in mind as you plan your career path!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Computer Animation. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Computer Animation (ordered by the average relevance score of their Computer Animation graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Full Sail University
|
50 | 37 |