First, some facts. Of the Computer Animation graduates from Full Sail University 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 37 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 50%, Computer Animation graduates from Full Sail University have a much lower likelihood (-17%) 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: 60%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Full Sail University with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Animation. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONFull Sail Lab SpecialistFull Sail University Jan 2012 - Aug 2012 Lab Specialist Full Sail University Mar 2012 - Aug 2012 Graphic Designer DoubleTree by Hilton Nov 2012 - Dec 2012 Graphic Designer & Touch up Artist Jewelry Volt Jan 2013 - Sep 2013 Roto Artist Skulley Effects Jun 2013 - Oct 2013 Photoshop Expert National Geographic Society Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 Depth Artist Stereo D Apr 2014 - Jun 2015 CG Artist Freelancer Sep 2012 - Jan 2022 VFX artist Robot Rumpus Dec 2017 - Jan 2022 Production Coordinator DreamWorks Animation 2019 - Jan 2022 Art Production Coordinator Netflix Nov 2021 - Jan 2024 Production Supervisor Netflix Jan 2024 - Present ABOUTI was born and raised in Downingtown, Pennsylvania which is southwest of Philadelphia. Growing up I had two passions, football and art. Playing football taught me about commitment, teamwork, leadership skills, and how to communicate with others. So you can say I am a big time people person.Art has been a big part of my life since the first grade. I took every art class I could in high school. I specialized in creating characters in both 3D and 2D. Art taught me creativity, how to open my mind, and that you can make anything come alive with imagination.I love people and making new friends. I enjoy a challenge and like to think I have a great work ethic. I love working in teams. I actually think I work better when put into a team. Multiple heads are better than one |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the job paths of people who studied Computer Animation at Full Sail University, you'll see a pretty mixed bag of roles they took on after graduation. On one hand, there are quite a few who landed positions like Compositors, Animators, and VFX Artists, which are all directly tied to the skills they learned in their degree. These roles involve actual animation work, where they use their knowledge of 3D modeling, visual effects, and other animation techniques every day. It's basically the dream scenario for anyone who went to school for computer animation—applying what you learned in a real-world setting.
On the flip side, though, there’s a considerable number of graduates who took on jobs that are pretty unrelated to computer animation. Many ended up in retail or customer service positions like Sales Associate, Barista, or even Customer Service Clerk. It's a bit of a bummer because these jobs don’t make use of their animation skills at all. Plus, some roles that sound creative, like Graphic Designer, often showcase skills that are only somewhat connected to the animation side of things. So, while it’s clear that some graduates have found solid, relevant career paths, many have wandered off into fields that don’t really align with their training. It’s a mixed bag, but at least there are still some bright spots where folks are thriving in the animation world.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer Animation graduates (this is across all Computer Animation graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Full Sail University):
When looking at the career trajectories of Full Sail University graduates who majored in Computer Animation, it seems like a mixed bag. Many of them land their first jobs in roles that are pretty relevant to their studies, such as animators, compositors, and VFX artists right after graduation. For instance, several students started at studios like Legend 3D, working in visual effects and animation shortly after finishing their degree, which is a strong sign that they were able to find positions directly related to their education. Others, however, drifted into less relevant roles, like baristas or cashiers, which isn’t ideal but often happens in the early stages of a career when people might struggle to find work in their field or decide to pursue different passions.
Fast forward five or ten years down the line, and the landscape looks a bit different. Many graduates seem to advance into more senior roles within the animation and visual effects industry, like creative director or art production coordinator, particularly those who stayed in the industry. However, others have ended up in more unrelated fields or customer service positions, showing that not everyone finds a long-term place in computer animation. While some graduates thrive and carve out solid careers in animation, others face challenges sticking to their original path, suggesting that while a degree from Full Sail can be a launchpad, it doesn’t guarantee staying in that animation space over the long haul. Overall, pursuing a career in computer animation can be rewarding, but it's clear that networking, skills development, and a bit of luck play crucial parts in shaping these graduates' futures.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Animation at Full Sail University can be pretty intense! It's definitely not a walk in the park. You’ll be diving deep into both the technical and artistic sides of animation, learning everything from 3D modeling and character rigging to storytelling and visual effects. The coursework is often project-heavy, which means you'll be spending a lot of late nights in the lab trying to nail that perfect animation. While some people might find it easier if they already have a knack for art or computers, it can still be a challenge for most. So, if you’re passionate about animation and willing to put in the hard work, you’ll probably find it rewarding, but just be prepared for a serious commitment!
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 from Full Sail University, it's a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some have landed solid roles in the animation and VFX industries, especially those who worked at established companies like Legend 3D or Netflix; they likely earn a decent salary, especially as they advance into senior positions. However, many others drifted into less related jobs, like retail and food service, which generally pay less and don't really leverage their animation skills. Plus, the fluctuating job titles and periods of freelancing suggest that job stability might be a challenge too. So, if you're aiming to study animation, just keep in mind that while there are good opportunities, it may take some time and effort to really hit that financial sweet spot.
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 is across all Computer Animation graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Full Sail University). 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 |