Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Design 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 64 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Design graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) 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 29% 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 Design graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 0% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssociate Coordinator Tenacity Sep 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
In reviewing the career paths of individuals with degrees in Design from various universities, it's clear that a good portion of these professionals tend to gravitate toward jobs that are directly aligned with their educational background. Roles such as Graphic Designer, Product Designer, and Interior Designer dominate the landscape, indicating a strong connection between academic training and career expectations. Among the most frequently mentioned job titles, Graphic Designer appears multiple times, showcasing its relevance to the design field. Other related roles like UX/UI Designer, Freelance Designer, and Motion Designer also exhibit a consistent presence, reinforcing the idea that many graduates do pursue jobs that parlay their acquired skills into day-to-day work scenarios.
However, it's not all rosy. A significant number of graduates have ventured into positions that don’t fully utilize the specific skills and knowledge gained during their education. For instance, roles such as Marketing Assistant, Sales Associate, and even less conventional paths like Nanny or Assistant General Manager show a disconnect between their formal training and chosen career. Many of these roles fall squarely in fields that are peripheral to what would typically be considered design work. While some may argue that essential soft skills, such as creativity and problem-solving, are transferable, the lack of direct application of design principles in these roles raises questions about career relevance in the context of a Design degree.
Overall, the trend leans positively for Design graduates who secure relevant roles, especially in design-centered companies and positions. However, the data also highlights a concerning trend of underemployment or misalignment, where graduates may not be fully capitalizing on their skill sets. The balance of jobs closely related to their education versus jobs that stray far from it presents a complex picture of the design career landscape that these individuals navigate post-graduation. Understanding these discrepancies could help future design students align their academic paths with achievable career goals, ensuring they are set up for success in the competitive job market.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Design graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of design graduates reveals some interesting patterns that showcase both promising beginnings and potential challenges further down the line. Many early-career jobs after graduation align closely with their design education, featuring internships, assistant roles, and freelance gigs. Typically, a fresh grad might start as a graphic designer, marketing assistant, or a design intern, which gives them a foot in the door and helps them build professional networks. For instance, graduates from UC Davis have taken on roles like graphic design interns and freelance designers, which directly utilize their skills and prepare them for more complex responsibilities later on.
Fast forward five to ten years, and the picture starts to vary quite a bit. While some design graduates successfully climb the career ladder—landing senior positions like art directors and product designers—others find themselves in roles that may not feel as relevant to their original field. For example, a CSULB graduate transitioned from various design roles into positions like operations manager and sales, which diverges from the creative path. Moreover, some graduates end up stalling or pivoting away from design altogether, veering into sectors like IT or management. This can be attributed to the highly competitive nature of design jobs and the need for financial stability that sometimes leads them out of their field of passion.
Ultimately, while it's clear that many graduates start strong in design-related careers, the long-term trajectory can be a mixed bag. Some thrive and remain in the design field, enjoying growth and creative fulfillment, while others may take unexpected detours, leading them into roles that, while successful, are dissociated from their initial design ambitions. It highlights the importance of adaptability and the need for continual learning in an ever-evolving job market for design graduates. All in all, there’s hope for those who persist and continue to develop their skills in a field that’s constantly shifting.
A Bachelor degree in Design can be pretty challenging, but it's not necessarily harder than average; it really depends on your passion and creativity. If you're someone who loves working on projects, experimenting with ideas, and expressing yourself visually, you might find it enjoyable and fulfilling. Expect a fair amount of late nights and critiques, though, because you'll be juggling a mix of theory, practical work, and time management. Some courses may stretch your skills and push you out of your comfort zone, but if you stay motivated and engaged, it can also be a really rewarding experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Design.
Looking at the job histories of these design graduates, it seems like they all have had a variety of experiences, but when it comes to making decent money, it really depends on the individual paths they've taken. For instance, some recent graduates are starting off with internships and freelance gigs, which can be tough when it comes to financial stability. Others, like those in senior positions at companies like Google or CVS Health, clearly have moved up the ladder and likely earn a good salary. However, not all paths are linear, and many started in roles that may not pay well, like internships or part-time work.
Furthermore, there's a noticeable difference based on the type of design field they chose. For example, graduates working as product designers or in tech-related roles tend to have higher earning potential compared to those in positions that focus more on traditional art or graphic design. Overall, while some of these graduates seem to be on track for decent pay, others might need to hustle a bit more to reach a comfortable financial status, especially in the early years of their careers. It’s really a mixed bag!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Design. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Design (ordered by the average relevance score of their Design graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of California, Davis
|
84 | 11 |