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First, some facts. Of the Design and Visual Communications 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 284 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Design and Visual Communications graduates have a higher likelihood (+6%) 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 Design and Visual Communications graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 96% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Design and Visual Communications. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONVideo Editor MediaNug May 2021 - Sep 2021 Jr. Art Director  M6 Football Fit Mar 2021 - Apr 2023 Graphic and Motion Designer Over the Top Marketing Sep 2021 - Present ABOUTExperienced Graphic Designer and Illustrator with a history of demonstrated creative experience in the following industries; entertainment, health, fitness, outdoor lifestyle, gaming, restaurants, and sports branding. Fluent in the adobe creative suite, specifically proficient with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals who have graduated with degrees in Design and Visual Communications, certain trends become apparent in the types of jobs they pursue and their relevance to their educational background. A significant majority of graduates seem to gravitate towards roles directly related to graphic design, visual communication, and creative direction. Positions such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, or UX/UI Designer dominate the lists of their career options. These roles typically align closely with the skills they have acquired during their studies, including proficiency in design software, an understanding of visual aesthetics, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively through imagery.
However, the relevance of the jobs varies considerably. While many graduates find work that directly utilizes their design skills, some end up in roles that are only tangentially related to their degree. For instance, positions in marketing or social media management may tap into visual communication skills but are often more focused on strategy rather than the comprehensive design knowledge honed during their education. Conversely, jobs such as cashier, operations manager, or even teaching positions do not typically require knowledge or skills associated with Design and Visual Communications, highlighting a disconnect for some graduates. This suggests that while a degree in design provides valuable skills, the job market may not always offer roles that fully align with those competencies.
In conclusion, the majority of Design and Visual Communications graduates successfully enter industries needing their skill set, particularly in graphic design and related fields. Yet, there remains a notable portion who, for various reasons, find themselves in roles that do not leverage their specific educational background. The challenge for these graduates often lies in finding opportunities that actively utilize the creative and technical skills cultivated through their degree programs. In a rapidly evolving job landscape, graduates of Design and Visual Communications need to stay flexible and marketable while also seeking roles that affirm the value of their academic achievements.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Design and Visual Communications graduates:
When analyzing the career trajectories of graduates who have studied Design and Visual Communications, several patterns emerge regarding their entry-level positions, mid-career paths, and long-term careers. A notable number of these individuals have started their careers directly in the field of graphic design, often taking on roles such as graphic designer or design intern soon after graduation. This is encouraging as it indicates that many graduates can secure jobs that are quite relevant to their field of study right away. For instance, many graduates have held positions as graphic designers at established companies or as freelancers, which showcases their ability to find work in related industries fairly quickly.
However, as we extend the timeline to five or ten years after graduation, the landscape becomes a bit more mixed. Some graduates continue to advance within the design world, moving from graphic designer to senior designer or even art director roles. Examples include those who transitioned from junior positions to leadership roles in creative agencies or design departments. On the other hand, there are also many cases where graduates do not seem to sustain a linear career path in design. Some have ventured into unrelated fields or have taken on roles that do not align well with their initial training. For instance, several individuals have landed positions in marketing, education, or other industries that don't utilize their design skills to the fullest extent. This variety in outcomes suggests that while many are successfully carving out careers in design, others may struggle to maintain engagement with the field over time.
In conclusion, while a solid portion of design graduates begins their careers on the right foot with relevant jobs, the long-term view reveals a mix of success and drift into unrelated roles. This shows a significant split within the design community: those who find a trajectory that keeps them in line with their passions and training, and others who may be forced to adapt for various reasons. It highlights the importance for design students to cultivate networking opportunities and a diverse skill set that can help them navigate the often unpredictable job landscape in the creative industries.
A Bachelor’s degree in Design and Visual Communications can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It’s definitely not the easiest degree out there, but it's also not the hardest. You’ll spend a lot of time in projects, critiquing your work, and getting comfortable with various design software, which can be a real grind, especially if you’re not already into it. If you’ve got a passion for creativity and are willing to put in the effort, it can feel rewarding and pretty fun. However, be ready for late nights and deadlines; it can be stressful at times, just like any other degree. So, if you're excited about design, it’s challenging but manageable with the right attitude!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Design and Visual Communications.
When it comes to the earning potential of these Design and Visual Communications grads, it really varies across the board. Some graduates, like those from Pratt Institute and the University of South Carolina, have moved on to substantial roles like Art Director or Senior Designer, which likely puts them in a better financial position. Others have taken less stable paths, often oscillating between internships, freelance gigs, and part-time work, like those from Cedarville University and Indiana University-Purdue University. These individuals might be struggling to find their footing financially, especially if they’re dedicating time to freelance projects that might not pay well right away.
Overall, while many of these grads are making moves into promising positions, the job market for creatives can be tricky. Positions like Graphic Designer and Social Media Manager can offer varying salaries, so unless they really land in these high-level roles quickly, some may find themselves earning less than they hoped for, especially in the earlier stages of their careers. So, it’s not exactly a clear-cut picture — there are definitely some success stories here, but also quite a few who may still be navigating financial hurdles as they build their careers.
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 and Visual Communications. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Design and Visual Communications (ordered by the average relevance score of their Design and Visual Communications graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Kent State University
|
89 | 11 |