Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Graphic 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 110 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Graphic Communications graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) 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 17% 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 Graphic Communications graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Graphic Communications. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONGraphic Designer Louisville Graphics Inc. Jan 2014 - Dec 2014 Lead Graphic Designer PRstore Jan 2015 - Nov 2016 Lead Graphic Designer / Sales Director Direct Wholesale Outlet Dec 2016 - Feb 2021 Lead Graphic Designer / Production and Installer Specialist Falls City Signs and Graphics Mar 2021 - Present ABOUTI am experience in software such as Adobe Creative Suites, Vcarve, Onyx, Quickbooks and Microsoft Office. I also have several years of finishing / binding experience, as well as many year in the signage industry, and multiple offset printer operator certificates. I pride myself on being a very organized worker with a strong understanding in design for print, web, and signage industries. I am looking for a job with potential for professional growth that will allow me the opportunity to learn more from the industry.I love all aspects of design. I have worked within existing brands, as well as developed new brands. I will accomplish any job thrown my way to the best of my ability and love working in a fast pace environment. I consider myself to be very organized, a great multi-tasker, and a real people person.I look forward to discussing this further with you and reviewing the needs of your company in greater detail. You can view my work at https://www.behance.net/jeshill88 and I can be reached at 502.544.0673 or by email at [EMAIL REMOVED] you for your time and consideration. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the diverse career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Graphic Communications, a variety of roles emerge that showcase both directly relevant and less relevant job functions. Many graduates gravitate towards positions like Graphic Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, and User Experience (UX) Designer, which clearly leverage the skills and knowledge gained during their studies. In contrast, there are also numerous examples of individuals taking on jobs that diverge from the core focus of Graphic Communications. For instance, roles such as Project Manager, Shift Manager, and client-relation-focused positions don’t require the specific graphic skills learned in their degree programs.
The most common types of jobs for Graphic Communications graduates include Graphic Designer roles across various industries. Positions at marketing firms or corporate branding departments, such as Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, and even lead positions like Art Director consistently utilize the foundational skills acquired during their studies—primarily design principles, software proficiency, and visual communication techniques. Many graduates are also finding employment in roles that require a blend of design and marketing skills, such as Marketing Designer or Digital Project Coordinator, where design is a critical component of their responsibilities. However, it’s worth noting that not all job titles align perfectly with a Graphic Communications degree. For instance, many graduates pursue positions involving project management or sales roles, where design skills may be useful but not central to their daily tasks.
Overall, while many graduates clearly find fulfilling roles that are directly relevant to their academic training, there is a noticeable trend where individuals drift into careers where their graphic design skills are underutilized. This indicates a potential gap between academic training and the actual job market, where the demand for specific design skills may become less pronounced. So, while it’s enthusiastic to see such a variety of opportunities out there, it's also important for current students to remain aware of the career paths that truly benefit from their specialized skill sets. Thus, focusing on building a career in a role like Graphic Designer, even if it initially starts as a freelance or intern position, remains a paramount goal for graduates of Graphic Communications programs.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Graphic Communications graduates:
When analyzing the career trajectories of graduates from Graphic Communications programs, it's clear that there's a diverse mix of outcomes. Many graduates find themselves in roles that are directly linked to graphic design and communications, demonstrating a strong connection between their education and their career paths. Typically, for those fresh out of college, entry-level positions such as graphic designer, marketing assistant, or junior designer are common. These roles often serve as a stepping stone, allowing students to apply their skills right away. It's interesting to see that many of the profiles reflect a strong start in design-related jobs soon after graduation, suggesting that these degrees are well-respected in the job market.
Fast forward five to ten years down the line, many graduates appear to climb the corporate ladder, moving into senior design roles, managerial positions, or even roles like art director or creative director. Some have transitioned from hands-on design work to project management or strategic roles, demonstrating versatility and growth in their careers. However, not all paths are as successful or directly related to graphic communications. A significant number of graduates took detours into fields that aren't closely aligned with their degrees—like teaching, retail management, or sales—which suggests that while a degree in Graphic Communications provides a solid foundation, the job market can lead graduates into varied and sometimes unrelated roles. This divergence highlights a broader trend where graduates may struggle to secure positions specifically within their field of study.
Overall, while many students enjoy fulfilling careers in fields pertinent to graphic communications, there’s a notable number who end up in jobs that don’t resonate with their academic background. It’s essential for aspiring graphic communications students to understand both the potential and limitations of their degree in today's competitive job market. Networking, internships, and staying adaptable can significantly influence the trajectory of their careers post-graduation, guiding them either back to their passion or toward new, unexpected opportunities.
A Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communications can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It’s not as hard as some of the more math or science-heavy majors, but it does require a good amount of creativity, technical skill, and time management. You’ll be diving into subjects like design principles, typography, and digital media, which can be super fun if you’re into that kind of stuff. However, the workload can be challenging with projects, critiques, and deadlines that keep coming at you. So, while it’s definitely manageable if you’re passionate about it, it’s not just an easy ride either—just be ready to put in the effort to really develop your skills!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Communications.
Looking through the job histories of these Graphic Communications graduates, it seems that their earnings really vary based on their roles and experience. For instance, graduates who started in positions like "Junior Designer" or "Freelance Graphic Designer" might be earning a more modest income at first. However, those who climbed the ranks to roles like "Senior Product Designer" or "Manager" seem to be on a path that could lead to decent salaries, especially with experience under their belts. It’s clear that finding the right niche and gaining experience can open up opportunities for higher pay.
On the flip side, some graduates have more inconsistent job histories or roles that don't typically pay as well, like teaching or entry-level positions without a clear progression. It looks like they could be struggling a bit financially, especially if their jobs don't offer solid growth or pay. Overall, while there are some promising careers out there, the pay really depends on their specific field and how they leverage their skills over time. So, if you’re thinking about this line of work, it might be a good idea to find ways to stand out and keep advancing your career!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Graphic Communications. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Graphic Communications (ordered by the average relevance score of their Graphic Communications graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Clemson University
|
78 | 18 |