Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Graphic 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 2769 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 74%, Graphic Design graduates have a higher likelihood (+7%) 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 11% 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 Design graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 72% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from Plymouth State University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSales / Service Retail Associate United States Postal Service Dec 2016 - May 2018 Founder / Art Director  Acromojo Branding & Identity Design Sep 2018 - Present Real Estate Investor  Real Estate Jan 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking through the various job titles and career paths of individuals who graduated with a degree in Graphic Design, clear patterns emerge regarding the types of roles these graduates typically take on and the relevance of these positions to their field of study. Most people with a Graphic Design degree often end up in titles such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, or even freelance positions that align closely with their skills, as a large portion of their duties involve creating visual content and applying design principles learned during their education. However, there is also a surprising number of individuals who take on jobs that seem only tangentially related to graphic design, such as marketing roles, administrative support, or even roles in unrelated industries like sales or customer service.
Many of the graphic design graduates hold jobs in creative fields where they are able to use their design skills effectively. Positions like "Graphic Designer," "Senior Designer," and "Creative Director" are prominent among the profiles, with responsibilities ranging from specific design tasks to overseeing creative teams. These roles fully utilize their expertise in visual communication, branding, and production design. For instance, a freelance graphic designer not only applies their skills in multiple projects but also potentially hones their business acumen through client interactions. Additionally, internships and entry-level positions typically provide practical experience that lays the groundwork for successful careers in graphic design.
However, it's noteworthy that a fair number of graduates take up positions that do not directly involve graphic design. Many seem to gravitate toward marketing and managerial roles that may leverage some of the communication and organizational skills gained during their degree but lack the core technical skills associated with graphic design. For example, roles like a marketing specialist or a project manager often involve elements of design but are primarily focused on broader strategies rather than hands-on design work. Jobs that emphasize sales, customer service, or administrative tasks rather than design-specific skills tend to diminish the relevance of their graphic design education.
Overall, while there is a strong correlation between graphic design degrees and creative roles that utilize design skills, a significant number of graduates also find themselves in roles that either partially relate to graphic design or stray far from that path. The landscape for graphic design graduates is therefore quite diverse, with a mix of opportunities that reflect both the strong relevance of their training and the broader job market's demands for various skills beyond graphic design itself.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Graphic Design graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of Graphic Design graduates over the years, it's interesting to see how their first jobs often set the tone for their professional paths. Many graduates kick things off with internships or entry-level positions that directly relate to graphic design, such as graphic design intern or junior designer roles. For example, a graduate from the University of Southern Alabama in 2010 began as a Lead Graphic Designer at a local church, which is a pretty solid stepping stone right into a specialized position. Similarly, students who graduated from schools like the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2020 started with internships and quickly moved into roles as graphic designers at the same institutions. This trend suggests that most graduates of graphic design programs initially find positions in creative fields related to their studies.
Fast forward five or ten years, and we start to notice the distinct career paths branching out. Some graduates continue along a successful graphic design trajectory, taking on roles as senior designers, creative directors, or even starting their own freelance businesses. For example, graduates from the Art Institute can be found as Creative Directors or Senior Graphic Designers in well-known companies like Nike or Universal Studios. On the flip side, though, there's a notable number of graduates who, despite their educational background, end up in jobs that are a far cry from graphic design or even unrelated fields altogether. Some have shifted to roles in marketing, social media, or even entirely different sectors such as education or customer service, which hinders the potential they could have realized using their graphic design skills. This duality in outcomes reveals that while many graduates find fulfilling careers in design, others may struggle to connect their degree to practical job opportunities that inspire them.
In conclusion, if you're thinking about pursuing a degree in graphic design, know this: the majority of graduates tend to start off in design-related jobs, which is a good sign. With time, many may transition into rewarding positions, but it’s also common for some to wander off into unexpected fields that deviate from their original studies. So, while graphic design can be a great launching pad into a creative career, it’s also essential to remain flexible and open to various pathways along your journey.
A Bachelor degree in Graphic Design can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty—some parts can be pretty challenging, while others are more chill. You’ll have to learn about design principles, color theory, and software like Photoshop and Illustrator, which can take some time to master. There’s a lot of hands-on work, like creating projects and portfolios, and the critique sessions can be intense since you’ll be sharing your work with classmates and professors. But if you’re passionate about design and willing to put in the effort, you might find it easier than other degrees that have a heavier focus on theory or math. It’s definitely demanding, but if you enjoy being creative, you’ll likely have fun along the way!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.
Analyzing the career paths of various graphic design graduates, it’s clear that there’s quite a range in their earnings and career progression. For instance, some graduates have landed roles as Senior Graphic Designers or Art Directors, which typically come with decent salaries, especially in well-established companies. Those who have made it to roles like Art Director or Digital Designer at big names like Nike or Apple are likely doing quite well financially. On the other hand, several others have taken on more entry-level or part-time roles, and some even oscillate between freelance and other service jobs, which makes it less likely they’re raking in significant income. It seems that while some have found lucrative paths, others are still navigating through less stable positions.
This disparity largely depends on experience, networking opportunities, and the cities where they work. Locations with a higher cost of living like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles might offer better salaries but also demand more in terms of lifestyle expenses. Graduates who specialize or branch out into niches like UX/UI or product design might see more financial success than those sticking strictly to traditional graphic design. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, and while many can make a decent living, the journey can be quite different from one graduate to another.
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 Design. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design (ordered by the average relevance score of their Graphic Design graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
