What can you do with a Graphic Design degree from Art Institute of Pittsburgh?

First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from Art Institute of Pittsburgh 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 74%, Graphic Design graduates from Art Institute of Pittsburgh have a higher likelihood (+7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 74%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 0% 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:

View a random Graphic Design graduate from Art Institute of Pittsburgh and our analysis:


Relevance score: 93%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2011 from Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Graphic Designer
Dean's Vapor Lounge
Jul 2013 - Jun 2014
The position of Graphic Designer at Dean's Vapor Lounge does not leverage specific graphic design skills or knowledge, as it primarily seems focused on marketing or branding rather than design.

Graphics Coordinator
HFF
Apr 2012 - Jul 2019
As a Graphics Coordinator at HFF, the job directly involves utilizing graphic design skills and knowledge developed during the Bachelor's degree, requiring proficiency in design on a daily basis.

Graphic Designer
JLL
Jul 2019 - Present
The role of Graphic Designer at JLL is highly relevant as it requires the application of core graphic design skills learned during the Bachelor's program, making it a substantial use of the degree.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Graphic Design degree from Art Institute of Pittsburgh?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When analyzing the jobs held by graduates of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a degree in Graphic Design, a big trend emerges: many found roles that don't directly relate to their major. While there are some great positions like Graphic Designer at notable companies such as National Geographic and Fishawack Health, a notable chunk of graduates ended up in jobs that have little to do with graphic design, including security, sales, and even positions in tech support. It's clear that while some alumni do get to flex their creative muscles in design-related roles, others found themselves in totally different fields where their graphic design skills weren't really needed.

Overall, it seems like a mixed bag for these graduates. Yes, there are definitely solid design jobs out there, especially for those who pursued freelance work or found positions that align closely with graphic design principles. However, a good number of graduates ended up in roles that either barely touched on their design skills or were completely unrelated to the field. So, while the degree opens some doors, it’s also a reminder that not every job out there will directly use what you learned in school.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Graphic Design graduates (this is across all Graphic Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Art Institute of Pittsburgh):

What kind of career trajectories do Graphic Design graduates from Art Institute of Pittsburgh have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Based on the job trajectories of graduates from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, it seems like there's a mixed bag when it comes to their career paths after earning a degree in Graphic Design. Many of the early jobs right after graduation are internships or entry-level positions that are somewhat related to graphic design, such as being a graphic designer or working in production design. However, there are also notable instances of graduates taking jobs that seem to stray far from their original field, like working in security or sales, especially in the early years post-grad. This can hint at a struggle to land solid design jobs right away, which isn’t uncommon in the creative field where competition is fierce.

Fast forward five to ten years, and the picture becomes a bit clearer. Some graduates have managed to move into positions that align more closely with their design training, like becoming graphic designers at reputable companies or even climbing the ladder to senior roles in larger organizations like National Geographic. Others continue as freelancers, showcasing versatility and a dedication to their craft. However, it’s also worth noting that some have ventured into entirely different fields. In the long run, while some find success in graphic design roles that truly utilize their skills, others seem to drift into unrelated areas, indicating that while a degree in graphic design may open doors, it doesn't guarantee a straight path in the design world. Overall, it looks like the journey after graduating can vary a lot depending on the individual’s persistence and adaptability in their chosen field.

How hard is a Graphic Design degree from Art Institute of Pittsburgh?

Getting a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, or really anywhere, can be a mix of challenging and rewarding. It’s not necessarily the hardest degree out there, but it does require a solid amount of creativity, technical skill, and time management. You’ll be dealing with projects that push your artistic abilities and learning software like Adobe Creative Suite, which can be tricky at first. You’ll also have critiques, which can be intimidating since they involve getting feedback on your work. It’s a lot of fun if you love design, but it can definitely get stressful with deadlines and juggling multiple projects. So, if you’re passionate about graphic design, it’s a challenging yet fun ride!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 3 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.

Do Graphic Design graduates from Art Institute of Pittsburgh tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories of these Art Institute of Pittsburgh grads, it seems like they’ve had a pretty mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. A few have landed solid design roles at well-known companies, like National Geographic and Fishawack Health, which likely pay pretty well over time, especially as they move up in their careers. Others seem to bounce around a lot between freelance gigs and less stable positions like security or sales, which probably aren't raking in the bucks. Overall, it looks like some of them are doing great, while others may be struggling a bit more with benefits and salary. So, if you're heading into graphic design, it might pay off to focus on finding established companies or niche freelancing opportunities to secure that sweet paycheck!

What buzzwords do Graphic Design graduates use to describe themselves?

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 is across all Graphic Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Art Institute of Pittsburgh). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Graphic Design?

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:

College Score Count
ArtCenter College of Design 97 10
Florida Atlantic University 95 11
Rhode Island School of Design 93 12
Brigham Young University 92 10
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 90 14
Massachusetts College of Art and Design 90 10
University of Houston 89 14
Kendall College of Art and Design 87 15
Auburn University 85 11
George Mason University 85 18
Savannah College of Art and Design 85 47
California State University-Sacramento 83 13
Iowa State University 82 16
Louisiana State University 82 13
San Diego State University 82 17
Liberty University 81 21
Drexel University 81 13
School of Visual Arts 81 18
Illinois State University 79 15
Utah Valley University 78 10
University of Central Florida 77 10
University of Nevada-Las Vegas 77 12
Towson University 76 15
Portland State University 76 18
Kean University 76 12
Saginaw Valley State University 76 11
California State University-Long Beach 75 14
Colorado State University 74 12
Virginia Commonwealth University 74 10
Art Institute of Pittsburgh 74 11
Pennsylvania College of Technology 72 10
University of Wisconsin-Stout 71 13
The Art Institutes 71 34
James Madison University 70 14
Brigham Young University - Idaho 70 15
Columbia College Chicago 69 18
State University of New York College at Oswego 69 10
Pensacola Christian College 69 11
San Jose State University 68 17
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 68 10
University of Massachusetts Lowell 63 18
Queens College 62 21
Oakland University 59 10
Southern New Hampshire University 50 16
Full Sail University 50 47
Georgia Southern University 50 10