What can you do with a Graphic Design degree from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?

First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Graphic Design graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 68%
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 30% 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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

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

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2015 from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona with a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Industry Analyst
The CARLAB
Dec 2018 - May 2019
As an Industry Analyst at The CARLAB, the job may involve analyzing visual materials and trends, which could use some design knowledge, but it does not require comprehensive graphic design skills or artistic expertise on a daily basis.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Transportation design
ArtCenter College of Design
2017 - 2024
ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Graphic Design degree from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?

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


If we take a look at the job titles for graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona with a degree in Graphic Design, the most common roles are heavily centered around graphic design and marketing. Many of these graduates found themselves working as Graphic Designers, Graphic Design Interns, or in hybrid positions that also include marketing functions. For instance, roles like Graphic Designer, Marketing Director/Graphic Designer, and Creative Director highlight how these individuals often blend their design skills with other responsibilities. This trend of combining graphic design with marketing is evident as graduates transition into positions where they can utilize their visualization skills to provide aesthetic direction in marketing strategies.

However, not all jobs listed are directly related to graphic design. Some graduates have taken on roles that stray from traditional design, like being a Restaurant Owner or a Sales Consultant, where graphic design skills are only somewhat relevant. There are also positions like Communications Specialist and E-commerce Manager that might touch on design but primarily focus on marketing or analytics instead. Overall, the majority of alumni appear to be in positions that leverage their Graphic Design education, although the connection to their degree varies quite a bit across roles. It’s a mixed bag, but for the most part, the jobs align well with what they studied, especially for those actively working in design or marketing roles.

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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona):

What kind of career trajectories do Graphic Design graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

So, looking at the career trajectories of graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona who studied Graphic Design reveals some interesting patterns. Right after they graduate, a good chunk of these students land roles as Graphic Designers, often in small to medium-sized companies or even as interns, which is pretty standard in the industry. Many of them seem to stick with graphic design in various capacities for their first couple of years, gaining experience and ramping up their skills. Some take on roles that combine design with marketing, which makes sense given how intertwined those fields are, especially in today's digital landscape.

Now, fast forward five to ten years, and it looks like many of these graduates have transitioned into more senior roles, including Creative Directors or Marketing Managers, which is a solid progression if you ask me. A few have even started their own businesses or gone freelance, reflecting the trend of creatives wanting more flexibility in their work. However, it's important to note that not everyone found a direct path in graphic design. A handful of graduates have ventured into unrelated fields, like teaching or sales, which can happen if the opportunities in design aren't fully there. Overall, though, it seems like many alumni have carved out satisfying careers relevant to graphic design, which is encouraging if that's the path you're considering.

How hard is a Graphic Design degree from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, or anywhere for that matter, definitely comes with its challenges, but it's not impossible! You'll find that it strikes a balance between creative projects and technical skills, like mastering software and understanding design principles. Classes can get pretty intense, especially when you're juggling deadlines for projects, but if you're passionate about design and enjoy the creative process, it'll feel more rewarding than grueling. Just be ready to put in a decent amount of late nights and critiques from your professors and peers! Overall, it's about what you make of it—if you’re dedicated, you’ll thrive in this program.

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.

Do Graphic Design graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona tend to make good money?

Looking at these graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, it seems like the money they’re making varies quite a bit. The early graduates like the ones from 2010 and 2011 seem to have climbed the ladder into solid marketing and creative director roles, which are usually well-paying positions. However, we also have some grads who have bounced around freelance gigs and lesser roles, suggesting they might be taking home less than their peers. The more recent grads from 2018 and 2019 are still finding their footing, with some landing decent roles in established companies, but others seem to be struggling a bit with inconsistent job choices. Overall, it looks like if you hustle and land the right positions, there's definitely some good money to be made in graphic design, but it can also be a bit unpredictable at times!

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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona). 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