First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from California State University-Long Beach 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 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Graphic Design graduates from California State University-Long Beach have a higher likelihood (+8%) 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 14% 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: 17%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from California State University-Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Studio Art in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONFreelance Graphic DesignerWaterfront Collection Jul 2015 - Jul 2015 Military Export Agent Round-the-World Logistics (USA) Corp Aug 2015 - Sep 2016 Domestic Inside Sales Representative SureFire Sep 2016 - Jun 2018 Business Development Administrator B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Jul 2018 - Jul 2021 Administrative Assistant - Production Services Cascade Corporation Oct 2021 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From sifting through LinkedIn profiles of folks who studied Graphic Design at California State University-Long Beach, it’s clear that a lot of them landed roles directly tied to graphic design. Positions like Graphic Designer, Lead Designer, and Senior Designer pop up frequently, indicating that many of these grads are in jobs where they’re actively applying the skills learned in their degree programs. Companies like Google, Mattel, and Disney are notable employers, which shows that the degree has good recognition in the industry. A good chunk of these roles involves creating visual content, working with branding, and other tasks that are squarely in the graphic design realm.
However, it’s worth mentioning that not every graduate stuck strictly to design-related jobs. Some ventured into fields like marketing or project management, where the graphic design link is more of a stretch. For instance, roles like Marketing Specialist or Administrative Assistant don't necessarily leverage the core skills learned in a graphic design program. Overall, while the majority found work that fits their background and expertise, a few ended up in positions that only tangentially relate. But, in general, if you’re considering a graphic design path, it seems there are solid job prospects related to what you’d be studying!
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 University-Long Beach):
Graduates from California State University-Long Beach who studied Graphic Design seem to be starting their careers on pretty solid footing. Many of them secure entry-level graphic design jobs or internships soon after graduation, with roles like Graphic Designer or Junior Designer being common. For instance, a lot of graduates begin their careers at places like television stations, marketing agencies, or even in freelance roles, where they can build their portfolios and gain valuable experience. It’s clear that most of these folks stick to the design industry, using their skills to find work that’s directly related to what they studied, which is a great sign in terms of career relevance.
Fast forward five to ten years, and you'll notice a mix of trajectories among these alumni. Some have climbed the ladder to senior or lead positions, while others have ventured into more specialized areas like UX/UI design or marketing. For example, you see graduates landing impressive roles at major companies like Google, Matel, and Disney, which is a fantastic accomplishment! However, there's also a noticeable number who have pivoted away from graphic design entirely, taking jobs in unrelated fields or becoming freelancers. Overall, while many graduates are indeed thriving in relevant design careers, there is a diversity of paths that shows not every degree holder remains in the graphic design sphere long-term. It’s a mixed bag of success stories and varied professional journeys, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities in the creative industry.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at California State University-Long Beach can be a pretty challenging experience, but it’s also super rewarding if you’re passionate about design. You’ll dive into a mix of creative and technical courses, learning everything from typography to digital media, and that means you’ll have to put in a lot of time and effort into projects and critiques. It’s not just about making pretty pictures; you’ll be developing your own style while also learning to think critically about design work. Some folks find it easier because they love the subject, while others might struggle with the workload and deadlines. Overall, it’s a bit tougher than your average degree, but if you’re into it, you’ll probably enjoy the ride!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 6 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.
From what I can see, it looks like some of these Graphic Design graduates from California State University-Long Beach have been doing pretty well, while others are still finding their groove. A few of the more experienced grads landed roles at big names like Google and Disney, which usually means they’re making solid money. However, some recent grads have taken on freelance gigs or entry-level jobs that typically don’t pay as much. So, overall, while there’s definitely potential for decent earnings in the field, it seems like it can really vary based on the specific roles and firms they’ve ended up with. It's kind of like a roller coaster—it can be a wild ride with some ups and downs!
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 University-Long Beach). 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: