Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from California State University-Sacramento 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 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 83%, Graphic Design graduates from California State University-Sacramento have a much higher likelihood (+16%) 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 15% 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: 92% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from California State University-Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Graphic Design. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONGraphics Lead TEDx Jan 2014 - May 2022 Owner / Operator [NAME REMOVED] Hawkins Jan 2013 - Present Communication Specialist  IKEA Mar 2020 - Aug 2023 Graphic Design Specialist IKEA Aug 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGGraduate CertificatePenn State University 2018 - 2020 Pennsylvania Salesperson Pre-license Coursework Polley Associates School of Real Estate 2022 - 2022 ABOUTHello and welcome to the LinkedIn account of [NAME REMOVED] Hawkinscreative problem solver, brand consultant, communication strategist, graphic designer, and photographic & videographic content creator. With over a decade of experience in the field, [NAME REMOVED] has the versatility and flexibility to fit the needs of any creative task.In practice, [NAME REMOVED] strives to explore all possible avenues of communication within the built environment, utilizing architectural structure, print and digital medias in the process. Focused around the users experience, his creative philosophy emphasizes the accessibility and usability of pertinent information and ensures that content is provided at the most effective places and times.[NAME REMOVED]s design process allows him to meet current and future creative needs through the employment of systematic, modular solutions which expand and contract as necessary. Such solutions can range from an individually designed piece to entire branded environments and campaigns.His experience within content creation has driven him to test the limits of film and digital media. He is educated in various chemical and digital printing processes and accustom to a modern photographic and videographic workflows. Through this, [NAME REMOVED] is able to meet the fast-paced needs of the industry. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the data from LinkedIn profiles of graduates from California State University-Sacramento with a degree in Graphic Design, it seems like most of them are landing jobs that are directly relevant to their studies. Many have taken on roles like Graphic Designer or Graphic Design Specialist, which clearly harness the skills they learned in school. For instance, positions at companies such as IKEA and The Walt Disney Company show that these grads are able to work in recognized environments where they can use their design talents extensively. Freelance gigs are also popular. This kind of work lets them apply their creativity and design knowledge in a flexible way, which is super relevant to what they studied.
However, not every job listed is strictly about graphic design. Some people switched paths or took roles where design isn't the main focus, like being a Delivery Driver or a Customer Service Representative. These roles might use some design skills here and there but don’t really dive deep into the core principles of graphic design. Overall, while a good number of these graduates have jobs directly related to graphic design, there are definitely cases where they’ve found themselves in positions that don’t fully utilize their degree. Still, seeing so many people leveraging their education in relevant fields is encouraging for anyone considering this path!
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-Sacramento):
When looking at the career trajectories of Graphic Design graduates from California State University-Sacramento, it seems like many of them start with some solid gigs right out of school, often jumping into entry-level roles like Graphic Designer or even internships. For instance, recent grads land positions at established companies like IKEA and Walt Disney right after graduation, which does indicate a strong entry into the professional world. There are quite a few freelancers and entrepreneurs as well, showing that some graduates are brave enough to carve their own paths by starting their own design businesses or taking on freelance projects.
Fast forward a few years, and it looks like many of these designers are climbing the ladder in their chosen fields. A lot of the 5- or 10-year post-grad careers involve more advanced roles like Senior Graphic Designer, Design Manager, or even Art Director, which is pretty impressive. There are definitely some who have shifted to other industries entirely, with a few doing things like driving for Lyft or working as delivery drivers, which might not sound too exciting in relation to their degree. Overall though, there’s a good mix of success stories that lean towards relevant design careers with some individuals thriving in more entrepreneurial roles, which speaks well to the potential of a Graphic Design degree from Sac State.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, like the one at California State University-Sacramento, can be a pretty challenging but rewarding experience. You’ll be juggling a lot of projects, tight deadlines, and critiquing sessions that can feel a bit intense at times. There’s a good amount of hands-on work and creativity involved, which is awesome, but it also means you need to put in a lot of time to develop your skills and polish your designs. Some people might find it easier if they already have a passion for art and design, but it can still be tough to balance everything, especially if you want to really stand out. Overall, it's definitely not a walk in the park, but if you love what you’re doing, it can be a really fulfilling journey!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 3 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.
Looking at the job paths of these Graphic Design grads from California State University-Sacramento, it seems like some have found decent opportunities while others are still figuring things out. For instance, those who landed positions at well-known companies like IKEA and Disney likely have a pretty good paycheck, especially since they moved up the ranks to roles like Art Director or Senior Graphic Designer. On the flip side, there are a few who have taken more freelance gigs and side hustles, like driving for Lyft or Uber, which probably don’t pay as much or offer stability. Overall, it seems like if you can snag a full-time job with a solid company or build a strong freelance reputation, you can do pretty well, but it might take some time and hustle to get there.
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-Sacramento). 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:
