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First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from Columbia College Chicago 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 18 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Graphic Design graduates from Columbia College Chicago have a slightly higher likelihood (+2%) 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:
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Relevance score: 39% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONRepair Agent Geek Squad Oct 2013 - Jan 2016 Infastructure Engineer  ACTIV Financial Systems, Inc. Jan 2016 - Present ABOUTPC Technician looking to grow and further career & skill set with a company thatwill challenge and create opportunity for development. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the LinkedIn profiles of graduating graphic design students from Columbia College Chicago, it's clear that many have found their way into roles directly related to graphic design. Most commonly, we've seen job titles like Graphic Designer, Art Director, and various design-related internships. They often utilize the specific skills they developed during their studies, such as creating visual content, working on branding projects, and managing design teams. For instance, roles at companies like Ogilvy, Mosaic North America, and various freelance positions really embody the essence of what a graphic design career can look like. These positions allow graduates to apply what they've learned in school and contribute creatively in professional environments.
However, it’s also interesting to note that not all graduates ended up in design-focused roles. Some found themselves working in positions like Repair Agent, Customer Service Representative, or even in hospitality and retail. These jobs often didn't require the graphic design skills they learned, showing a mixed bag of career paths for some individuals. While many have successfully transitioned into relevant fields, others drifted away from the core of graphic design. Overall, it seems that the majority of graduates have moved into design-related jobs, but there are still a notable number who took paths less aligned with their degrees. It's a good reminder that career trajectories can vary widely, even for those with the same educational background.
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 Columbia College Chicago):
Graduates from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Graphic Design generally follow a variety of career paths, showcasing a mix of success and challenges in the job market. For many, the first job after graduation often lands in internships or entry-level positions, like graphic design internships at agencies or even freelance gigs. You see a fair number of folks starting off as designers at smaller firms, or through freelancing, which can help build their portfolios and experience. Over time, some graduates make notable moves into more established roles like Art Directors or Principal Designers within reputable companies and agencies, which suggests that a good chunk of these graduates do find their stride in the industry within five to ten years.
However, it's also evident that some alumni have taken paths unrelated to graphic design, venturing into fields like customer service or technical roles. This could hint at a struggle to find stable design jobs or perhaps a shift in career interests. While many graduates are achieving success in the design world, working their way up and holding impactful roles, others appear to be piecing together a career that doesn't fully align with their degree. Overall, it looks like most graduates have at least managed to land jobs in creative fields or design-related roles, showing that there's definitely potential if you stick with it!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at Columbia College Chicago can be a pretty solid mix of challenging and rewarding. You’ll dive into a lot of creative projects, learning everything from design fundamentals to software skills, and it can definitely get intense with deadlines and critiques. If you're someone who enjoys being hands-on and is passionate about design, it might feel more exciting than hard. But don’t underestimate the workload—there's a fair amount of conceptual thinking and technical skills to master, so staying organized and motivated is key. Overall, I’d say it’s about average in difficulty, but your enthusiasm for the subject can really change your experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.
Looking at these Graphic Design graduates from Columbia College Chicago, it seems like some have managed to carve out pretty decent paths for themselves, while others are still figuring it out. For instance, those who've jumped into roles like Art Director or Senior Designer at reputable firms are likely seeing solid paychecks, especially since they've moved up over the years. However, you’ve got a few on the list who have had more sporadic roles or are still in entry-level positions, like servers or shift coordinators, which probably isn’t bringing in the kind of cash someone with a degree in graphic design would hope for. Overall, it’s a mixed bag; some are definitely doing well, while others might be hustling a bit harder to get onto that higher salary ladder.
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 Columbia College Chicago). 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:
