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First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from Iowa State University 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 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 82%, Graphic Design graduates from Iowa State University have a much higher likelihood (+15%) 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 6% 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: 88% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCreative Marketing Intern Workiva Jan 2022 - Aug 2022 Graphic Designer  Dotdash Meredith Aug 2022 - Oct 2022 Graphic Designer Sporting Kansas City Oct 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After diving into the job journeys of Iowa State University graphic design grads, it's clear that a mix of roles exists within their career paths. The most common positions include graphic designers, creative consultants, and web designers, which typically require the hands-on application of graphic design expertise learned in their Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Positions like Senior Designer, Art Director, and roles at various companies like Garmin and Microsoft show a strong connection to their education. These jobs consistently lean on the skills they honed during their studies, allowing them to creatively express ideas and lead design projects.
However, not every role aligns perfectly with graphic design. For instance, some individuals found themselves in positions more focused on management, marketing, or even performance art, which didn't fully utilize their design training. Jobs like Guest Communications Manager at Disney Cruise Line and Magician at Patrick Kun showcase how graduates sometimes veered away from their core skills. Overall, while many graduates successfully translate their design training into relevant work, a significant portion take on roles where graphic design skills are not the main focus. This suggests that while a degree in graphic design opens doors, the path taken can vary widely based on personal interests and job availability.
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 Iowa State University):
Looking at the career paths of graduates from Iowa State University's Graphic Design program, it's pretty clear that many of them have carved out solid careers within the design field. Graduates often start with roles like Graphic Designer or in creative internships soon after earning their degrees, such as positions at companies like Garmin, Disney, and various advertising agencies. These first jobs generally seem to align well with their degree, indicating a strong start in the industry. Some graduates even take on unique positions, like a magician who also works as a creative consultant—talk about diverse talents!
As these individuals progress, typically within 5 to 10 years, a good number move up the ranks to roles like Art Director or Senior Designer, showcasing growth in their professional journeys. For instance, several graduates transitioned from entry-level positions to senior roles in well-known companies, indicating that the experience they gain helps them develop valuable skills along the way. While it’s not every story that leads to a dream job, the majority do seem to stay within the realm of graphic design, which is pretty encouraging. Overall, it looks like Iowa State's Graphic Design program sets its students up for success, providing them with both the foundational skills and opportunities to thrive in a creative career!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at Iowa State University can be a pretty challenging but rewarding experience. You'll be juggling a mix of creativity and technical skills, which means you'll be taking a lot of courses that involve both art and technology. Expect to spend a good amount of time on projects, critiques, and developing your portfolio; it's not just a walk in the park where you can coast by. That said, if you’re really passionate about design and are willing to put in the effort, you'll find it super fulfilling. Overall, it's on the more demanding side compared to some other degrees because of the hands-on nature and the need to keep improving your skills, but if you love what you do, it’ll feel worth it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.
Looking at the job paths of these graphic design graduates from Iowa State University, it seems like most of them have found steady work, especially the ones who graduated in the earlier years. For instance, some landed roles at companies like Disney and Garmin, which generally pay pretty well, so it’s likely they’re making decent money. However, a few of the more recent grads are still finding their footing with freelance gigs or entry-level positions, which might indicate they're on the lower end of the salary scale for now. Overall, it looks like the older alumni are probably doing alright financially, while the newer ones are just starting to build their careers and may not be raking in the big bucks yet.
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 Iowa State University). 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:
