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First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from Oakland 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, Graphic Design graduates from Oakland University have a lower 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 20% 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: 3% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from Oakland University with a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSports Information Director Intern Rochester College Jun 2015 - Oct 2015 Assistant Athletic Director  Anchor Bay School District Jan 2015 - Jun 2016 Head Intern for Orleans Firebirds Cape Cod Baseball League Jun 2017 - Aug 2017 Director Of Operations for men's soccer and baseball Spalding University Aug 2017 - May 2018 Athletic Dept. Site Manager Christian Academy of Louisville Aug 2016 - Jun 2018 Interim Assistant Athletic Director Anchor Bay School District Jul 2018 - Jan 2019 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMasters DegreeUniversity of Louisville 2016 - 2018 ABOUTExperienced event manager with a demonstrated history of working in both high school and college athletic departments. Strong information technology professional with a Masters Degree focused in Sports Administration from University of Louisville. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the types of jobs people with a Graphic Design degree from Oakland University have landed, it seems like the roles are pretty mixed. A lot of graduates ended up in positions like sports administration or retail management, which don't really tap into the design skills they learned in school. For instance, jobs like Assistant Athletic Director or Area Manager primarily focus on organizational and managerial tasks rather than actual graphic design work. This makes it seem like a good chunk of graduates might not be applying their degree in their current jobs, at least not in a direct way.
On the flip side, there are definitely graduates who have scored roles that are solidly related to graphic design, like graphic designer positions at various companies or freelancing. These roles let them flex their creative muscles and use the design principles they studied. So, while there’s a notable group doing design-related work, a considerable number of grads are in jobs that don’t quite hit the mark. It's a bit of a mixed bag, with a struggle to align education with career path for many, while others successfully find their niche in the graphic design realm.
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 Oakland University):
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from Oakland University's Graphic Design program, it's clear that many of them start off strong in design-related roles right after graduation. For instance, several graduates from 2017 onward found positions as Graphic Designers or took on internships that helped them transition into full-time roles in creative environments. This trend continues even after five years, as many of their paths remain anchored in graphic design, with roles becoming increasingly specialized, such as Lead Content Analysts or Design Associates. There’s a notable consistency in their career paths, often moving from entry-level positions to more responsible roles in companies, indicating a positive trajectory within the design field.
However, it’s also important to recognize that some graduates have taken a different route, landing in roles that don't directly relate to graphic design – like sales associates or even working in areas like floral design. While it’s great to see diversity in career choices, those jobs may suggest that not everyone is using their degree to its full potential. A few seem to have strayed from the design path entirely, possibly due to the competitive nature of the industry or personal choices. Overall, while many graduates find fulfilling careers in graphic design, a significant number appear to venture into unrelated fields, reflecting a mix of outcomes in their career journeys.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design can be a bit of a mixed bag, but at places like Oakland University, it’s generally on the challenging side. You'll be diving into a ton of creative projects and learning software that’s industry-standard, so it requires a fair amount of dedication and time management. Think late nights spent refining your designs and maybe some stress around deadlines, but that’s all part of the growth process. If you’re really passionate about art and design, it can be super rewarding, but be prepared to put in the effort—it's not just a stroll in the park!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.
Alright, so if we break it down a bit, it looks like the folks from Oakland University have taken a pretty varied path after graduation. The early grads, like the ones from 2015 and 2017, seem to have stuck mainly to roles in sports information and graphic design within corporate settings, which probably means they’re doing okay, but I wouldn’t say they’re raking in the big bucks just yet. The later grads in 2019 and 2020 have dipped their toes into different areas, from floristry to management, but it feels like they’re still climbing the ladder. The 2022 and 2023 grads are just starting out, so it’s hard to say if they’re making good money right now. Overall, I’d say they seem to be making decent money for entry-level positions, but they're still in that stage where they’re likely building experience more than stacking cash. It’s all about where they go from here!
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 Oakland 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:
