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First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from Portland 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 18 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 76%, Graphic Design graduates from Portland State University have a higher likelihood (+9%) 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 5% 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: 20% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern at FACE Family and Community Empowerment Feb 2011 - Mar 2011 Media Planner Assistant (AICF)  W+K Jan 2011 - Dec 2011 Trail Blazer Photographer Printroom Jan 2012 - Jun 2012 Media Production & Graphic Designer  Institute on Tribal Government, PSU 2012 - 2014 Graphic Designer Figueria Education Consulting Jun 2014 - Oct 2014 Graphic Designer OHSU | Oregon Health & Science University Dec 2014 - Jan 2015 AITP Program Director Assistant Portland State University Dec 2010 - May 2016 Project Coordinator Culturally Responsive Elementary Mathematics (CREME) Apr 2014 - May 2016 SSP Program Coordinator Portland State University: Social of Social Work, Center for Improvement of Child & Family Services Dec 2015 - Jul 2018 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at all the jobs held by graduates from Portland State University with a degree in Graphic Design, the most common positions tend to be graphic designer roles in various companies and organizations. A lot of these roles are directly connected to graphic design, allowing graduates to use their creative skills in meaningful ways. Many of them have managed to land jobs specifically titled “Graphic Designer,” which clearly aligns with the skills they learned during their studies. However, not all positions held by these graduates are tied closely to graphic design. There are quite a few instances of graduates taking on roles that lean more towards administration, project coordination, or roles in other fields—like engineering and marketing—where core graphic design skills are either minimally utilized or completely irrelevant.
Overall, while many graduates have effectively secured jobs that align well with their degree, there’s a significant number who seem to have drifted away from roles directly related to graphic design. Positions like project coordinators or roles in quality assurance show that a number of these grads might have pivoted into other areas, either by choice or due to the job market. It’s a mixed bag—some are doing exactly what they trained for, while others aren't as closely aligned with the skills and knowledge gained from their Graphic Design education. So, if you're thinking about pursuing a degree in graphic design, it’s useful to know that while there are clear paths available, the journey can vary quite a bit!”
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 Portland State University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the Graphic Design program at Portland State University, it seems like a mixed bag. A lot of these graduates started their careers in positions that were directly related to graphic design, such as graphic designer roles at various companies. For instance, many of the 2015 graduates went straight into graphic design jobs, and by around five years after graduation, several of them advanced to roles like senior designer or even managerial positions in creative agencies. This shows that for many graduates, the initial jobs set them on a path that remained within the graphic design field, allowing them to build on their skills and advance in their careers.
However, it's also clear that not everyone found their niche in graphic design long-term. Some graduates shifted into unrelated areas like software engineering or marketing, which can indicate a bit of uncertainty in the field or just a personal choice to explore different options. Seeing people veer off into roles like quality assurance or project coordination suggests that while some stayed true to their design roots, others might have found better opportunities or developed new interests along the way. Overall, the majority of alumni appear to have embraced opportunities in design, but there's definitely a few who branched out into other fields for various reasons. So, if you're considering a graphic design degree there, it looks like there’s a real chance to build a successful career in that area—just be aware that it can lead you in different directions too!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, whether at Portland State University or elsewhere, can be a mixed bag—it really depends on how much you’re into it and how hard you’re willing to work. It’s definitely not a walk in the park; you’ll go through a lot of creative projects, deadlines, and critiques that can be pretty intense. Plus, you’ll need to learn various design software and theories, which can take some practice to master. If you're passionate about design and ready to put in the effort, you’ll probably find it rewarding, but it won’t be the easiest path. So, expect some late nights and a lot of tinkering with your ideas!
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 Portland State University Graphic Design grads, it seems like they’ve had a decent start, but whether they've made "good money" really depends on the specific roles and companies they’ve worked for. Some of the recent graduates are still landing entry-level gigs or freelance work, which typically doesn't pay super well, while others with a few more years in the field are climbing the ladder, snagging roles at well-known companies like Instrument or even starting their own businesses. Overall, you can see a mix, where those who stuck with graphic design have potential for growth, but it might take time to start seeing those higher salaries. So, while they’re not necessarily rolling in it right away, many appear to be on solid paths where, with experience, they could earn a decent paycheck in the future.
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 Portland 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:
