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First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from San Diego 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 17 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 82%, Graphic Design graduates from San Diego 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 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: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern Bennett Peji Design Mar 2013 - Jun 2013 Intern Buchanan Design Jun 2013 - Sep 2013 freelancer Freelance Designer Sep 2013 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
So, if you look at the jobs that folks from San Diego State University with a Graphic Design degree have landed, you’ll notice a pretty clear trend! A lot of them started with internships related to graphic design, which is awesome because that’s the best way to build your skills and network while you're still in school. After their internships, many of them moved into roles like Graphic Designer, Freelance Designer, or even higher positions like Creative Director. These jobs really align with what they learned in their degree programs, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world situations, whether it’s designing logos, working on web projects, or creating promotional materials.
However, while most of these jobs are definitely relevant to graphic design, there are some positions that seem a bit off-track. For example, some graduates found themselves in roles like E-Commerce Specialist or even more random jobs like being a hostess or an engineering technician, which don’t utilize their design skills at all. It's clear that the majority were able to find jobs that matched their training, but there's a handful of people who took paths that don’t use their graphic design knowledge. So yeah, while most graduates are doing well in design-related roles, there are definitely a few who wandered into areas not so related to what they studied. It’s important for future grads to aim for positions that really leverage their skills to get the most out of their education!
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 San Diego State University):
When looking at the career trajectories of San Diego State University graduates who studied Graphic Design, it seems like many of them start with internships or entry-level positions shortly after they graduate. This makes sense because internships, like the ones at various design agencies or companies, are a common stepping stone. For instance, recent grads typically jump into roles like Graphic Designer or Junior Designer, which are pretty standard first jobs in the field. Freelancing also appears as a popular option, allowing grads to build their portfolios while working on diverse projects.
Fast forward five to ten years, and many graduates have progressed significantly. A good number have landed in more senior roles like Lead Designer, Creative Director, or specialized positions in UX/UI design, which are highly sought after in the industry. Some have even found their way to notable companies, like Disney! However, there are a few who have taken on roles outside of pure graphic design, leaning towards positions like E-Commerce Specialist or even Engineering Technician, which hints at mixed paths for some. Overall, while not all go on to find themselves in strictly graphic design roles, a major portion do manage to cultivate satisfying careers that align with their education. So, it seems like exploring a degree in Graphic Design from SDSU can lead to solid opportunities in the field!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design can be both challenging and rewarding, and San Diego State University is no exception. You’ll be diving into a mix of creative projects, technical skills, and theory, which means you'll need to put in a good amount of time and effort to keep up. The workload can be intense at times, especially when you're juggling multiple projects with deadlines, but if you're passionate about design and willing to put in the work, it can be a lot of fun too. Overall, it’s probably about average in terms of difficulty, but your personal interest and dedication to the subject play a huge role in how tough it feels. Just be ready to channel those creative juices!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.
Looking through these profiles of San Diego State University graphic design grads, it seems like some of them have found a way to make decent money, especially the ones who landed good positions like Creative Director or working at big names like Disney. However, it also looks like a lot of recent grads started with internships or freelance gigs, which usually pay less and can be a bit unsure financially. The journey seems pretty typical for creatives, with lots of hustle and a mix of freelance work, which can be hit or miss when it comes to cash flow. So, while some definitely seem to be on an upward trajectory, it might be a bit of a struggle for others initially. Overall, it’s a mixed bag!
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 San Diego 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:
