First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from School of Visual Arts 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? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 81%, Graphic Design graduates from School of Visual Arts have a much higher likelihood (+14%) 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 16% 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:
Relevance score: 89%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from School of Visual Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONFreelance Graphic DesignerFantasma Toys Apr 2021 - Jul 2021 Graphic Designer PACSENSE CORP. Dec 2021 - Nov 2022 ABOUTI am a graphic designer specializing in branding and packaging design, with basic knowledge of web design and motion graphics. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the careers of people who studied Graphic Design at the School of Visual Arts, most have gone on to hold jobs that are directly related to the creative and tactical side of design. Common roles include Graphic Designer, Art Director, and various freelance positions, all of which require a solid grasp of graphic design principles and creativity. Many of these jobs, such as being a Graphic Designer for companies like Revlon or Victoria's Secret, really focus on the skills learned during their studies, showing a strong link between education and job function. For instance, positions in creative services, web design, and advertising also align closely with their academic background, utilizing the graphic skills they've honed over the years. Even roles like Senior Designer or Creative Director indicate a clear progression within the industry while drawing from a solid foundation in graphic design.
However, not every job taken by graduates sticks to the traditional design path. Some have ventured into roles that aren't as closely tied to graphic design, like Production Manager or Home Furnishing Consultant, where the skills from their degrees aren't fully utilized. Additionally, some freelance opportunities can vary widely in relevance, as they may not require the complete range of skills honed during their educational journey. The good news is that the majority of positions held by these alumni are highly relevant, showcasing that a degree in Graphic Design strongly prepares graduates for a range of creative careers, even if a few take them in unexpected directions.
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 School of Visual Arts):
Graduates from the School of Visual Arts tend to have pretty solid career trajectories in graphic design. It looks like most of them land their first jobs in related roles right after graduation, often starting out as graphic designers or in creative assistant positions. For example, many graduates from the 2010s timeline began their careers as graphic artists or assistants, working their way up through various companies. These initial jobs usually provide a good foundation, enabling them to build a portfolio and gain valuable experience in the field.
Fast forward five to ten years, and many of these graduates have moved into more senior roles, like art directors or senior designers, often at well-known companies or organizations. While some have ventured into freelance work, which can be a mixed bag depending on the clients and projects, a significant number have secured steady positions in established firms. However, there are also some graduates who seem to have veered off the traditional graphic design path, taking on roles that's not directly related, but they are in the minority. Overall, it looks like a degree from the School of Visual Arts often leads to a fulfilling career in the creative sector for most graduates, making it a great option for anyone interested in graphic design!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, especially at a place like the School of Visual Arts, can be pretty challenging, but in a good way! You’ll be diving into a lot of creative projects, and while that sounds fun, you’ll also face tight deadlines, heavy critiques, and a constant push to refine your skills. The coursework typically involves a mix of design theory, hands-on projects, and software skills, which means you’ll be juggling your time pretty well. So, it's definitely not a walk in the park, but if you’re passionate about design and willing to put in the work, you'll find it to be a rewarding experience!
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 these graduates from the School of Visual Arts, it seems like many of them are doing pretty well in their careers, with a mix of steady jobs and freelance gigs that show they’re able to keep their skills in demand. Those who graduated earlier, like in 2010 and 2011, have bounced around some cool companies and eventually landed positions with solid responsibilities, which usually means decent pay. More recent grads seem to be starting off strong too, especially those landing roles at big names like Calvin Klein and Disney, which typically come with good salaries. Of course, the world of graphic design can be hit or miss, especially for freelancers, but overall, I'd say most of these folks appear to be making a decent living in a field that’s not always the most lucrative!
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 School of Visual Arts). 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: