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First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from The Art Institutes 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 34 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Graphic Design graduates from The Art Institutes have a slightly higher likelihood (+4%) 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 2% 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: 95% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from The Art Institutes with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONOffice Manager/ Graphic Designer Barrett Printing Co Jan 2013 - Jun 2014 Mid-Level Graphic Designer  Ballistic Case Company Jun 2013 - Jun 2014 Freelance Graphic Designer FIU Online Jan 2015 - May 2015 Freelance Graphic Designer Ronin Advertising Group Jun 2015 - Mar 2016 Freelance Graphic Designer icreatives Sep 2013 - May 2016 Freelance Graphic Designer Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. Apr 2016 - Dec 2016 Creative Producer VLRRD Jan 2016 - May 2018 Freelance Graphic Designer Zimmerman Advertising Apr 2017 - Dec 2017 Jr. Art Director Zimmerman Advertising Jan 2018 - Jul 2019 Art Director Publicis Sapient Aug 2019 - Jan 2022 Senior Art Director Republica Havas Jan 2022 - Present ABOUTAs a senior art director with over ten years in advertising, I specialize in transforming brand strategies into compelling visual narratives. I believe that great design is not just about aesthetics; it's about telling a story that connects with people emotionally. As I continue to explore new creative frontiers, my goal is to inspire and be inspired, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in advertising.I'm always open to discussing new ideas, trends in design, and potential collaborations. Feel free to connect with me here on LinkedIn. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the job profiles of individuals who graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institutes, it's clear that there's a diverse range of job roles represented in their career paths. Common positions include Graphic Designer, Art Director, and roles related to visual communication like Multimedia Artist and Production Artist. Many of these jobs, such as those at companies like Sign Expo or production-related roles at various advertising firms, directly leverage the skills learned in their Graphic Design programs. It's encouraging to see that a significant number of graduates work in fields that are highly relevant to graphic design, using their education in practical, creative ways.
However, there are also quite a few instances where graduates ended up in unrelated jobs. Positions like Regional Property Manager, Marketing Coordinator, and various roles in customer service don’t really have much to do with graphic design principles or practices. It seems that while many graduates find success in design-related careers, a chunk of them veer off into fields that don’t utilize the skills they spent years developing. So, it looks like the relevance of their degree can vary quite a bit depending on the specific career path they take after college.
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 The Art Institutes):
Looking at the career paths of graduates from The Art Institutes with a degree in Graphic Design, there's quite a mix of outcomes. For many, the first job right after graduation tends to be entry-level positions in graphic design or related fields, such as internships or junior roles. Some have started immediately as graphic designers, taking positions at advertising firms, design studios, or even in-house for companies like U-Haul or private businesses. However, it’s important to note that there’s also a noticeable number of graduates who have veered off into unrelated roles, like property management or sales, which isn’t really reflective of a typical design career. This deviation can be seen as a struggle for some graduates in finding relevant employment straight out of school.
Fast forward five to ten years, and while a solid number of these alumni have made it to fulfilling positions like art directors, senior graphic designers, or even starting their own design firms, others seem to have strayed farther from their design roots. For instance, some have transitioned to roles in marketing, management, or even completely unrelated fields. This shift suggests that, while many graduates enjoy creative careers and make strides in the graphic design industry over time, there’s also a portion who find themselves in varied professions that might not utilize their design skills as effectively. If you’re passionate about graphic design, it’s clear that opportunities exist, but staying on the design path seems to require some extra effort and determination, especially in a competitive job market.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty, and it really depends on your background and passion for the subject. At The Art Institutes, you’ll be diving into a lot of hands-on projects, software skills, and creative concepts, which some students find super fun and engaging, while others might feel a bit overwhelmed. If you’re coming in with a strong interest in design and a willingness to put in the effort, it tends to feel more manageable; however, there can still be those challenging late nights spent working on projects and hitting deadlines. So, while it’s not necessarily the easiest degree out there, with some dedication and creativity, you can definitely make it through!
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 profiles, it seems like some graduates have really found their footing in decent jobs, while others might still be scraping by a bit. For instance, people who stepped into roles like Regional Property Manager or Executive Creative Director seem likely to be making a good salary, especially with those titles and the longevity in their positions. On the flip side, a few of the grads have bounced around in lower-paying or freelance gigs, and some have even taken on roles far from graphic design, which could make it tricky to earn a solid income. It’s a mixed bag overall—there are definitely success stories, but it also looks like some folks are still figuring things out and might not be rolling in the dough just 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 The Art Institutes). 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:
