First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from University of Wisconsin-Stout 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 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Graphic Design graduates from University of Wisconsin-Stout 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 7% 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: 91%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONGraphic and Web DesignerMamac Systems Inc Apr 2017 - Jul 2017 Graphic Designer Hohensteins Inc Aug 2017 - Aug 2020 Production Specialist FASTSIGNS Sep 2020 - Dec 2021 Graphic Designer Proxy Signs Jan 2022 - Present ABOUTI am a UW-Stout graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design and Interactive media. I am seeking a position in which my knowledge of brand identity elements and skills with industry-standard design tools can be an asset to a team.My portfolio and can be viewed at nicknordstrom.com/portfolio. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the job trajectories of graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Stout who studied Graphic Design, it's clear that many of them found their way into roles that heavily lean on their design skills. Common job titles include Graphic Designer, Art Director, and Digital Designer, all of which are pretty much the bread and butter of a Graphic Design career. These roles typically require a solid grasp of design principles and software, reflecting a strong connection to their education. There are also positions like Media Manager and Design Manager that further utilize their design education in practical ways, particularly in branding and marketing contexts.
However, not every job these graduates have taken on has been directly relevant to graphic design. Some have ventured into sales, event planning, or customer service roles that don’t really tap into the creative skills they learned in college. Positions like Brand Ambassador or Assistant Manager tend to prioritize management and sales over design, which might feel like a detour from what they studied. Overall, while many graduates secured jobs closely related to graphic design, some have also found themselves in roles that don’t fully utilize their specific design skills. It’s a mixed bag, but for those in design-centric positions, it's clear that their degree is serving them well!
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 University of Wisconsin-Stout):
Graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in Graphic Design seem to have a pretty solid start to their careers. Many of them nab entry-level positions directly related to graphic design right after school, working as graphic designers, digital designers, or in similar creative roles. For example, some have kicked off their careers as graphic design interns or as freelance designers, gradually moving up to more established positions like Design Manager or Art Director within a few years. It's nice to see that there’s a pathway for advancement, with some alumni progressing to roles such as Corporate Designer or Design Manager just a few years after graduation.
However, it’s a mixed bag when you look at everyone's trajectory over time. While some stay closely tied to design roles and flourish in them—like those who become Senior Designers or Marketing Directors—others drift a bit away from their core graphic design skills. For instance, a few have taken on positions comfortably seated in marketing or sales, which aren’t directly related to their degree. So, while there are definitely success stories among these graduates, it’s clear that some have ventured into other fields after getting their degree. Overall, most seem to land jobs that leverage their design education in some capacity, even if not all stick strictly to traditional graphic design roles in the long run.
Getting a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, especially at a place like the University of Wisconsin-Stout, can be a bit of a mixed bag. It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but it’s not impossible either. You’ll be juggling a good amount of projects, critiques, and deadlines while also mastering software tools and design principles. If you’re creative and can handle some constructive criticism, you might find it challenging but also super rewarding. So, it’s a decent level of difficulty—definitely requires commitment and passion, but if you love design, it can feel more like fun work than just hard studies!
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 grads from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, it seems like some of them have really hit their stride in terms of making decent money, especially those who moved up to roles like design manager or director of marketing, which usually come with higher salaries. For example, the first graduate went from freelance gigs to being a corporate designer and now a global branding designer, suggesting a good upward trajectory. On the flip side, a few others, particularly those who stuck around at places like TJ Maxx, seem to be in more entry-level or lower-level positions longer than you'd expect after college, which might not be making bank. Overall, though, the balance leans toward those doing well in their careers—especially if they capitalize on opportunities in bigger companies like Target or Medtronic. So, yeah, if you're focused on graphic design, there are definitely decent job options out there, but some paths might feel a little less 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 University of Wisconsin-Stout). 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: