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First, some facts. Of the Industrial and Product Design graduates 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 306 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 72%, Industrial and Product Design graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+5%) 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 18% 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 Industrial and Product 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 2021 from Auburn University with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Product Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION3D Artist Hammerton May 2021 - Nov 2022 Industrial Designer/Advanced 3D Artist Hammerton Nov 2022 - Dec 2023 Industrial Designer Lifetime Products Dec 2023 - Present ABOUThttps://loganwhittleseydes.wixsite.com/mysite |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Industrial and Product Design, we can identify various common job types that emerge across different profiles. A significant number of individuals have taken roles such as Industrial Designer, Product Designer, and various design-related positions that heavily rely on the skills developed during their educational pursuits. These roles often involve practical application of design principles, functionality, and aesthetics, making them highly relevant to their degrees. Additionally, creative positions in marketing, branding, and user experience design have also appeared on several profiles, indicating a diverse application of their design skills outside traditional industrial roles.
However, not all career choices made by these graduates closely align with their studies. Many have taken roles in fields such as sales, marketing, or administrative positions which, albeit utilizing some transferrable skills, do not fundamentally engage the core competencies of Industrial and Product Design. For instance, roles such as Marketing Manager or Sales Consultant often prioritize interpersonal and marketing skills over design-specific knowledge. This pattern suggests that while the graduates have the technical skills and creative capabilities, the job market may not always provide positions that leverage their degrees fully. Ultimately, it is evident that while many of these graduates pursue careers directly relevant to Industrial and Product Design, others find themselves navigating pathways with moderate alignment, thus revealing the varied landscape of post-graduate opportunities.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Industrial and Product Design graduates:
The career trajectories of graduates in Industrial and Product Design reveal a diverse range of experiences, with many carving successful paths in their field, while others have ventured into various roles outside traditional design roles. When looking at what individuals typically step into right after graduation, many find themselves in internships or entry-level positions such as design assistants or interns at established companies. For instance, graduates often start as interns in notable firms, such as industrial design interns at iconic companies or in roles that allow them to refine their design skills. This pattern seems to align with the expectation of gaining hands-on experience post-college, a crucial stepping stone in the highly competitive design landscape.
Fast forward five years or even ten years post-graduation, there’s a noticeable trend where many individuals transition into mid-level positions, managerial roles, or specialized design roles. For example, individuals who started in internships or entry-level designer positions at major firms often move up the ranks to become senior designers or project managers, leading projects and teams. Particularly notable is the number of graduates who establish their own design firms or take on leadership roles within established businesses. This indicates a positive trajectory where early experiences are leveraged for growth and innovation within the industry.
However, not every graduate sails smoothly into their design careers. Some individuals find themselves diversifying their skill set into adjacent areas such as marketing, UX design, and even entrepreneurship, which can be seen as either a strategic pivot or a necessity due to job market fluctuations. For instance, graduates who started with a clear industrial design focus at first might end up in graphic design or even entirely different fields like marketing or real estate after some years. This trend highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of career paths after graduation, showcasing that while some thrive in design, others might have to adapt to broader job opportunities that may not directly correlate to their degree.
In conclusion, graduates from Industrial and Product Design programs typically start off in internships or assistant positions, which serve as critical entry points into the professional world. Over the years, many progress into more significant roles or even entrepreneurial endeavors, reflecting a strong potential for growth and development. While there are some instances of unexpected career shifts into unrelated fields, the overall outlook for these graduates is promising, suggesting that a degree in Industrial and Product Design can indeed facilitate a fruitful and dynamic career path.
A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Product Design can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy being creative, working with your hands, and solving problems, you might find it exciting rather than super hard. The coursework usually includes a mix of design theory, technical skills, and hands-on projects, so expect long hours working on assignments, especially when it comes to prototyping and presentations. While it’s certainly demanding with deadlines and critiques, many students find the process rewarding, especially when they see their ideas come to life. So, while it's tougher than some degrees, if you're passionate about design, it can feel like a fun, engaging challenge rather than an uphill battle.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Industrial and Product Design.
When looking at these graduates and their career paths, it's clear some have found their footing and are likely making decent money, while others might be still on their way up. For instance, graduates from top schools like RISD or Parsons who have landed roles at major companies like Apple or Nike usually indicate a higher earning potential. Those who had freelancers or internships early in their careers but later transitioned into stable positions at reputable firms show a growth trajectory that suggests they're building up their finances. On the flipside, individuals who are still working in internships or entry-level positions might still be in a financial pinch while they gain further experience and opportunities.
Overall, the financial success of these individuals largely depends on the direction they've taken post-graduation. Some seem to have secured well-paying jobs quickly, especially in industries like UX/UI design or industrial design, which can command good salaries. Others are juggling multiple freelance roles or internships, which might not be as stable in terms of income. So, while many are likely doing alright, not everyone has hit the ground running with great salaries right away. It's definitely 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 Industrial and Product Design. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Industrial and Product Design (ordered by the average relevance score of their Industrial and Product Design graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
|
84 | 10 |
 University of Cincinnati
|
84 | 13 |
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
73 | 16 |