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First, some facts. Of the Industrial 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 112 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 79%, Industrial Design graduates have a much higher likelihood (+12%) 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 23% 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 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 2012 from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Industrial Design. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIndustrial Design Intern Catalyst Product Development Group, Inc. Jun 2012 - Sep 2012 Industrial Designer II Spectrum Brands, Inc Feb 2013 - Apr 2016 Industrial Designer - Concept Team Briggs & Stratton May 2016 - Jul 2020 Senior Industrial Designer - Consumer iD Garmin Nov 2020 - Nov 2021 Founder | Designer Elytron Design Jan 2020 - Present Principal Industrial Designer - Advanced Concepts TTI Floor Care North America Nov 2021 - Jan 2024 Principal Industrial Designer TTI Floor Care North America Jan 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science - MSNorthwestern University 2017 - 2019 ABOUTA passionate, multidisciplinary designer with a background in industrial design, innovation, and human centered design process, [NAME REMOVED] enjoys the challenge of using design to solve relevant problems, push engineering boundaries, and create enjoyable user experiences. He is an insightful designer able to balance the needs of business stakeholders with user needs.[NAME REMOVED] earned a BS from Virginia Tech in Industrial Design. He has over 10 years experience leading front end innovation and design for manufacturing in both consumer and commercial markets. He furthered his education in design and business with a Masters in Product Design and Development Management from Northwestern University. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When diving into the professional landscape of Industrial Design graduates, it's notable that many have carved out careers in related fields, showcasing a strong alignment with their academic training. A significant number of graduates have taken on roles like Industrial Designer, and Product Designer, where the skills acquired during their studies—such as design thinking, prototyping, usability, and aesthetics—are fundamentally employed. Positions in skilled design fields, like Mechanical Designer and Contract Designer, further emphasize the connection between education and practical application in the real world. Many have also branched into footwear design roles, especially those from institutions like the Rochester Institute of Technology or North Carolina State University, where their education directly translates into product design and development roles, confirming the relevance of their training.
On the flip side, there are graduates who found themselves in roles that are tangential to, or even quite distant from, their Industrial Design education. Positions such as Marketing Manager, Sales Associate, and Customer Service roles often tend to prioritize other skill sets that don’t directly apply core industrial design principles. Some individuals, while initially starting in design-heavy roles, transitioned into project management or branding positions where design knowledge is not fully utilized on a daily basis. This raises questions about the job market's reception of industrial design degrees and whether all graduates can find their ideal roles closely tied to their education. Overall, while there is a prevalent trend of relevant job placements, the scattering of graduates into diverse domains highlights the complexity of matching educational outcomes with industry requirements.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Industrial Design graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of graduates with a degree in Industrial Design, a few clear patterns start to emerge. Many of the graduates from various universities kick off their professional journeys with internships or entry-level positions closely related to design. For instance, recent grads from schools like the Rochester Institute of Technology and Auburn University often land roles as design interns or assistants right after graduation, which is a smart move because it allows them to gain valuable experience in the field of industrial design. This aligns with a broader industry trend where fresh graduates are encouraged to take on internships, as these experiences can significantly boost their resumes and establish useful industry connections.
Fast forward five to ten years, and it becomes clear that many of these graduates progress into more significant roles within the design field. Individuals such as those from Auburn University and Virginia Tech transition from internships to roles like Mechanical Designer and Senior Industrial Designer. Others, like those from the Savannah College of Art and Design, climb the ranks to become Senior Brand Experience Designers or Product Managers. However, it's not all glitter and gold. We also see some graduates veering significantly off the design path and ending up in unrelated fields or positions that don't fully utilize their design expertise—think people moving into roles like marketing or even completely different sectors. While some track the expected path toward senior design positions, others might find themselves scrapping for relevance, indicating that the job market can be tough and a degree doesn’t always guarantee a linear or successful career in design.
In summary, industrial design graduates have a pretty mixed bag of career outcomes. Many benefit from starting in design-related roles immediately after school, facilitating a smoother transition into mid-level or senior positions within the industry. Yet, a portion of these professionals ends up in less related roles or career shifts that stray far from design. So, while there are success stories, we can’t ignore the reality that some might struggle to find their niche in the competitive workforce.
Getting a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design can be quite a challenge, but it's definitely not impossible! You’ll be diving into a mix of creativity and technical skills, which means you’ll need to get comfortable with design software, models, and projects that often require a lot of critical thinking and problem-solving. The workload can be heavy, with lots of group projects, presentations, and critiques, but if you enjoy being hands-on and bringing your ideas to life, it can be really fulfilling. So, while it may be a bit tougher than your average degree, especially if you're not into art or engineering, it can also be super rewarding if you stick with it and keep exploring your creativity!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Industrial Design.
Looking at the profiles you shared, it's clear that some graduates are doing quite well while others might be struggling a bit. For example, those who graduated from prestigious schools like the Rochester Institute of Technology and Georgia Institute of Technology tend to have a solid progression in their careers, landing high-profile roles at known companies. They likely earn decent salaries, especially as they move into senior positions. On the flip side, some recent grads, like the one from the University of Wisconsin-Stout who's only held a couple of entry-level jobs, might still be working their way up and may not be pulling in big bucks just yet.
Overall, it seems there’s a mixed bag of financial success among these alumni. Those who have been in the field longer or have had roles with big brands, like Nike or Garmin, probably make a good living. In contrast, those just starting out and taking internships or freelance gigs might not be raking in the same amount. It just goes to show, your success and earning potential in industrial design can really depend on your school, experience, and the paths you choose after graduation.
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 Design. This may or may not be useful:
