What can you do with a Media Arts And Animation degree?

First, some facts. Of the Media Arts And Animation 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 71 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 56%, Media Arts And Animation graduates have a much lower likelihood (-11%) 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.

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Also, after graduating, only 9% 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 Media Arts And Animation graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Media Arts And Animation degree?
• What do Media Arts And Animation graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Media Arts And Animation degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Media Arts And Animation degree?
• What are the best colleges for Media Arts And Animation?

View a random Media Arts And Animation graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 51% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2015 from The Art Institute of California-San Diego with a Bachelors Degree in Media Arts And Animation. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Freelance 3D Artist Freelance 3D Artist | Modeler | Animator Jan 2015 - Apr 2015 As a Freelance 3D Artist, this position directly utilizes the skills learned in Media Arts and Animation, such as modeling and animation techniques, which are core components of the degree. Graphics Specialist L3 Link Simulation & Training Jul 2016 - Feb 2018 The role of a Graphics Specialist may involve some relevant design and technical skills, but it is less focused on 3D animation and modeling compared to the core of the degree. Graphic Designer Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Apr 2018 - Jan 2019 The Graphic Designer position involves design skills that may overlap with media arts but does not specifically require the animation or 3D modeling skills acquired in the degree. Graphic Designer Cajon Valley Union School District Apr 2019 - Present As a Graphic Designer for a school district, some skills from the Media Arts and Animation degree are applicable, but the focus is primarily on general graphic design rather than animation or 3D work. ABOUT 4+ Years of experience in Graphic Design as well as 3D Design. Knowledgeable of Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Maya, and 3ds Max. Experience creating app design, product concepts, posters, flyers, decals and large scale signage like banners, wall decals, and perforated vinyl windows.

What jobs can you get with a Media Arts And Animation degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• 3D Artist
• Intern
• Customer Service Representative
• Photographer
• Design Cleanup Artist
• Storyboard Artist
• Logistics Manager
• 3D Animator
• Quality Assurance Analyst 2
• Freelance 3D Artist

Analyzing the job trajectories of individuals who have graduated with a degree in Media Arts and Animation reveals some interesting trends regarding their professional paths. A significant number of these graduates have pursued roles in fields that closely align with their academic training, particularly within the realms of animation and design. Many of the most common job titles include **Animator**, **Character Designer**, **Graphic Designer**, and **3D Artist**—all of which directly tap into the skills related to visual storytelling, animation techniques, and digital design that are the cornerstones of their educational background. This trend illustrates how graduates are often able to find relevant opportunities that effectively utilize their specialized knowledge and training.

However, it is also evident that not all professionals in this field have secured positions that are directly tied to their Media Arts and Animation degree. Numerous individuals have taken on roles such as **Customer Service Representatives**, **Sales Associates**, or positions in logistics and management, which do not leverage their training in a meaningful way. These positions tend to focus on customer service, sales, or technical roles that don’t align with the core competencies of animation or media arts. Therefore, while many graduates enjoy fruitful careers in the animation and design sectors, a portion has diverged from their field of study, leading to a mix of relevance in their job choices.

Overall, while the landscape for Media Arts and Animation graduates shows a strong inclination towards relevant job roles, it’s important to acknowledge that this degree does not guarantee a direct path within the industry. Several graduates find themselves in unrelated jobs, highlighting the competitive nature of the creative job market and the sometimes unpredictable trajectory of professional careers. As a result, it's crucial for graduates to remain adaptable and explore various avenues where their creative skills could be applied, even if those roles initially seem disconnected from their educational background.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Media Arts And Animation graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Media Arts And Animation graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When we look at the career trajectories of graduates from Media Arts and Animation programs, like those from various Art Institutes, we see a mix of success stories and paths that veer off from the industry. Fresh out of school, many of these graduates land entry-level positions that connect closely to their fields, such as production assistants, graphic designers, and animators. These starting positions often occur within media companies, animation studios, or design firms, where they can build essential skills and gather experience in a collaborative environment. However, as we look at these early jobs, there’s also a noticeable trend where some graduates end up in unrelated fields, indicating that the market for media arts is competitive and perhaps a bit capped at times.

Fast forward five to ten years after graduation, and the picture becomes more varied. Some graduates find themselves climbing the animation or design ladder, moving from entry-level roles to more specialized positions like character designers, art directors, or project managers. For example, many alumni from programs focused on animation eventually secure roles as animators or multimedia artists, showing that dedication and continued skill development can lead to rewarding careers closely tied to media arts. On the flip side, there are many instances of graduates transitioning into unrelated jobs—like dental technicians or logistics managers—which speaks to a broader issue of job availability in their desired fields. This shift suggests that not all graduates are able to sustain a career directly related to their degree, leading to diverse but sometimes underwhelming career paths.

In conclusion, the career outcomes for Media Arts and Animation graduates showcase a combination of successes and challenges. While some graduates are making a solid name for themselves in creative roles, others find themselves navigating less relevant paths, which can be disheartening. If you're considering a degree in this field, it’s essential to be aware of these realities: the competitive nature of creative industries and the potential need for flexibility in your career direction. Overall, if you're passionate about the arts and animation, don't let the mixed outcomes deter you; rather, use them as a guide to prepare for both the ups and the downs of your potential career journey.

How hard is a Media Arts And Animation degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor degree in Media Arts and Animation can be both challenging and rewarding, so it really depends on your passion for the subject and your willingness to put in the effort. You'll be dealing with a mix of creative and technical skills, which means you'll need to get comfortable with things like drawing, 3D modeling, and software programs like Adobe and Maya. If you're really into art and animation, it can feel more like fun and less like work, but don't underestimate the amount of time and practice it takes to develop those skills—there will be lots of projects, critiques, and late nights involved. So, while it might not be the hardest degree out there, it'll definitely push you to grow creatively and technically, and that's where the challenge lies!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Media Arts And Animation.

Do Media Arts And Animation graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at these graduates from various Art Institutes, it seems like the financial success really varies. Some individuals, especially those who landed jobs at big-name studios like Cartoon Network or companies like Netflix, might be pulling in decent salaries, especially given their experience and specialized roles in animation. Freelancing could also bring in good money if they’re successful. However, others, like those who bounced between service jobs or freelance gigs without a solid company to back them, probably aren’t making as much. It's a mixed bag, and it feels like for every success, there's someone grinding away in lower-paying jobs trying to make their art career work.

In general, if you’re looking to make decent cash in this field, it seems crucial to snag those roles in established companies or to build a strong freelancing portfolio that attracts valuable clients. Those who stick with animation and design tend to do a bit better over time. But remember, sometimes it takes years of hustling to get to that next level where you're actually making good money in the Media Arts and Animation world.

What buzzwords do Media Arts And Animation graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Media Arts And Animation. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Media Arts And Animation?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Media Arts And Animation (ordered by the average relevance score of their Media Arts And Animation graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
The Art Institutes	56	11