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First, some facts. Of the Photography graduates from Academy of Art University 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Photography graduates from Academy of Art University have a higher likelihood (+6%) 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 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 Photography graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from Academy of Art University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Photography. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONStrategic Customer Success Manager Adobe Sep 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the LinkedIn profiles examined, the most common roles that graduates from the Academy of Art University with a degree in Photography have landed are predominantly in photography-related positions. Many have taken on the title of Photographer, working for various companies in fields like cosmetics, fashion, and publishing, where their photography skills are directly required and highly relevant. Other notable roles include Photo Retouchers and Content Creators, which also utilize core photographic techniques and the creative elements learned during their education. It’s clear that those who graduated closer to 2013 and 2014 tend to have found more photography-centric jobs, while more recent grads sometimes venture into fields that, while visually-oriented, don't focus specifically on photography.
However, not everyone has stuck to the photography path. For example, graduates have also taken up roles in areas like UI/UX design, project management, and even customer service—roles that seem to stray significantly from the artistic skills honed in a photography program. While some of these positions may rely on a good eye for design or understanding of visual aesthetics, they often lack the direct application of photography skills. This mix shows that, while many graduates are successfully using their photography backgrounds in their careers, a fair number have also diverged into unrelated fields, highlighting a more diverse job market and varied career paths emerging for photography graduates.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Photography graduates (this is across all Photography graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Academy of Art University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the Academy of Art University with photography degrees, it's pretty clear that many of them find their footing in the field of photography itself right after graduation, while others veer off into roles that might seem a bit disconnected at first glance. For those who stick to photography, early jobs often include roles like freelance photographer, photo assistant, or even entry-level positions at photography studios or brands. It seems this initial experience helps them build their portfolios and gain industry connections, which can really pay off in the long run.
Fast forward a few years, and the picture gets a bit mixed. Some alumni progress into more specialized roles, such as photographers for beauty brands or creative director positions—basically, they’re finding ways to incorporate their photography skills into creative industries. Others, however, seem to drift into entirely different fields like customer service or UI/UX design, which feels like a departure from their original career path. The common thread, though, is adaptability; many of these graduates are taking their visual skills and applying them to diverse roles, whether within photography or in other creative sectors. So, while some stick closely to photography, others find themselves navigating broader creative careers, indicating that a degree in photography can open various doors—as long as you're willing to explore beyond just taking pictures!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Photography can be pretty challenging, but it's also super rewarding if you’re passionate about it. At places like the Academy of Art University, you'll dive into both the technical aspects, like how to use cameras and editing software, as well as the artistic side of things, such as composition and storytelling. While it’s not necessarily the hardest degree out there, it does require a good mix of creativity, dedication, and a willingness to learn from feedback. You’ll spend a lot of time working on projects, which can feel intense, especially when deadlines roll around, but if you love snapping pictures and expressing yourself through visual art, it’ll be a worthwhile journey!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 5 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Photography.
So, when you look at these Academy of Art University graduates, it seems like some of them are definitely doing well financially, while others are just scraping by. The ones who climbed the ranks at companies like Airbnb are probably raking in a pretty decent salary, especially those in senior project management roles. On the flip side, some of the photographers, especially those who are freelancing or starting out, might not be hitting the big bucks yet—freelancing can be super unpredictable. It looks like there's a mixed bag overall, with some graduates clearly thriving and others still working their way up. So, if you’re thinking about a career in photography or design, just know that it can be really rewarding but also kind of a struggle at the start!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Photography (this is across all Photography graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Academy of Art University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Photography (ordered by the average relevance score of their Photography graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 School of Visual Arts
|
78 | 14 |
 Academy of Art University
|
73 | 11 |
 Fashion Institute of Technology
|
72 | 11 |
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
70 | 24 |
 Columbia College Chicago
|
62 | 12 |
 The Art Institutes
|
42 | 11 |