What can you do with a Photography degree from Fashion Institute of Technology?

First, some facts. Of the Photography graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology 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? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 72%, Photography graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology have a slightly higher likelihood (+5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 72%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 27% 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:

View a random Photography graduate from Fashion Institute of Technology 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 2020 from Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Photography. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Photography Intern
ICER BRANDS
Jan 2020 - Apr 2020
The role of Photography Intern at ICER BRANDS directly utilizes skills and knowledge gained from the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, as it involves practical photography work integral to the degree.

Media Coordinator
Opportunity Media
Nov 2020 - May 2023
The Media Coordinator position may involve some visual media skills related to photography but does not primarily require the core photographic skills or knowledge from the degree on a daily basis.

Freelance Graphic Designer
Medici Fine Stationery and Gifts
May 2020 - Present
As a Freelance Graphic Designer, some skills from the photography degree could be applicable, particularly in the realm of visual aesthetics, but the primary focus is on graphic design rather than photography itself.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Associate of Arts and Sciences - AAS
Nassau Community College
2024 - 2027
ABOUT

Highly skilled graphic designer with a proven track record in producing high-end wedding invitations and various stationery items. Experienced in collaborating with clients, creating proofs, and preparing Adobe files for printing. Proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Word, and Acrobat, with expertise in font management and design principles. Skilled in photography, with a diverse portfolio including jewelry, fashion, and culinary subjects. Excellent coordination and communication abilities in media placements and advertising brochures. A proactive and detail-oriented professional with a strong work ethic.

What jobs can you get with a Photography degree from Fashion Institute of Technology?

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


From checking out the job paths of alumni from the Fashion Institute of Technology with degrees in Photography, it’s pretty clear that many of them have landed in roles closely tied to photography itself. You’ve got positions like assistant photographer, freelance photographer, senior retoucher, and studio intern, which all directly involve using photography skills and creativity on a daily basis. It’s no surprise considering how much those academic programs prepare students for the real-world applications of their art. A lot of grads find themselves either shooting photos directly or working on the editing side, which are both crucial aspects of photography.

However, not all jobs hold that same level of relevance to photography. Some folks have gone on to more managerial or coordination roles, like project managers or account managers, where the connection to photography is pretty loose. These positions might use some of the skills learned in the degree—like visual communication—but they aren't executing photography skills in a traditional sense. Overall, while there's a solid portion of graduates who stick close to their roots in photography, others seem to take a different route where their degree might not directly apply in the workplace. It’s a mix, but a good number are clearly still in the photo game!

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 Fashion Institute of Technology):

What kind of career trajectories do Photography graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

From the looks of it, graduates from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Photography tend to start off in roles that are closely tied to their field, like assistant photographer positions or internships that allow them to gain hands-on experience. For example, many have started their careers as studio interns or freelance photographers right after graduation, like the grads from 2011 and 2012, which suggests that they're eager to dive into the industry. While some of these first jobs aren’t necessarily glamorous or highly paid, they provide valuable opportunities to build portfolios and industry connections.

As the years go by, it seems like many of these graduates have managed to carve out careers that still connect back to photography in some form, whether that be through positions like photo editors, producers, or managers in creative services. Some have even transitioned into roles that blend management with their artistic background, like the grad who became a Senior Manager in Creative Operations after starting as an assistant. However, there are also those who ended up in more tangential roles or shifted away from photography entirely, indicating that the path can vary quite a bit. Overall, while many graduates find success and stay connected to photography, it’s clear that the journey can lead to a wide range of career outcomes, from vibrant creative roles to positions that may seem quite removed from their original degree focus.

How hard is a Photography degree from Fashion Institute of Technology?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) can be quite challenging, but it really depends on your passion and how much effort you're willing to put in. The program dives deep into both the technical side of photography—like mastering your camera and understanding lighting—and the creative side, where you’ll develop your own unique style and vision. It’s not just about snapping pretty pictures; you’ll be doing a lot of critiques, projects, and perhaps even some tough assignments that push your skills. So, while it can be demanding, if you’re really into photography and love the craft, you’ll likely find it rewarding and exciting rather than overwhelmingly hard.

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 Photography.

Do Photography graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology tend to make good money?

Looking at the job paths of these Fashion Institute of Technology photography graduates, it seems like some of them have really carved out decent money-making careers, particularly those who have moved into roles like Senior Manager, Creative Operations or Executive Producer. Others, like those freelancing or interning, might be hustling a bit more to make ends meet, especially early on in their careers. Freelancing can be super rewarding if you land the right clients, but it also comes with its ups and downs, so it’s hard to say if they're pulling in the big bucks just yet. Overall, it varies quite a bit—some are likely doing well, while others might just be scraping by, making it clear that in photography, like in most creative fields, a lot depends on your specific journey and how you market yourself.

What buzzwords do Photography 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 Photography (this is across all Photography graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Fashion Institute of Technology). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Photography?

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