Why Should You Get a Design Degree?
People checking design degree
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be over 123,000 new job openings for graphic designers by the year 2020! It’s a growing field and you can get your foot in the door now!
A design degree gives you many different career options such as:
- Animation
- Art director
- Concept Development
- Corporate identity designer
- Design director
- Digital Imaging
- Display designer
- Drawing and Color Theory
- Editorial designer
- Environmental designer
- Graphic artist
- Graphic designer for magazines
- Graphic designer for production houses
- Graphic designer for publishing and advertising
- Graphic designer for service bureaus
- Graphic designer for television and movie studios
- Graphic Symbolism
- Information designer
- Marketing manager
- Multimedia and web designer
- Photography
- Production designer
- Sign systems designer
- Typeface designer
- User experience designer
- Web Graphics
- Web designer
But you can be a graphic designer without getting a design degree, right? So why get the degree? Here are some reasons to go to school, either in a face to face format or online:
- Networking:You’ll have the opportunity to meet working professionals and build relationships with them. Your peers and instructors will serve as mentors, providing you valuable insight and possibly connections that will serve you in the future.
- Portfolio Building:Your school assignments will provide you with examples of finished work you can use for your portfolio. You’ll need those things when you start meeting with clients.
- Building Knowledge:Going to design school shows that you can work on deadline and that you are educated on the most recent technologies and design trends.
- Design School Showcases:Your work will be displayed at free school showcases, where they might be seen by future clients or employers.
- A Step Above: Most employers will hire a designer with a degree over one without a degree, putting you a step above the competition.
- Learn from professionals: Many design classes are taught by professionals who are currently working in the field. They know the current trends and what works best when working with clients. Not only is this knowledge invaluable, but they may also be in a position to hire interns as you get farther along in your studies. Your instructor today may be your first employer tomorrow!
- Set your own pace: Online studies provide you a flexible schedule that can work with family, work schedules, and other activities of busy professionals. If you are changing from another field to a design degree, online courses might be the way to go!
- More program options: Online schooling gives you access to a wider variety of schools and a wider variety of program options. You can choose the exact program that you are most interested in, even if the school isn’t located near you.
- Save money: Online schools often have lower prices than brick-and-mortar schools. Because they have fewer expenses to manage, online colleges can typically charge less for their classes. Some online programs will include extra items like books and other class materials in the total fee, which also reduces your overall cost.
- Get more tech-savvy: Getting a graphic design degree, whether face to face or online, requires a high level of comfort with computer use and familiarity with other technology. While taking classes, you will be exposed to the use of the latest programs, software, hardware, and tools, so you’ll be ready to show your expertise to your clients and employers.
