I now have a Potential major...:) Now what?

[prechrswife]

My sister has a BFA in Graphic Design. She currently works for a software company in Atlanta and has consistently worked in her field since graduating from college in 1999. That said, she has been with her current company for awhile & is the only graphic designer on staff, so I have no idea about the current job market. I do know that she had to move to a major metropolitan area (Atlanta) to find employment when she graduated from college.

[Husky_mom]

just like Karen said.. times change a LOT.. I too am a graphic designer..and man do you have to keep updated hehe...

having a non-related job made me rusty on some areas.. but I´m trying to get back on track for when I need it and am ready...

it also depends as you said on demand.. in my country and my original State it was not very much appreciated.. and very much unvalued so they paid miserably for a job as one.. hence I got un-related jobs...

[CountryWolf07]

That's great! I majored in Graphic Design at Kent State, but that changed. I majored in Art & Technology at Ohio State, got accepted into the BA program, but, in the end, I decided to major with a BA in Art. I may go back to school, but I was very tired out by the college life by the time I was 24. Imagine that!
Good luck! Great choices, too!

[Alysser]

Thanks guys for the info and encouragement! I am not totally taken on these two majors yet. I haven't completely shied away from animals, but I don't think I'm gonna end up with doing any of that. I am also looking into Computer science or Communications. I'm not bad with tech stuff, I'm not a total tech geek but I do know some stuff about both of it and I do find it interesting.

I just feel a bit of shame that I went into and Animal and Plant program in HS and may not end up doing that. I went into HS so sure I was gonna be working with animals =/ It seems like a waste really.

[Casper]

Thats awesome! I have often thought about switching my major from Studio Art to Graphic Design/Web Design... but the college I am attending doesn't offer it...

It does really depend on location. One of my art professors graduated from college not long ago with a degree in Graphic Design and sculpture. He couldn't find work in those fields so he teaches at the college two days a week and the rest is spent working for a car dealership. Keep in mind, though, I live in a super rural area. Like mentioned by someone else, you would probably have to stay in a major metropolitan area to get work. That doesn't sound like a problem for you, though.

If you are really worried about job opportunities you might be able to contact a professor that teaches Graphic Design in your area and ask him/her how many of their students received jobs in that field after graduation. Somehow they tend to know this...

I just feel a bit of shame that I went into and Animal and Plant program in HS and may not end up doing that. I went into HS so sure I was gonna be working with animals =/ It seems like a waste really.

Knowledge is never a waste!

[emily_the_spoiled]

Although my first degree is not in graphic arts, I can understand what you are saying about not enjoying the work. I worked as a pharmacist for 6 years and went back to school, then I continued to work as a pharmacist while in school and for another 2 years after finishing (the second go around). What I finally did was quit practicing all together and went back to school in a different field.

The point of this short story is just to say, that any decision you make now can always be changed later in life. I was fortunate enough to go back to school 3 times and I FINALLY ended up doing something that I really enjoy (most days ). It took me 16 years after graduating from high school, but it was worth it ...

[k9krazee]

My boyfriend is getting a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design come May. It's a competitive program here, anybody can get an Associates degree but to go into the Bachelor's program you need to pass a portfolio review. I know a lot of people that didn't make it and either have to retake their second year or do something else. I'm not sure if it's a competitive program like that everywhere, just something to keep in mind.

I too am worried about the demand for his type of work, but he enjoys it. However, keeping in touch with past graduates it seems as if 90% of them have been able to find a job in the field. You just have to know where to look and be willing to relocate if necessary.