15 tips for graphic design majors who are mapping their careers

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional journey by identifying potential career paths, the skills you’ll need, and the steps to reach your long-term goals. For graphic design majors, career mapping is especially important because the field offers a wide range of creative opportunities across industries like advertising, marketing, tech, entertainment, and publishing. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get stuck in roles that don’t fully tap into your creative potential.

With a graphic design degree, you might start in roles like junior graphic designer, production artist, or marketing designer. If you’re drawn to branding and visual storytelling, positions like brand designer, art director, or creative director could be great long-term goals. For those interested in digital design, paths in UI/UX design, web design, or motion graphics offer strong opportunities, often with higher demand and pay. Some designers specialize in fields like packaging design, illustration, or even game design. Freelancing or starting your own design studio is another common route for those seeking more independence. Career mapping helps you figure out which niche suits your skills and passions, what technical skills—like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or animation—you’ll need, and how to build a strong portfolio that opens doors. It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about crafting visual solutions that tell compelling stories and make an impact.

• Work for a Print Company
• Take on Website Design Projects
• Freelance for Small Businesses
• Specialize in Marketing & Advertising Design
• Become a Freelance Brand Strategist
• Seek Varied Experience in Marketing
• Work with Real Clients
• Pursue UI/UX Design
• Explore Marketing and Sales
• Join Digital Agencies for Web Design
• Become a Junior Marketing Designer
• Pursue Web Design Jobs
• Work as a Marketing Design Intern
• Become a Merchandise Designer
• Design for Social Media

Work for a Print Company

Working for a print company offers a unique opportunity to blend creative design with technical know-how, providing hands-on experience that is often difficult to replicate in a purely digital environment.

In a print setting, you quickly learn the intricacies of prepress work and file preparation. For example, you gain a deep understanding of how to set up documents with proper bleeds, trim marks, and the correct color profiles (shifting from RGB to CMYK) to ensure that designs translate accurately to the final printed product. This process is central to the role of a production artist—a specialized position that focuses on fine-tuning design files for print production—and it helps build meticulous attention to detail, a skill highly valued by employers.

Moreover, working for a print company exposes you to a wide variety of tangible applications. Rather than only seeing your work on screens, you witness firsthand how designs transform into physical items such as brochures, posters, packaging, and business cards. This real-world application not only reinforces design principles but also teaches you how materials, textures, and printing techniques affect the look and feel of your work. It’s a practical lesson in how creative decisions have measurable impacts, ensuring your designs are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally viable.

In addition, the print environment provides valuable business insights. Collaborating with printers, vendors, and clients helps you develop strong communication and project management skills. You learn how to navigate tight deadlines, manage budgets, and troubleshoot technical issues—an experience that will bolster your portfolio and make you a more versatile designer. This kind of experience is especially beneficial when it comes to guiding clients through the often complex printing process, ensuring that their vision is realized with precision.

Overall, working in a print company equips you with a comprehensive range of design skills—spanning creative, technical, and business realms—that are directly applicable in the real world. This practical experience can greatly enhance your professional profile and prepare you for a successful career in graphic design.

Luke Hickman, Owner, Hickman Design

Take on Website Design Projects

For a college student majoring in Graphic Design, taking on website design projects can be incredibly rewarding. At my company, we specialize in creating visually stunning and user-friendly websites. Over the years, I’ve personally designed over 1,000 sites. Many businesses are looking for creative branding solutions and digital makeovers, which provide a fantastic opportunity for students to build a strong portfolio while gaining real-world experience.

When I became a Wix Partner in 2019, it opened doors to working on diverse projects. For instance, helping small businesses develop their brand identity through unique logo designs and custom graphics can be a solid starting point for students. This not only hones design skills but improves understanding of how visual elements drive website conversions.

Creating promotional materials or social media graphics is another area where graphic design students can excel. We consistently deliver high-impact visuals that capture the essence of a brand. Students can apply these skills to real-world scenarios, helping businesses communicate their message effectively and stand out in crowded digital landscapes.

Athena Kavis, Web Developer & Founder, Quix Sites

Freelance for Small Businesses

One of the best jobs for a college student majoring in Graphic Design is a freelance or contract designer for small businesses and startups. While many students aim for internships at larger agencies, freelancing provides hands-on experience with real clients, builds a diverse portfolio, and teaches essential business and communication skills that many design programs don’t cover.

Freelancing allows students to work on a variety of projects—logos, social media graphics, brand identity, and web design—giving them exposure to different aspects of design early in their careers. More importantly, it teaches them how to handle client relationships, manage expectations, and price their work—skills that are just as valuable as technical design abilities.

Another benefit is flexibility. Unlike a traditional internship, freelancing can fit around class schedules and doesn’t require commuting to an office. Plus, with platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn, students can start landing clients without needing prior agency experience.

For those looking to ease into freelancing, working as a junior designer at a student-run creative agency or university marketing department is another great option. It provides a structured experience while still allowing for creativity and professional growth.

Ultimately, the best job for a graphic design student is one that provides real-world experience, client interaction, and a strong portfolio—whether that’s freelancing, working at an in-house department, or contributing to a student-led agency. The earlier they start building those skills, the better prepared they’ll be for the professional world after graduation.

Adam Underwood, Agency Owner, Creative Director, Odd + Even

Specialize in Marketing & Advertising Design

I’ve seen the design industry evolve rapidly, and one thing is clear: entry-level, template-based design work is at the highest risk of being replaced by AI. Graphic design students who aren’t thinking ahead could find themselves competing with automation instead of building a sustainable career.

That’s why I always recommend Marketing & Advertising Design as a specialization. Unlike static design work, marketing design is dynamic—it requires an understanding of consumer psychology, brand messaging, and performance-driven creativity. AI can generate visuals, but it can’t strategize, optimize campaigns, or craft designs that drive conversions.

The designers who stay ahead are the ones who understand how visuals fit into a larger business strategy. They’re not just making things look good—they’re making things work. And in a world where automation is becoming the norm, that’s what will keep them in demand.

If you’re planning your future in design, think beyond the basics. The safest career path isn’t just about creativity—it’s about impact.

Adnan Sakib, Creative Director, Nitro Media Group

Become a Freelance Brand Strategist

If I had to pick one job perfect for a Graphic Design student, it wouldn’t be the obvious choice like an intern at a design agency. Instead, I’d say freelance brand strategist—and here’s why.

Most students assume they need years of experience to shape a brand’s identity, but that’s a myth. The reality is that startups, small businesses, and even influencers constantly seek fresh perspectives. Graphic Design students already have the tools—an understanding of visual hierarchy, typography, and color psychology—but what separates an average designer from a high-value freelancer is strategic thinking.

When I was starting, I realized that clients didn’t just want a logo; they wanted a visual story that connected with their audience. So, instead of selling “designs,” I positioned myself as someone who builds brand identities. I’d ask questions about their mission, audience pain points, and long-term vision—things most beginners ignore. This approach allowed me to charge three times what a standard design job paid, even as a student.

So, don’t just design—think like a brand consultant. That’s the difference between making pocket money and launching a career while still in college.

Nicholas Robb, Design agency for startups, Design Hero

Seek Varied Experience in Marketing

I always recommend finding a job that gives you a broad range of experience. The more variety, the better. 

My first job out of design school was in the marketing department of a foster agency, and it was one of the best moves I ever made. I worked on graphic design, web design, video production, animation, and even art-working. It gave me real-world experience across different areas and helped me figure out what I enjoyed most.

Early in your career, you want to do as much as possible. A varied role will make you a better designer and set you up for future opportunities.

Matt Ward, Founder, Eight Pixel

Work with Real Clients

If you’re a graphic design student and you want to actually learn how to be a graphic designer—not just someone who’s great at making “cool stuff” in Photoshop—then here’s my blunt advice: work with real clients.

And no, I don’t mean your roommate’s startup idea or your cousin’s birthday party invite. I mean non-profits. They’re often underfunded, overwhelmed, and desperate for design help—which is exactly why they’re the perfect training ground.

Here’s the deal: designing for a non-profit forces you to face the most important (and often most overlooked) part of being a designer—creating a vision for someone else, not just for yourself. It’s not about your favorite color palette or that trendy font you love. It’s about communicating their message, solving their problems, and making their audience care. That’s the difference between being an artist and being a designer.

When you work with nonprofits, you’ll learn:

• Collaboration: You’ll have to listen (yes, really listen) to what the organization needs. You’ll deal with feedback, conflicting opinions, and maybe even a board of directors who all think they’re the creative director.
  
• Constraints = Creativity: Tight budgets, limited resources, and content that’s not exactly “sexy” will force you to think outside the box. Spoiler: this is what real-world design looks like.
  
• Portfolio Gold: Unlike that personal project where you rebranded a fake coffee shop, real client work shows future employers that you can handle deadlines, feedback, and the actual messiness of design projects.

So, if you’re serious about leveling up, find a local non-profit, reach out, and offer your skills. You’ll build a portfolio that doesn’t just show off your style but proves you can solve real problems. And that’s the kind of designer people want to hire.

Meesha Gerhart, CEO, Redtree Web Design

Pursue UI/UX Design

We regularly see strong demand for UI/UX designers across various industries, making it an excellent career path for Graphic Design students. This role perfectly bridges creative design skills with digital technology—two areas that today’s students are naturally comfortable with. In our experience placing executives in top tech companies, we’ve noticed that many successful UI/UX designers started their journey during college, often through internships or freelance projects. 

What makes this role particularly suitable for students is that they can build a professional portfolio while still in school, using projects from their coursework or personal initiatives. The starting salary for entry-level UI/UX designers typically ranges from $50,000 to $65,000, and we’ve seen rapid career progression for talented individuals. Many of our clients specifically seek recent graduates who bring contemporary design perspectives and an innate understanding of what appeals to younger users. 

Beyond the financial aspects, UI/UX design offers the creative satisfaction that most Graphic Design students seek, while providing practical business impact. Students can work on everything from mobile apps to websites, creating designs that millions of people might interact with daily. The role also offers flexibility—something we know is increasingly important to young professionals—with opportunities for remote work and freelancing. 

For students considering this path, we recommend focusing on user research methods and prototyping tools alongside their regular design coursework. These additional skills make candidates particularly attractive to our client companies, who are always looking for designers who understand both aesthetics and user behavior.

Julia Yurchak, Talent Sourcing, Acquisition & Management Specialist| Senior Recruitment Consultant, Keller Executive Search

Explore Marketing and Sales

As someone from the design industry, I’d recommend graphic design majors to look into marketing and sales. Let me share why marketing and sales could be your golden ticket to career success!

Graphic designers in marketing and sales don’t just design; they tell stories that sell. Whether it’s creating ad campaigns, social media graphics, or branding materials, your work will be seen by thousands—maybe even millions! Working in marketing gives you direct access to audiences, allowing you to measure the impact of your designs in real time.

While traditional design jobs focus solely on aesthetics, marketing challenges you to think strategically. You’ll learn how to create visuals that not only look good but also drive engagement, boost brand recognition, and increase conversions. Graphic designers who understand marketing and sales can demand higher salaries than those who stick to pure design roles. Think about it, it all often boils down to ROI, businesses love designers who know how to create visuals that sell—what’s the point of something aesthetic if it cannot sell?

As a graphic designer in marketing and sales, you are able to control creative decisions while balancing the compromise between aesthetics and returns. It’s a dynamic field where your designs make a real impact, helping brands grow while giving you a rewarding career path. So, why not give it a shot?

Bez Bln, UDS Producer, Worksmint

Join Digital Agencies for Web Design

Graphic design students can pursue opportunities in digital agencies working in web design, UX, and UI design. These roles are well-suited since students can employ their creative abilities and obtain relevant practical experience at the same time. Most digital agencies like us also offer remote or hybrid work so it becomes easier to fit in work around classes.

And because students need to concentrate on creating a tangible portfolio that showcases their design skills—whether it’s typography, wireframing, or prototyping—it could come in handy when they apply for such jobs in the future. Also, interacting with field experts on LinkedIn or local meetups widens their professional scope since doors to internships or freelance work can now be opened.

For instance, the graphic design student who worked in our digital agency on a part-time contract did the app layouts, made sure it had nice visible content, and even designed a beautiful user interface. In addition to teaching him how to use applications like Figma and Adobe XD, the role taught him how to collaborate with others in an office setup. A few months later, he got a full-time job after graduation!

Matt Bowman, Founder, Thrive Local

Become a Junior Marketing Designer

One job that I think is particularly well-suited for a college student majoring in Graphic Design is a Junior Marketing Designer or Content Visual Specialist. This role would involve creating marketing materials, social media graphics, and digital assets that align with a company’s brand identity.

In my experience, students who are majoring in Graphic Design bring fresh, innovative perspectives that can really enhance a company’s visual content. For example, we recently hired a recent graduate for a similar role, and within three months, they helped elevate our social media design, increasing our engagement by 22%. They also streamlined the process of creating consistent, branded content for email campaigns, which led to a 15% improvement in open rates.

For students, this job offers the chance to apply their creative skills in a real-world setting, while also learning about how visual content can drive marketing success. It’s a great way to build experience while contributing meaningfully to a company’s marketing efforts.

Tracie Crites, Chief Marketing Officer, HEAVY Equipment Appraisal

Pursue Web Design Jobs

Many graphic design students are well-suited to get jobs as web designers after school. It’s a highly variable, ever-changing job because you need to keep up with changes in technology as well as user expectations and needs. Web designers can work on full websites, additions to websites, or web apps, and their projects can range from creating user personas to prototyping to making high-fidelity wireframes. Following accessibility standards is a big component of this job too. As a web designer, it is likely that you will work with other web and UI/UX designers, developers, copywriters, and SEO professionals.

Claire Escobedo, Design Director, Online Optimism

Work as a Marketing Design Intern

A great job for a college or university student majoring in Graphic Design is working as a Marketing Design Intern. This role provides a balance between creativity and strategic thinking, allowing students to apply their design skills in a real-world business context while learning how visual communication drives brand awareness and customer engagement. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to understand how graphic design fits into broader marketing campaigns and brand identity.

As a marketing design intern, students typically work on a range of projects that may include creating social media graphics, email newsletters, promotional materials, advertisements, and website assets. These projects help them gain experience with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and digital tools such as Canva, Figma, or Sketch. They also get exposure to branding guidelines, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy, ensuring their designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also aligned with the company’s messaging and goals.

One of the key benefits of a marketing design internship is the opportunity to collaborate closely with marketing teams, copywriters, and content creators. This collaboration helps students understand how their designs contribute to storytelling and brand narratives. It also exposes them to essential marketing concepts like target audience analysis, user engagement, and conversion optimization, which are crucial for creating designs that resonate with consumers.

This role also helps students build a well-rounded portfolio that showcases a variety of work tailored to real-world business needs, which can be invaluable when applying for full-time positions post-graduation. Working in a fast-paced marketing environment teaches students how to manage deadlines, handle client feedback, and adapt their creative process to meet strategic goals.

A marketing design internship not only enhances technical design skills but also deepens students’ understanding of how design functions in a business setting, preparing them for careers in branding, advertising, or digital marketing after graduation.

Joel Butterly, CEO, Ingeniusprep

Become a Merchandise Designer

I think becoming a Merchandise Designer is an excellent job for graphic design students eager to explore branding and product design. This role enables them to collaborate with university organizations, designing engaging merchandise like T-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. It sharpens their design skills and allows them to see their creations enjoyed by their peers. Through these projects, students gain insights into how design influences brand perception and consumer behavior. It’s a perfect experience that effectively bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application.

Murtaza Oklu, Owner, OMO Transfer

Design for Social Media

Social media runs the show in marketing right now. Businesses are always on the lookout for fresh, creative voices. As a graphic design student, you already have the skills they need. Moreover, the flexible schedule means you can earn without messing up your studies.

Think about designing eye-catching Instagram posts, making TikTok thumbnails that stop the scroll, or creating slick LinkedIn graphics for different brands. The best part is, you are building a real-world portfolio while getting paid well. And since you already “speak” the visual language of social media, it is second nature to you.

How to Get Started:

• Create a portfolio to show off your work on Instagram or Behance.
• Local businesses (like cafes and boutiques) often need social media help—offer to revamp their look.
• Use school projects as portfolio pieces.
• Reach out to brands that match your style.

Every post you design is both a paycheck and a portfolio piece, which is why this is such a solid gig while you are still in school.

Arslan Habib, Digital Marketer | Business Strategist, Global SustainabilityJobs List