Graphic Design Jobs Education and Training

What you need to know to land and keep graphic designer jobs

By Harrison Howe
If you're seeking graphic design employment, it's important to know what type of graphic design jobs education and training you might need before pursuing this career. From formal education requirements to continuing education and training in the way of seminars and conferences, a graphic design career can be a continual learning experience.

Whether you're looking for online graphic design jobs or graphic design positions within an established company, you'll need the proper education and training to land a graphic design job. A formal degree in graphic arts from a college or art school is a must. Seminars, conferences, classes and internships or apprenticeships are also great ways to develop skills needed for careers in graphic design.
  1. Open the door to many graphic design job opportunities with a formal degree from an accredited college or university.
  2. Learn the skills needed for graphic designer jobs from an accredited art school or institute.
  3. Continue your graphic design jobs education and training with programs offered by graphic design organizations.

 

Go to college and receive a degree to start your graphic design career

An associate's degree or bachelor's degree in graphic design is essential for graphic design employment. Many colleges and universities offer four-year programs in graphic design. You will be able to pursue more graphic design job opportunities by securing a degree in this field.
Try: Earn a bachelor of fine arts degree when you complete the four-year graphic design program at the University of the District of Columbia. The Academy of Art University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in graphic design.

Attend a school of design or art school to prepare yourself for a graphic design job

If a college or university setting isn't for you, you might choose to get your degree from an art institute or school of design. The intensive programs taught at these types of institutions will groom you for careers in graphic design, in most cases in less time than it takes to get a four-year degree. You can choose to attend or conduct your classes online.
Try: The ITT Technical Institute is one of the top institutes for providing technological education in the United States, and their 15-quarter graphic design program includes use of the most updated systems and software. Build your portfolio and get a certificate in graphic design when you complete the nine-course, 13-course or 17-course program from the Sessions Online School of Design.

Take advantage of education programs to enhance your skills and further your graphic design career

Joining a graphic design association has many perks, not the least of which is the availability of continuing education opportunities. Seminars, conferences, lectures and classes can be vital parts of graphic design jobs education and training. As technology advances and changes, continuing education will be essential to graphic designer careers.
Try: The American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) has a wide range of educational opportunities for graphic designers, from conferences and seminars to guidebooks, articles, a newsletter and more. Enhance your graphic design career with conferences and seminars offered by the Design Management Institute (DMI).

 

  • Get invaluable hands-on experience for graphic designer jobs through one of the many internships available in this field.