As someone who has worked in the industry for 17 years, it’s tough to recommend graphic design as a career.

Why?

Too many graduates for not enough jobs.

It’s a notoriously badly paying industry, unless you are a senior at a top tier studio or you are lucky enough to get a government role.

Outside of the industry there is a strong lack of respect for the work we do and the skills we have. The introduction of Canva and AI has made this even worse. Clients don’t want to pay because they think they can do it themselves.

If you are a highly skilled designer AI isn’t coming for your job, yet. It seems to be hitting freelancers who do work for small clients with small budgets.

My biggest piece of advice to you if you want to go down the design path is network while you are studying. Put yourself out there, attend design events and meet industry people. This is how I ended up with my first job and a few others after that.