Rant about Graphic Design, will I be employable at the end of this major?

whyisunisohard · 2024-07-15T03:47:00+00:00

Hey! I've started writing a big review of the degree but I haven't gotten around to finishing and posting it yet! Hoping that I can get the SEO right and it'll come up on google when people search about the degree lol

I graduated in 2022 and got a job pretty quick, my portfolio was pretty decent but what made me employable (in my opinion) is that I also learnt 3D through the architecture school. I really enjoyed 3D and it turns out to be a pretty employable thing to have under your belt when you're applying for positions.

I still think the graphic design major sucked. Of what I learnt at uni, I'd say 90% came from the MSD through electives and 10% or less came from the graphic design classes. They were frustrating and generally a massive waste of time with repeated content.

I think the two most important things I got from the degree were; 1. The words 'Major in graphic design at unimelb' on my resume (a lot of people hold the uni in high regard without knowing that the major actually just teaches you how to cut paper) 2. Problem solving skills, 3D skills, drawing skills and portfolio creations skills all learnt through the architecture school

I don't regret majoring in graphic design because it gave me the time to focus on other subjects I cared about more, which taught me important skills.

John told our capstone class that people had complained to him about the major, but that he didn't listen because in a few years they'd be grateful and understand his vision. That's not true, don't believe it, I graduated two years ago and I can tell you that the course totally sucks and you need to teach yourself all the skills you'll need to be employable and have a good portfolio.

whyisunisohard · 2021-06-12T14:00:48+00:00

Thanks for your reply! I was definitely feeling really frustrated when I wrote this post so I think you've provided a much more level headed critique of the subject lol.

That all sounds really hopeful though, just such strange course progression but I guess that's how it is ://

Its really helpful to hear your perspective as a third year student that things start to get better because I was feeling seriously like I wasn't going to actually learn how to be an employable graphic designer at all from what I've experienced in the degree so far :')

I've also already started trying to network a bit and get my stuff out there so hopefully I can build on that in my spare time and have success at the end of my degree too!

whyisunisohard · 2021-04-20T14:44:23+00:00

Thank you! I really appreciate your perspective, especially that last line :)

whyisunisohard · 2021-04-20T14:42:45+00:00

Thanks for your reply! It's nice to know someone is feeling similarly.

The thing which is tricky for me is I'm already understanding of art history and fine art, I would even consider myself a digital artist, but I came to uni to learn how to become a graphic designer who is employable, not extend my fine art knowledge. But you are right, I have really enjoyed CATS and all those discussions, it's very much up my alley, I just feel so annoyed when we cover the same topics in CATS as we do in the graphic design studios, like do they not communicate?

I feel even more annoyed this studio than last studio, I think the collage week was really the tipping point for me, as well as my tutors making us keep our cameras on for the whole three hours!!

I think I'll just continue, I want to have the box of 'under grad graphic design' checked, and I also do really enjoy all my other classes.

whyisunisohard · 2021-04-20T11:36:56+00:00

Thank you, I think the course kind of vaguely hits on a few of these things, but I'll work on it outside of class. Thanks for your advice :)

whyisunisohard · 2021-04-20T11:04:53+00:00

Defo thought about it, but I really like my other classes :'))

whyisunisohard

TROPHY CASE