Entry Level Graphic Design Jobs

As our society continues its trend toward computer and internet-based forms of entertainment, the demand for graphic designers with viable skills will increase. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, by 2014 graphic design will be the design-related profession with the most available jobs.
Fortunately, it does not take an excessive amount of schooling to find oneself qualified for a graphic design job. Most jobs require you to have a bachelor’s degree in graphics design (or an associate’s degree for more technical positions.) However, having a bachelor’s degree is not always enough to land that first job at a design firm or advertising agency. With entry level graphic design jobs being increasingly outsourced, it helps to have some relevant experience which you will make you stand out from other job applicants. Because design is such a versatile field, there are a large number of ways in which you can get experience.
One way is to program your own website. Doing so will give you practice in determining what designs work and don’t work, and will also emphasize your interest in the career when you show the website to potential employers. Another good thing is to volunteer for the design department at a local newspaper. If you’re in college, it’s generally pretty easy to volunteer to help with page layout at the college newspaper. This is incredibly valuable in that it will familiarize you with common design programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Quark, and Adobe InDesign. Also, there are many community colleges that offer certificates in Web Design and other design-related fields. Although these certificate programs don’t guarantee you a job, they help you practice your design skills, while building a portfolio in the process.
Some info taken from: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Graphic Designers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm (visited October 07, 2006).