These career paths will help new graphic designers stand out in a booming job market

At a time when almost every industry in the United States is expected to see 8% job growth this decade, the graphic design industry is far behind , just 3%. This means that the graphic design industry is only expected to add 7,300 new full-time jobs between 2020 and 2030. With over one million people in the United States working in graphic design today, the void between job vacancies and available talent is vast. .

With fears of a looming recession, landing a job in this in-demand field won't be easy, but that doesn't mean you should give up hope. Whether you're a recent graduate or someone looking to change careers, focusing on your career will give you an edge over the competition. Take the time to understand your options upfront, and you'll find it much easier to find and land your dream job.

What training and education do you need?

If you've just graduated with a design degree, you might think you've already figured this out, but the reality is much less black and white. Many designers with successful careers in the industry have entered the field without first completing a specialized degree. There are also plenty of design graduates working in everything but graphic arts. While a degree matters to some employers, in the world of graphic design, talent and skill matter much more.

In fact, for most employers, your portfolio will matter more than your degree.

Your portfolio offers you the opportunity to show the extent of your talents while highlighting your process, your methodology and your skills. While looking for a number of key features that any good portfolio should have, employers will assess it to understand how versatile you could be, what design tools you are most comfortable with, and hopefully , will gain insight into your personality in the process.

Of course, I'm not saying a degree isn't necessary. This can be a differentiating factor for an employer seeking these qualifications. If you participated in a highly competitive design program, for example, you'll likely find yourself in higher demand than those who didn't. Many curricula today mimic the high-stress reality of tight deadlines, unruly clients, and vague instructions to help designers navigate the pitfalls of the industry. Graduates of programs like this tend to be better prepared for the day-to-day challenges that this career tends to bring – a fact that inspires confidence in many employers.

But, experience and relevance do not require a degree

If you have worked with clients before and are already an expert (at least) in Adobe Creative Suite, you can choose to skip the diploma altogether. An employer will be less concerned about your previous education if they consider your experience, but experience and suitability don't always go hand in hand.

The design industry is highly dependent on the technology that powers it. As exciting new tools emerge (see my article on Figma, for example), those who master them will remain relevant and in demand. This means you still need to find ways to continue your education and training if you want to land and keep your dream job.

Should you specialize in one area of ​​design or stay broad?

Graphic design encompasses a wide range of specialized fields such as animation, product design, content design and much more. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options and seek to master one skill set rather than risk being too spread out trying to do it all. On the other hand, it may seem scary to limit your concentration in a shrinking labor market. If you are new to the industry, how you approach this conflict can have a huge impact on your job prospects.

Anyone new to design should test the waters of each specialization before settling into a few key areas. Even if you don't want...