School isn't the only place you'll get graphic design training.
Getting Work Experience
Gaining experience is an important step in your design career. Graphic design school should give you the tools you need for an entry-level position but your first couple of years on the job will provide the work skills you'll need to prove yourself at a graphic design firm or build a reputation as a self-employed designer.
In the competitive job market for graphic designers, you should expect to start your career in an entry-level position. You may need to put in a couple of years in a junior designer position before you qualify for a promotion. Take advantage of the real-life graphic design training, and get a feel for where you want to go in your career. You may find that you want to focus on a particular specialty within graphic design.
Training in Internships and Finding Entry-Level Jobs
An internship can provide the opportunity to get hands-on graphic design training, before being thrown into your first big graphic design job. This can be a good way to supplement your schooling and get graphic design training in a real-world work environment. If you're a student, take advantage of your school's career services to find internships in your area.
The easiest way to find a job is often through personal connections, so take advantage of the industry contacts your professors or career services department may have. Go to industry events. Social gatherings or conferences can provide great opportunities to network with established graphic designers and learn about graphic design companies in your area.
