Careers with a design degree
Studying design means learning to see objects, messages and systems through the imagination and methods that shaped them. You’ll gain insights into design’s social, cultural, political, economic and environmental impact, while building the critical thinking skills to create projects that drive positive change.
What can I do with my degree? A design degree can lead to careers in visual communication, product and industrial design, sustainable design, print media and video production.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Apply sustainable design practices and understand their social and environmental impact.
Communication:
Express ideas through compelling visual storytelling to connect with audiences.
Management and organization:
Oversee the full design journey, shaping projects from inspiration to completion.
Teamwork:
Collaborate with peers and faculty to develop innovative solutions to real-world design challenges.
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Analyze design challenges through research, experimentation, and user-centered thinking.
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Get support organizing your busy schedule at the Time Management Clinic.
- Join Design Arts Student Association (DASA) or explore other student groups and initiatives that interest you.
- Attend departmental events to discover new design perspectives and connect with your Arts community.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation practice.
- Consider a Career Edge internship to gain professional work experience during your program.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.
- Get inspired by student design projects from classes and showcases.
- Learn about awards offered through your department.
- Take part in Art Matters, the largest student-run art festival in North America.
- Experiment with your design project in the department’s professional labs, studios and editing suites.
- Enrich your global perspective by studying abroad for an academic term.
Final year
- Help make campus greener at Concordia.
- Join the community-based internship program to drive meaningful change while building professional skills.
- Prepare to showcase your portfolio or pitch your independent practice with storytelling and entrepreneurship bootcamps from FutureBound.
- Explore leadership opportunities in Design Arts Student Association (DASA)
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Minors & elective groups
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or elective group. Popular choices with this program include:
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional associations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
