New Survey Shows 96% Employment Rate Among Otis College Graduates

Students, News, Alumni | August 23, 2024

Recent Career Services data also reveals that 88% of the Class of 2023 landed their jobs within six months of graduating.

Photograph by Monica Nouwens/Otis College of Art and Design

Every year Otis College’s Office of Career Services surveys recent graduates about their employment experience after leaving the College. The most recent data—for the Class of 2023—shows a 96% employment rate, with a majority of those surveyed (88%) getting jobs within six months of graduating. Over 40% of students had secured their employment while still in school. And almost 90% are working in an art- or design-related field.

These employment numbers are significantly higher than the 70% national average employment rate among college graduates reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in April 2024.

The counselors in Career Services provide support and resources from a student’s first day in their BFA or MFA program—as well as all alumni—through every stage of their career exploration, personal and professional growth, employment, and creative professional practices. Offering one-on-one career counseling as well as workshops and recruitment events, Career Services leverages the College’s proximity to industry and its longstanding relationships with employers locally and abroad to help students secure employment.

Some of the recent employers to hire Otis College graduates include Activision Blizzard, Urban Outfitters, MGA Entertainment, Northrop Grumman, and NYX Professional Makeup, to name a few. Many employers meet their future hires at the annual Internship Recruitment Day, which takes place in March, as well as O-Launch exhibition weekend every May. During these two events, students come prepared to discuss their work and their aspirations for the future.

Beyond taking advantage of the many opportunities Career Services makes available, students also have access to the network of working professionals who teach in the eight academic programs at the College. The nine-to-one student-teacher ratio allows for more personalized attention and experiences with these artists and designers.

Photograph by Gina Cholick/Otis College of Art and Design

The College’s holistic approach to creative, personal, and career development for every student is not only evident in the Career Services survey data year after year, but in what the students themselves say about the many ways they approach their career readiness for life after graduation. Some of their insights are below.

Curricular Career Help

“Classes such as Entrepreneurship 101 and Professional Practice helped me to prepare a strong portfolio website, resume, and job search strategy. Faculty taught me a lot about how to navigate the graphic design space as a professional.” —Milo W. (’23 BFA Graphic Design)

Work Study as Preparation

“My time as a research assistant in the Institutional Advancement department as a work study student was the best thing I could’ve hoped for. Through my manager I saw how much I could do as a creative within the world of business and nonprofit organizations. The real-world experience I gained through her teaching proved that my skills were valuable and marketable talents that I can take anywhere, if I was willing to look for the opportunity.” —Jessica W. (’23 BFA Illustration)

Internship and Recruitment Day

“I made so many connections through IRD, including with my current employer. It got me to a good place to get a sponsorship for my visa extension and I’m still working with the company, having the best experience and work quality as a motion designer.” —Hayoung K. (’23 BFA Animation)

Faculty Mentorship

“The faculty were the most helpful in helping with the process of finding jobs, encouragement, and connections. Several have been my mentors since I graduated, guiding me and supporting my work and my classmates’ work since the first semester of our freshman year. They still actively support my work, give advice, and help me get on the right path with finding jobs. I can come to them with portfolio advice, any openings they see with regards to industry jobs, and any connections they may have professionally that will propel me forward.” —Ava C. (’23 BFA Game and Entertainment Design)

The faculty were the most helpful in helping with the process of finding jobs, encouragement, and connections. Several have been my mentors since I graduated, guiding me and supporting my work."

—Ava C. (’23 BFA Game and Entertainment Design)

Lasting Advice

“Be polite, be positive, and keep your mind open to anything ahead of you. I got my current job because I decided not to be stubborn about my career path. And now I have one of the best (and very responsible) jobs in the company.” —Ryusei W. (’23 BFA Toy Design)