Career Choice: Graphic Design vs Business Administration - Essay Example

? Analytical Report Contents Contents 2 Introduction 3 Graphic Designer 3 Introduction 3 Analysis of the Requirements 4 Job Opportunities 4 Business Administration 5 Introduction 5 Analysis of Education and training 6 Job Opportunities 7 Conclusion and Recommendation 7 References 8 Introduction There are usually many job opportunities available to graduates upon them graduating depending on their specialization and capabilities. However, before one decides on a career course to follow people always find themselves in a dilemma choosing between two or more career choices. This report will seek to critically analyze the requirements and possible job openings arising from choosing either a career of being a graphic designer or a business administrator. It will utilize sources from recognized journals and organisations in these two fields, in order to effectively analyze unbiased and recommend the best career choice among the two. Thus, this report will be limited to the secondary data and will utilize it only to assess the skills and training requirements as well as the job opportunities available but will not conduct a review of the salaries in these careers in arriving at the recommendations. Graphic Designer Introduction A graphic designer designs or creates graphics in order to meet the specific commercial or promotional needs of a client such as for packaging, displaying or for logos, and achieves this through different media for artistic and decorative effect (JGED, 2010). In simple terms, a graphic designer is responsible for the creation of design solutions that have a high visual impact and largely involves listening to clients and understanding their needs before arriving at a design decision. According to Resnick (2003), designs created by graphic designers can be shown or utilized in many products and activities that may include advertisements, communication or packaging of products and services. The designs are carried out according to a brief agreed upon with a client after the development of creative ideas and concepts to meet the client’s objectives which involves creative flair and up-to-date knowledge of what is relevant in the industry through a professional approach. Analysis of the Requirements It is important to note that a graphic designer’s job may involve the management or undertaking of a design brief in accordance to the time allocated. This involves having a meeting with clients and account managers to discuss the business aims of the task while at the same time having a proper interpretation of the requirements of a business and the concepts required to be attained. The graphic designer may also be involved in the use of innovation in redefining design briefs and presenting finalized concepts to clients and account managers. Whether in employment or for free, the graphic designer must be proactive in the presentation of ideas and designs to the relevant persons including the clients (Armstrong, 2006). Armstrong reports that for one to be a successful graphic designer, he must possess technical and functional skills that are based on the needs of the employer or the client. The skills, knowledge and expertise required of the graphic designer include proper management of time and adjusting actions in relation to the actions of the client or the customer. The graphic designer should give full attention to the opinion of others as well as understanding them taking note to ask questions without interruption at the inappropriate moments. Job Opportunities There are numerous opportunities available to a person working as a graphic designer and these may include being a logo designer, flash designer, web designer, art director, and advertising amongst other opportunities. The logo designers basically work towards molding the image of a company through the use of color, graphics and type while the flash designer works online to create websites through the use of interactive flash animations to create applications for websites. On the other hand web designers use their skills and art in creating a portfolio on the web while art directors’ also known as creative directors produce art for different media such as newspapers and televisions. Graphic designers may also find careers in advertising, illustration, designing of books, animations and technical illustration through the use of different tools and software that creates graphics for clients and concept managers. Working as a graphic designer has got numerous advantages in that as much as salaries vary, it is well paying thought the salary may fluctuate at times. It is therefore important that a person considering a career in graphic design must pursue it more so those who possess a flair for design, are creative and knowledgeable in software for designing graphics. What is required of a professional choosing graphic design as a career is confidence, belief in one’s talent and patience in the creation of graphics. It is also important that the person choosing a career as a graphic designer has the grasp of computer programmes and software relevant in the design of graphics in order to beef up your portfolio. Business Administration Introduction The question that arises in most instances is why choose the business administration programme as a career? Organisations usually operate on business principles and a qualification in business administration prepares a person for effective administration and management. According to Tihanyi, Devinney, & Pedersen (2012), a qualification in business especially one geared towards business administration is one of the highest ranked by employers and managers in the world over. Business administration involves the performance, management, and administrative functions of any business organisation and encompasses many functions such as finance which basically handles and manages money, economics, human resources that manage human capital and the benefits that accrue from them. It may also involve advertising, logistics, operations and the management or supervision of people and projects. Analysis of Education and training There are numerous business administration jobs of which most require advanced degrees while others can be learnt through on the job training, seminars and through certificate programmes. Choosing the education option as a means of acquiring business administration depends on what one intends to do in his career as a business administrator while a person intending to work may attain it at the entry-level or alternatively through education (SPARC, 2010). Most business administration education options include on-the-job training, continuing education, certificate programmes, degrees or advanced degrees for qualifying as a business administrator. On-the-job training is when training is provided on the job while continuing education is provided through schools, colleges, business schools and other academic institutions where the student gets credits. The certificate programmes focus on specific topics, for example tax accounting while the degree programmes are earned at universities or business schools. There is also the advanced degree that may either be Masters programmes or Doctoral qualifications that is basically important in the management and teaching of business administration courses. Further to the training of business administration, there are also professional certifications that are important in the business administration fields (International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines, 2004). The question that then rises is why a person would choose a career in business administration. A person’s career in business administration largely depends on the educational level attained as well as other supplementary qualifications. For example, it is important to ask yourself whether you hold any certifications or hold any further work experience in the particular field. One may also want to confirm whether he has proven performance and whether they possess any special skills to determine whether they are qualified for the specific position. Once these preceding questions are asked, then one can surely take up the numerous jobs available for a person qualified in business administration. Job Opportunities A person qualified in business administration can take up a career as an accountant in a business taking up the role of tax preparation, payroll accounting, and bookkeeping services among other duties that may be performed by an accounting. He may also perform the role of an advertising executive who create, coordinate and roll out advertising campaigns for businesses involved in services or offer products for sale. They could also be business managers or finance officers, or they may perform human resources functions such as management of human capital and benefits. Careers in business administration are also available as management analysts, marketing specialists, office administration as well as public relations in matter concerning businesses. Conclusion and Recommendation A career in graphic design is good because it is flexible and in each passing day companies are likely to look for fresh and talented graphic designers thus offering numerous opportunities. However, with the exception of the limitation of the opportunities available to a graphic designer, a business administrator can take up several careers which are available at his/her disposal making employability very easy. Therefore, I would therefore recommend a career in business administration due to its versatility as one can work in numerous careers that will in most cases be fulfilling and rewarding. References Armstrong, H. (2006). Graphic design theory: Readings from the field. Information Design Journal, 14(2), 130-137. International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines. (2004). International journal of business and public administration. Gramling, LA: International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines. JGED: Journal of Graphic Engineering and Design. (2010). Novi Sad: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Department of Graphic Engineering and Design. Tihanyi, L., Devinney, T. M., & Pedersen, T. (2012). Institutional theory in International Business and Management. Advances in International Management, 25, 33-42. Resnick, E. (2003). Design for communication: Conceptual graphic design basics. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons. SPARC (Organisation). (2010). International journal of business administration. Toronto: Sciedu Press. Read More