Graphic design career after STEM degree??

Hi! I'm currently completing a BSc in Biology at the University of Bristol, but I've decided that I have a really big passion for graphic design and I wouldn't want to do a career in biology anymore. I'm planning to do a masters in graphic design, and I'm building a portfolio (I've done bits and pieces over the years as it's always been a hobby). In the summer I am planning on doing a graphic design internship too, but would this all put me at a disadvantage/ behind someone who did graphic design as a degree?
I was thinking maybe my degree and masters together could lead me to healthcare graphic design/ the design in science communications but I'm worried that I'd be at a disadvantage having not done degree in it. Could anyone help?

Hi! I'm currently completing a BSc in Biology at the University of Bristol, but I've decided that I have a really big passion for graphic design and I wouldn't want to do a career in biology anymore. I'm planning to do a masters in graphic design, and I'm building a portfolio (I've done bits and pieces over the years as it's always been a hobby). In the summer I am planning on doing a graphic design internship too, but would this all put me at a disadvantage/ behind someone who did graphic design as a degree?
I was thinking maybe my degree and masters together could lead me to healthcare graphic design/ the design in science communications but I'm worried that I'd be at a disadvantage having not done degree in it. Could anyone help?

Hey @Isabisset
That is no problem and great that you have found a passion that you want to pursue.
Looking into a masters in Graphic Design is definitely the right way to go, especially that you are building up your portfolio. That's the exact advice I would give as when looking to hire a graphic designer you want to know that they have a passion, examples of their work and that they have knowledge in the area- which it seems like you do!
If directing your passion towards a healthcare department is what interests you then that is definitely worth while pursuing and you can develop your portfolio to direct you that way. But if you don't want to go into healthcare at all then that is also an option. A lot of people that study one course at university do not end up having a career in that industry at all. It is not held against you as many people see a degree as a sign that you have a level of education, proving dedication to learning and that you have the right mindset that they are looking for. I am interested in Marketing and when talking to professionals in that area, some of them studied something totally different but their passion and portfolio shone through, leading to their employment.
I really hope this helped and please let me know if you have any other questions
-Yasmin (Kingston Rep)

Hi Yasmin! That's really interesting thank you. I actually made the leap a couple of days ago to put in a transfer to the Marketing degree at Bristol. I loved biology but I felt as though marketing might give me more of a boost towards graphic design. Hopefully this is a good move - I would have to defer a year but looking to build up my skills with Adobe creative suite etc! Could you tell me anything about starting in marketing and building up to graphic design?

Hi @Isabisset
That is great news! With graphic design being your source of interest, it was a good decision to swap and to start getting excited about what you can learn!
Within universities, Adobe is normally offered as a free student subscription. However, up until this you will have to subscribe yourself to experiment and grow your skills. The best way to learn with Adobe is to keep at it- using Youtube videos and TikTok's to find other skills is what I find to be most useful. Over Summer when I stop using Adobe as much, I tend to struggle to get back into it so definitely do keep persevering!
My course, being a combination of graphic design and marketing has made it really useful to experiment with briefs (being from an actual client or made up from chat GPT!) to create campaigns with amazing visuals, design features throughout decks and other aspects like posters. I use Pinterest to help find inspiration to keep on growing. I would also find some TikTok accounts that post weekly campaigns that companies are doing so that you can be on trend and to keep learning!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any other questions
-Good luck!, Yasmin (Kingston Rep)

Thank you so much for your reply! Definitely given me more hope!! I've done the student subscription to Adobe creative and have been self learning and enjoying it so much! what/ where did you do your course if you don't mind me asking?

Hi! I'm currently completing a BSc in Biology at the University of Bristol, but I've decided that I have a really big passion for graphic design and I wouldn't want to do a career in biology anymore. I'm planning to do a masters in graphic design, and I'm building a portfolio (I've done bits and pieces over the years as it's always been a hobby). In the summer I am planning on doing a graphic design internship too, but would this all put me at a disadvantage/ behind someone who did graphic design as a degree?
I was thinking maybe my degree and masters together could lead me to healthcare graphic design/ the design in science communications but I'm worried that I'd be at a disadvantage having not done degree in it. Could anyone help?