Career Competencies Expected of the Graphic Design Graduates in Ghana to Meet the Needs of the Design Industry by Managers

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Career Competencies Expected of the Graphic Design Graduates in Ghana to Meet the Needs of the Design Industry by Managers
Language: English
Authors: Justice Koranteng (ORCID 0000-0003-1910-6596), Moro Ismaila (ORCID 0000-0002-7643-1152), Anita Akwaa Toffah (ORCID 0000-0003-1298-293X), Eugene Okyere-Kwakye (ORCID 0000-0003-0143-3222)
Source: Discover Education. 2025 4.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Graphic Arts, Design, College Graduates, Job Skills, Education Work Relationship, Corporations, Industry, Career Readiness
Geographic Terms: Ghana
DOI: 10.1007/s44217-024-00375-5
ISSN: 2731-5525
Abstract: Purpose: This study examines the gap between what design graduates are taught in university and the competencies required by the design industry. Methodology: The research used a qualitative exploration approach and interviewed 25 design alumnae who had finished their certification and were employed in 10 graphic design firms in Accra and Kumasi. Findings: The results revealed that the industry expected graduates to possess sustainable, professional, and personal skills to fulfil the industry's needs. The findings showed that most design firms did not provide structured education programs to prepare graphic designers for the qualities, deficiencies, possibilities, and challenges in the profession instead, hands-on training was used. Implications: The study recommended that design education focus on preparing students for multi-skilled and applied design understanding in areas such as industry understanding, the changing nature of work, time management, critical thinking, innovation, teamwork, and expressive ability. Originality/value: The study suggests that the industry needs to provide more formal training to bridge the disparity between what design graduates are trained in and what the business requires.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1475241
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Purpose: This study examines the gap between what design graduates are taught in university and the competencies required by the design industry. Methodology: The research used a qualitative exploration approach and interviewed 25 design alumnae who had finished their certification and were employed in 10 graphic design firms in Accra and Kumasi. Findings: The results revealed that the industry expected graduates to possess sustainable, professional, and personal skills to fulfil the industry's needs. The findings showed that most design firms did not provide structured education programs to prepare graphic designers for the qualities, deficiencies, possibilities, and challenges in the profession instead, hands-on training was used. Implications: The study recommended that design education focus on preparing students for multi-skilled and applied design understanding in areas such as industry understanding, the changing nature of work, time management, critical thinking, innovation, teamwork, and expressive ability. Originality/value: The study suggests that the industry needs to provide more formal training to bridge the disparity between what design graduates are trained in and what the business requires.
ISSN:2731-5525
DOI:10.1007/s44217-024-00375-5