Graphic communications is a multifaceted industry, with a wide range of career opportunities. The graphics communications industry is made up of not only printers, but also publishers, packagers, paper makers, ink makers, equipment manufacturers, and in-house design and printing departments within corporations, banks, and even department stores.
The industry employs men and women working as chemists, engineers, computer programmers, writers and editors, designers, marketing specialists, researchers, press operators, technicians, salespeople, managers, photographers, and bindery workers, as well as a variety of other positions.
Joining the graphic communications industry is a wise career choice for high school students, college graduates, and vocationally trained students. The exact size of the graphic communication industry is hard to determine because of the wide variety of companies involved in graphic communications. However, the number of printing and publishing companies probably ranks second to restaurants in total establishments. The industry includes small, medium, and large establishments in both small towns and large metropolitan areas.
Graphic communications is all around us: when we read a newspaper, novel, or cereal box; drink from a beverage can; open a can of soup; or eat from a bag of pretzels. Products of this huge industry include the checks that we write, the greeting cards that we send, the postage stamps that we lick, and the paper money that we spend. We are surrounded by products of graphic communications even when we are asleep in the form of printed sheets, bedspreads, pajamas, and even the printed face of an alarm clock.
The age of convenience and throw away packaging continues to keep the graphic communications industry, producing an ever-increasing number of books, catalogs, corrugated boxes, magazines, labels, food (flexible) packages, directories, financial and legal documents, business forms, brochures, newspapers, and greeting cards.
The rising demand for printed products had resulted in a rise in the number and variety of job opportunities in graphic communications. The ongoing rapid technological advancements made in the graphic communications industry is another reason for the existence of so many opportunities for career and technical education graduates.

What Qualities Should I Have?
First and foremost are a good attitude and willingness to work. These two qualifications are essential for success in the graphics lab. Color perception, good eyesight, and neatness are fundamental qualities necessary for success. Being able to work with solvents and other chemicals is a must.

Possible Careers:

Career Cluster: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics