This guide aims to help students make informed decisions about careers in graphic design. The guide defines the purpose and practice of the graphic design field and identifies the strong link between effective educational programs and effective professional practices. Suggestions are given for evaluating schools and potential employers. Comments from educators and practitioners provide insight into schools' expectations of prospective students and employees. Noteworthy projects are presented to give a sense of the depth and breadth of the field. The guide is organized as follows: (1) "What is Graphic Design?"; (2) "What Graphic Designers Need to Know"; (3) "Who Becomes a Graphic Designer?"; (4) "What Goes on in Design School?" (Jorge Frascara); (5) "How do Graphic Design Programs Differ?"; (6) "How to Select a Design School" (Robert O. Swinehart); (7) "How Do You Find Your First Job?"; (8) "Graphic Designers at Work"; and (9) "What is the Future of Graphic Design?" Appendices include a list of American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Chapters and Design Organization, A Directory of Design Publications, and Four-year Educational Institutions Offering Graphic Arts Programs. (MM)