Competencias profesionales del diseñador del siglo XXI

The connection between the professional skills demanded by productive sectors and the graduate profile of Graphic Design academic programmes is vital for ensuring successful job placements for graduates. In a landscape marked by rapid technological advancements and the ongoing evolution of visual communication, this discipline must continually and proactively update its curricula. Recent studies have highlighted a significant gap between university education and the needs of the labour market. Consequently, there is an increasing emphasis on the need to integrate essential skills such as project management, critical thinking, collaboration, and engagement with the creative industry, among others. This study aims to identify the professional skills necessary for Graphic Design graduates from a Mexican university to effectively transition into the workforce. To achieve this, we will utilize a qualitative approach through a non-experimental, crosssectional, and descriptive design. Non-probability convenience sampling will be employed, in conjunction with a thorough analysis of scientific literature and professional experiences. The results will be presented graphically, facilitating an assessment of the findings' impact on the curriculum and the professional development of graduates. Based on these insights, strategic recommendations will be formulated to enhance the alignment between higher education and labour market requirements, thereby better preparing graphic designers for contemporary challenges.