How do folks with Photography degrees begin their career after graduation? How do you break into commercial photography?

You should have made contacts and worked in the field while in school. Find an internship - fast - and work your you know what off. Prepare to eat ramen for the next few years while putting together a killer portfolio.

If you are graduating with a degree in photography, I would have thought the school you're attending would have answered this question during your studies. What areas of photography are you interested in? Basically, if you shoot for money, you are a commercial photographer. Although, most tend to think of a commercial photographer as shooting advertising work. Is your portfolio aimed at advertising? Is it fine art, sports, photojournalism, weddings, portraits? What is it you want to shoot? Who would use your skills? I will tell you, to be successful, you will be a photographer 20% of the time and and a marketing guy 80% of the time.