We offer over 30 annual events in both in-person and remote formats. Students are encouraged to check their RISD email for weekly announcements in order to get the most out of these amazing career programs and workshops! The most recent archive recordings of past events are available below for a limited time.
Creating Your Portfolio & Demo Reel
Portfolios and demo reels are influential in gaining an internship, job, exhibition or freelance work. Learn the ideal methods to curate and present your work to make a bold first impression and to stand out against the competition. Have you ever wondered what employers, potential clients or fine art organizations want to see? We'll share insights from renowned creatives and recruiters who are seeking RISD talent. Whether you're just starting out or looking for fresh ideas to display your work online or in-person, you will come away from this program with a clear strategy and inspiration.
Exhibition Opportunities - How to Work with Galleries & Institutions
There can be a lot of mystery in how to approach and work with galleries and institutions, especially as you pursue exhibition opportunities. Join us to gain firsthand perspectives on finding and developing opportunities that will build your arts career. You'll hear directly from gallery and museum representatives along with RISD artists, who will offer specific tips and best practices to help improve your approach. There will also be time for you to ask questions of our guest arts professionals.
Networking & Building Professional Relationships
Networking is a vital part of a successful creative career, but often artists and designers are uncertain how to start building professional connections. The good news is that networking doesn't have to be scary, intimidating, or inauthentic. Networking is really just about building relationships over time to create a shared community of fellow creatives who support each other. In this session, we'll answer questions like: Why do you need a network? What are the best resources to help you connect with people? What do you say to professionals? We'll explore key tools like LinkedIn, RISD alumni & affinity groups, professional associations, and more! By the end of this session, you will feel more confident in your ability to network in a meaningful and authentic way.
Prepare for the Design Portfolio Review 2024
Get ready for Design Portfolio Review Remote which will host an estimated 2,500 remote portfolio reviews taking place on March 13th from 12-5pm ET. Be prepared for the upcoming application process, for the review meetings, and for future networking and engagement with employers. Learn tips on curating your portfolio, how to introduce yourself, what to say and how to present your work. Acquire essential skills to research companies of interest, plan who you want to meet with, and strategize how to follow up.
Important: Design Portfolio Review is for Juniors, Seniors & Grad Students / All students may watch and learn from this program.
Fulbright Info Session w/ Fulbrighter Q&A
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed Study/Research projects for 9-12 months in over 140 countries. This remarkable opportunity is open to all disciplines and all kinds of creative projects. Through thoughtfully designed project activities, research, and artistic practice, Fulbrighters have meaningful engagement in the community and promote mutual understanding. This Information Session will provide you with an overview of the program and the application process, along with motivation to develop your ideas and jump in! We are thrilled that RISD Fulbrighters Gabriel Bielawski '17 BFA FAV to Poland and Irina Wang '20 MID to Finland will join us to contribute their insights and share their experiences.
Jobs & Internships: Find / Target / Apply
Discover the steps you need to take to get the job or internship you want. Determine who you want to work for, where you want to be, and how to make this happen. Brush up on how to effectively use RISD’s job and internship database, Artworks, and have your questions answered about the internship process - paperwork, credits and what to expect from the experience. Go beyond internship and job listings to craft your own opportunity using directories, associations and social networking. Now is the best time to be active in this process!
We educate and advise all students and alumni on how to effectively translate their education and creativity into fulfilling professional experiences. We do this with deep respect for individual differences and for each person’s unique aspirations and goals.