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 events from the current academic year are below for a limited time.
Create 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, you will come away from this program with a clear strategy and inspiration.
Art of Business Series: 5 Good Legal Habits for Working Artists
In this workshop, arts and entertainment lawyers will discuss five good (legal) habits for working artists: specifically, best practices in (1) treating your creative practice as a business, (2) protecting the creative works you plan to publicize; (3) key elements in a professional contract; (4) how to distinguish employees from independent contractors; and (5) starting to planning your creative legacy.
Art of Business Series: Taxes for Artists & Creative Freelancers
What can I deduct? Do I bring receipts to my accountant? How do I deduct my home studio? Why do freelancers have to pay taxes quarterly, and how do I do that? Hannah will discuss the basic tax equation, self employment tax and the estimated quarterly tax system, audit concerns for the creative person, and other tax issues relevant to artists, designers and makers.
Maharam Fellowship Info Session
Receive $5,000 for your summer internship and be part of RISD's prestigious Maharam Fellowship! Learn everything you need to know to make a strong and compelling application. This award has been opening new avenues for RISD talent in organizations where artists and designers are not typically found or where artists/designers can contribute to the mission of the organization in a meaningful way. Maharam is committed to making the art and design world more fair, diverse, and creative. The Fellowship will support internship work that aspires to advance social progress or safeguard the environment or even combine both of these important issues. At the Info Session, you’ll learn about the Fellowship and hear from past RISD Fellows about their successful experiences.
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. During their grants, Fulbrighters meet, work, live with, and learn from the people of the host country. Through thoughtfully designed project activities, research, and artistic practice, Fulbrighters have meaningful engagement in the community and promote mutual understanding. Enrolled Seniors, Fifth Years, and Graduate Students, and recent alumni up to three years after graduation may apply through RISD. (Students may begin the application process in their Junior year but cannot submit an application until the fall of their Senior year.) Applicants must have a bachelor degree before the start of the grant and must be a U.S. citizen.
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 Bhen Alan ’22 MFA PT to the Philippines and Sydney Abady Foreman ’18 TX to Chile will join us to contribute their insights and share their experiences.
Exploring Artist Residencies
Learn how residencies can support you with time and space for your practice while expanding your resources - including access to equipment, connection to community, and new exhibition opportunities. They can also provide you with a great summer internship! You'll hear how residencies are research and development labs for the arts with over 500 programs in the U.S and more than 1,500 world-wide. Discover resources to help you find programs focused on your social practice, the environment, and the sciences, as these residencies bring together artists, designers, and scholars from all disciplines.
How To Follow Up - Internship Connect 2025
Learn the best methods to follow up with professionals after Internship Connect. We'll cover common strategies for your initial outreach to people you just met, and even those you missed at the career fair. Discover valuable resources like the list of participating professionals, the ArtWorks Employer Directory, and LinkedIn. Hear how to keep in touch with your top prospects as you pursue internships and jobs in the spring. Internship Connect gathers companies interested in RISD talent. Now is the perfect time to build up your professional network in preparation for the busy spring recruitment season. Note: First Year Undergraduate Students are not eligible to attend Internship Connect, but are welcome to attend this program.
Art of Business Series: Carving Out an Authentic Creative Business
Muralist, illustrator, brand designer, and organizer Amanda 陳 Beard Garcia will share her journey of unexpected avenues towards running a creative business. From graduation, to day jobs, to freelancing, finding community, successes, challenges, and everything in between, Amanda will speak on the joy of venturing into a unique, rewarding, and ever-shifting career.
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.