Sound Career Resources
The Career Center has built this page to provide you with valuable advice and resources relevant to your major. Explore and take advantage of what you find here to maximize your career readiness!
Common Career Paths for Sound Majors
If you are still trying to explore and evaluate your career path, you can check out this selected list of common job titles related to the discipline. Please keep in mind, this is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, you can consider it a starting point to explore options in the field.
Sound Designer - Create and manipulate audio elements (ambience, effects, etc.) to enhance mood and storytelling in visual media such as film, animation, or immersive experience.
Sound Editor - Edit and assemble all sound elements (dialogue, ambience, effects) for post-production of a media project.
Audio Engineer - Set up, record, edit, and mix music or audio sessions in studios or live environments.
Studio Technician - Maintain and operate recording equipment, ensuring smooth studio operations and signal flow in a recording environment.
Live Sound Technician - Set up and operates sound systems for live performances, ensuring clear and balanced audio. Often employed in performance venues or touring artists / production companies.
Game Audio Designer - Create immersive soundscapes, effects, and music that respond to gameplay and enhance the player experience within video games.
Sound Artist - Use sound as the primary medium to create artistic experiences, often blending elements of music, performance, and technology. Create installations, performances, or conceptual pieces may be commissioned by galleries, museums, festivals, and public spaces.
Researcher - Study how sound and technology support human creativity and impact the human experience. This work is often in academic or corporate R&D settings, and may require an advanced degree.
Theatrical Sound Designer - Create the overall sound concept for stage productions, including cues, effects, and reinforcement.
Sound Design Educator - Teach students the principles and practices of sound production, design, and technology in a variety of educational settings.
Places Where Students Have Recently Interned - A Selected List
Sound is a brand new major at RISD, and thus students have yet to complete any internships to date. However, the industries below are examples of areas where students may pursue internship opportunities.
Software
Gaming
XR/VR & Immersive Environments
Film, Television, Radio and Podcasting
Music & Performing Arts
Architecture & Built Environments
Research & Academic Institutions
Internships, Jobs, & Opportunities
Find jobs, internships, and other opportunities related to your major.
Organizations, Directories, & Communities
This is a curated selection of communities and organizations that are relevant to the field.
International Computer Music Association
Grants, Fellowships, and Residencies
Explore this selection of grant, residency, and fellowship opportunities that are relevant to the discipline.
Experimental Media & Performing Arts Center
Student & Alumni Stories
Read these stories of students and alumni expressing their creativity in the professional world.
Studio for Research in Sound and Technology Broadens Academic Scope at RISD
Digital + Media Studios Offer Glimpse of RISD’s Upcoming Sound BFA Program
Sonic Practice on the Cutting Edge
CreativeStudy
This free online video learning platform is presented by creatives who have dedicated their lives to sharing knowledge on financial and business topics. Use your RISD Single Sign On credentials to access it!