Students and alumni can attend a wide range of presentations, workshops, and recruiting events to enhance their career development.

We offer over 30 career programs every academic year. These programs help build skills and knowledge to prepare students and alumni for the professional world. Topics include resume building, portfolio development, interview strategies, networking, freelancing, and much more! Additionally, we also put on multiple recruiting events each year that connect students with employers and professionals. Explore the calendar below to learn more about upcoming events, and students can also check their RISD email for weekly updates from us about career programs.

Wintersession Career Programs

resume crit

RESUME CRITIQUE WORKSHOP

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 / 20 Washington Place Auditorium / 7:00 PM ET

Now is the time to work on your resume and prepare for upcoming internship and job opportunities. We'll first cover the most important elements to wow that prospective employer, organization or client. Then, we'll break into smaller groups so you can get immediate feedback on your resume while learning from your peers about the resumes they've been using for opportunities. You'll also gain design savvy advice on your resume layout and content. Even if you have a resume that's worked before, fine-tune it now so it's even more effective.

Be sure to bring multiple printed copies of your resume for review. You can have your laptop with you too, but printouts can be easier to review.

grants and residencies

GRANTS & RESIDENCIES INFO SESSION

Thursday, January 15, 2026 / 20 Washington Place Lobby / 7:00 PM  ET

Learn about steps and considerations for pursuing grants and residency opportunities, from the initial search to developing a compelling application. Resources will be provided to help you begin your exploration and tips will be shared on essential application components including narrative, portfolios, budgets, timelines, and recommendation letters. You will gain valuable insights that will motivate you to apply. Come for the information; stay to chat, ask questions, and learn from others’ questions.

creating your portfolio

CREATE YOUR PORTFOLIO & DEMO REEL

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 / 20 Washington Place Auditorium / 7:00 PM ET

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.

WATCH RECORDING

Legal Habits

ART OF BUSINESS SERIES: 5 GOOD (LEGAL) HABITS FOR WORKING ARTISTS

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 / Live Virtual Event / 7:00 PM ET

In this workshop, arts and entertainment lawyer Luke Blackadar 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.

WATCH RECORDING

networking

NETWORKING & BUILDING PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 / 20 Washington Place Auditorium / 7:00 PM ET

Attend this workshop and feel more confident in your ability to network in a meaningful and authentic way! In this interactive session, you will have the chance to practice your networking skills by speaking with professionals across the world of art and design. We'll first cover the basics around building professional relationships and key networking strategies. Then, we will break into small groups where you will have the chance to ask questions and network with representatives from companies, arts organizations, and creative studios. In addition to great networking conversations, you'll also get to enjoy some snacks and light refreshments. You'll leave feeling more certain about how to network!

PROFESSIONALS ATTENDING: Becky Fong 05 GD - Honorcraft | Abby Murphy 13 GD - Fidelity Investments | Samantha Weiser 15 IL - Hasbro | Islay Taylor ' 07 MFA J+M and Rue Sakayama 06 FAV- DesignxRI | Adam Chuong 19 MID - The Steelyard | Larry Trim 89 BArch, Nicole Green, and Katrina Merolle-Hay - Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.

STUDENT RSVP

taxes for artists

ART OF BUSINESS SERIES: TAXES FOR ARTISTS & CREATIVE FREELANCERS

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 / Live Virtual Event / 7:00 PM ET

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.

STUDENT RSVP