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.

Spring Career Programs

student using AI hardware technology

Trek Los Angeles 2023 Info Session

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023 AT 7:00 PM ET - 20 WASHINGTON PLACE 

RISD Trek Los Angeles is designed to provide students with an opportunity to see firsthand the creative culture and professional markets available in Los Angeles, California. Join us for this Info Session to learn more about the trip and how to apply to attend. Participants in RISD Trek Los Angeles will explore the game design, film, and animation world. Students will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a new graduate and creative professional in these respective areas and discover ways to develop a network of industry connections and mentors through: on-site company visits, product demonstrations, panels with alumni, and alumni networking opportunities.

digital illustration with title of event

Jobs & Internships / Find, Target, Apply

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 AT 7:00 PM ET - 20 WASHINGTON PLACE  

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!

Image Credit: Mar Figueroa 15 IL

VIEW RECORDING

view of a field from inside a wooden structure

Fulbright Info Session

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2023 AT 7:00 PM ET - LIVE WEBINAR

Interested in a cross-cultural exchange experience in which you can promote mutual understanding between people of the U.S. and people of other countries? 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.

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 Jessy Lu ’16 BFA Textiles to Taiwan and Mandy Lee ’22 MFA Glass to the Czech Republic will join us to contribute their insights and share their experiences.

Image Credit: Mandy Lee, 22 MFA Glass & Fulbright Czech Republic 2022-2023. Photo by Mandy; Sculptor Jan Ambrůz

VIEW RECORDING

RISD ISSA logo

Visa Options: Working in the U.S. After Optional Practical Training

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023 AT 6:00 PM ET - LIVE WEBINAR

Gain information and guidance on which visas might be available to F-1 visa holders after OPT! Immigration attorney, Eileen Morrison, will present visa eligibility details for visas such as the H-1B, O1, EB2, TN and more. Join us for this informative session and bring any questions that you have related to what you hope to do after graduation. ISSA will hold separate sessions specifically on OPT and the application process. This session is open to all US visa holders.

prep for the design portfolio review remote

Prep for the Design Portfolio Review Remote

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 AT 7:00 PM ET - 20 WASHINGTON PLACE

Get ready for the Design Portfolio Review Remote event which will host an estimated 2,500 remote portfolio reviews taking place over two evenings - March 14th & 15th. Be prepared for the upcoming sign-up process, individual reviews, and future interviews. Learn what should be in your portfolio, how to introduce yourself, what to say about your work, how it should be shown and more. Acquire essential skills to research companies of interest, plan who you want to meet with, and how to follow up.

The Design Portfolio Review is for juniors, seniors, and graduate students only, but all students may attend this prep session.

VIEW RECORDING

RISD ISSA logo

Guidelines for Self-Employment & Freelancing in the U.S. for International Students

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023 6:00 PM ET - LIVE WEBINAR

If you are interested in learning more about freelance work or self-employment in the United States, please join us for this session with Immigration Attorney, Eileen Morrison. The session will focus on the legal guidelines around freelance and self-employment, specifically during the Post-Graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. REMINDER: You MUST have the appropriate work authorization through International Student & Scholar Affairs (ISSA) and/or US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) to legally work in the United States if you are a non-resident visa holder.

STUDENT RSVP

abstract chair furniture piece and logo for the event

Interviewing / In The Hot Seat

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023 AT 7:00 PM ET - LIVE WEBINAR

Do you ever wonder what exactly happens during an interview? This is your chance to see how it’s done so you can ace your next interview for an internship, job, or career opportunity. Learn how to answer those all important interview questions by watching mock interviews between RISD students and professionals. Find out what to ask and what to say about your portfolio and experiences. Keep in mind that a resume may get you the interview, but the interview gets you the job!

Image Credit: Shaina Tabak '18 FD and Talia Connelly '18 TX

STUDENT RSVP

Gallery scene with title of event in overlaid type

Exhibition Opportunities - How to Work With Galleries & Institutions

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 AT 7:00 PM ET - LIVE WEBINAR

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.

STUDENT RSVP

prep for the fine arts portfolio review

Prep for Fine Arts Portfolio Review

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2023 AT 7:00 PM ET - 20 WASHINGTON PLACE

Be prepared to show your artwork and connect with arts professionals at the Fine Arts Portfolio Review Remote event on April 24th & 25th. This is an unparalleled opportunity to build your fine arts network as you consider future exhibitions, residencies, grants, resources and more. You'll have access to gallery owners, curators, museum professionals, residencies and arts organizations and you'll want to make the most of this opportunity! Learn what should be in your portfolio, how many pieces/projects, what to say about your work, how it should be shown and what to leave behind. Hear about the essential skills of researching the organizations, introducing yourself, and following up after the event.

The Fine Arts Portfolio Review is for juniors, seniors, and graduate students only, but all students may attend this prep session.

STUDENT RSVP