Even as students enjoy Winter Break, they can keep focused and continue to prepare for their future creative careers.
Having success in their classes is the best way for students to develop their creative skills, but career research, job search preparation and professional-related engagement outside of classes is helpful as they navigate the future.
Below are tips for first-year students and sophomores as they prepare for the spring semester. These topics will be discussed with students in classes and with their advisors. Please encourage your student to be an active participant in these conversations and accomplish these suggestions.
First-Year Students
- Research types of creative careers. The Career Services Office has career information available in the library, on the Moodle website and through scheduled individual student meetings.
- Attend the presentations and discussion sessions of the professional artists and designers who visit MIAD. These are announced through email, the River Rat student e-newsletter and posters.
Sophomore Students
- Research the professions of MIAD alumni. Ask faculty, advisors and career services staff about MIAD alumni, or research them through LinkedIn and the Alumni Professional Directory. Many MIAD alumni are willing to respond to student questions.
- Learn about specific types of businesses and organizations that hire or work with creative professionals. Review examples of professional opportunities (such as internships, volunteer work, etc.) that are available to designers and artists. The Career Services Office can provide resources to assist with this such as MIAD’s CanvassCareers website. These businesses and organizations could be prospects for students during their junior and senior years for professional experiences.
- Become active in professional associations through student membership and/or attending events and activities. Faculty and career services staff as well as juniors and seniors have info about these professional associations.
Faculty, advisors and career services staff are available to help students with career and professional research and activities. MIAD alumni report great satisfaction with their careers and their professional work.
For more details about the above as well as additional suggestions, you are welcome to review the “Professional Preparation Plan” that all students have for their use.