The Career Design Studio
At Montserrat College of Art, we believe your artistic passion should translate into a successful and sustainable career. Our innovative Career Design Studio is dedicated to empowering every student and alumnus to navigate the art world, build professional pathways, and thrive as creative entrepreneurs. We apply the same design thinking you learn in the studio to help you design your future, ensuring you’re not just an artist, but a professional ready for the industry.
Comprehensive Career Development for Art Students
From your first year to post-graduation, the Career Design Studio provides personalized support and resources essential for a dynamic career in the arts. Our services are tailored to the unique needs of artists, designers, and creative professionals, helping you:
- Define Your Career Path: Engage in individualized career coaching and brainstorming sessions to explore diverse opportunities within the creative industries.
- Develop Professional Portfolios: Receive expert guidance on creating compelling portfolios and presentation materials that effectively showcase your skills to employers and clients.
- Gain Real-World Experience: Secure invaluable internships through our required internship program, connecting you with leading companies, galleries, and organizations in the creative field.
- Build Your Network: Participate in one-on-one mentorships with established creative professionals who offer insights and connections.
- Master Business Skills for Artists: Learn the entrepreneurial skills needed to launch freelance careers, start your own creative business, or manage your art practice effectively.
The Career Design Studio offers a robust suite of tools and programs designed to kickstart your professional journey:
- Individual Career Coaching: Get personalized, one-on-one guidance from our dedicated Career Design Studio staff, covering everything from resume building to job search strategies.
- Montserrat Works: Your exclusive online job and career resource board, featuring industry-related opportunities specifically curated for Montserrat students and alumni. This is your go-to for finding internships, freelance gigs, and full-time positions.
- Online Career Resource Library: Expand your job search, view sample resumes and cover letters, and view lists of grants and residency opportunities on our comprehensive Online Career Resource Library.
- Professional Practice Grants: Apply for funding three times a year to support your creative ventures. These grants can help launch student businesses, cover travel/housing for internships, fund attendance at conferences or workshops, or support artist residencies.
- The Career Closet: Access professional attire free of charge, ensuring you’re ready to make a great impression at interviews, networking events, or professional presentations.
- Workshops & Panels: Attend a variety of specialized workshops on topics like intellectual property for artists, grant writing, online presence, and financial literacy. Engage with inspiring alumni panels and artist talks, providing real-world perspectives on creative careers.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with alumni, industry leaders, and potential employers through exclusive Montserrat events.
Our commitment to your success extends beyond your time at Montserrat. Alumni continue to benefit from the Career Design Studio’s resources, including career coaching, access to Montserrat Works, and networking events, fostering a lifelong community of support for your creative endeavors.
Intern in Major U.S. Cities & Abroad
Montserrat is proud to partner with ArtBound Initiative to help students break into their creative field through international and stateside internships in major cities, such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, London, Berlin, Melbourne, and Sydney.
More than just an internship program, ABI seeks to:
- Connect students and recent graduates with creative companies
- Coordinate all logistics (visa, housing, insurance, and more)
- Provide access to an international network of alumni
ArtBound’s goal is to help participants experience the city from an insider’s perspective. They provide participants with city guides, organized events based on their interests (artist studio visits, curated gallery tours, theater shows) to help them make the most of their internship experience.
Start Designing Your Future Today!
Ready to turn your artistic talent into a thriving profession? The Career Design Studio is here to help you every step of the way.
“It’s wonderful to know that Montserrat continues to support its former students, and I feel fortunate to have attended such a dedicated school.”
Student Employment
Montserrat’s robust Work Program gives current students hands-on experience working in the creative economy before they graduate.
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