What You Need Before You Graduate!

Work: Besides art-related jobs, we also list full- and part-time jobs just to earn money. We label these jobs "non-art jobs" on the second page of our College Central website: http://www.collegecentral.com/massart

When you apply for internships at the end of your sophomore year, pocket money jobs show you are employable and can function in the workplace. Remember, employers for your pocket money jobs can act as a reference later on.

Do an Internship: We advertise internships for students studying fine arts and design. Starting in the summer before your junior year, you are encouraged to do 1-2 internships before you graduate. Paid and unpaid internships allow you to gain valuable, practical work experience while earning credit towards your degree. Internships are especially helpful if you are unsure of your career and employment interests. Please know that it is much easier for you to work in an internship while you are in school. Pursuing an internship after graduation is difficult and opportunities are limited.

Learn How to Fund Your Art: Fine artists should be aware of funding sources as they develop their work. Career Services offers current listings of grants and residencies on our website. Please come to Career Services to register for your password and ID to access those listings (and art-related jobs too!). Professional assistance is available for editing rough proposals and for creating artist's statements and other documents needed for applications.

Freelance work: Freelancing is another valuable means of funding your art. Freelance jobs are forwarded to Career Services on a daily basis. Freelance work helps you develop a client base, create marketable art and earn money. All artists and designers should ask for the information and resources available to create written agreements, protect copyrights and advise clients about costs. You can also reserve a room in Career Services for your initial meeting with a new client.

Computer Literacy: No matter what job you pursue, it is expected that you will be computer literate. The design professions in particular require that graduates know specific programs such as Quark, PhotoShop, Indesign, and Illustrator. CAD (Computer Aided Design) is expected of Architecture and Industrial Designers. Word processing, database management and surfing the Internet are computer skills that every student should learn.