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Career Resources

MIAD Career Services offers students a variety of resources to supplement their education and help them achieve their professional goals. Information is available to students from their first year through their senior year and as a MIAD graduate.

Career & Professional Development Resources and Assistance

Career services staff offer resources and advice to students as they learn of and research career options and pursue their professions of choice. Common topics of discussion include:

  • Assessing interests and skills
  • Exploring visual design and art professions
  • Developing resumes/profiles, cover/application letters, and other job search correspondence
  • Preparing for and practicing for interviews
  • Researching prospective employers
  • Networking with professionals, including alumni
  • Becoming involved with professional associations and organizations
  • Using job listing resources
  • Learning about salaries and benefits
  • Preparing for self-employment and freelancing
  • Locating opportunities for exhibiting and selling artwork
  • Researching and applying to graduate schools, artist residencies, and other post-graduate education and training opportunities
  • Pursuing grants and funding

Career Web and Library Resources

Career and job search resources are primarily available through the MIAD Handshake website and the MIAD Library.

Handshake is a web-based system with curated opportunities for visual art/design students and graduates. The opportunities include professional jobs (full-time, part-time, temporary/seasonal); professional experience opportunities such as internships, co-ops, and fellowships; freelance and commission projects; exhibiting opportunities. The Handshake site also contains a searchable directory of businesses/organizations who are prospective employers/clients. Student/graduate profiles that are viewed by employers can be set up on the Handshake system. The site also contains a resources section with additional career/professional information for seeking professional opportunities and locating employer prospects. Handshake can be accessed through the MIAD OneLogin web page.

The MIAD Library has a “Career Section” with a variety of career and professional development books. They contain detailed information about specific art/design careers and how to prepare oneself for specific professions. In addition, the library subscribes to many profession-specific magazines.

Students are strongly encouraged to regularly use the above resources to learn about the variety of career opportunities available to designers and artists and to develop a strategy on how to become engaged with their profession and pursue opportunities. Any questions relating to careers and professional development opportunities may be directed to the Career Services Staff.

News

Independence First and MIAD students produce adaptive clothing

Students in a junior-level Fashion and Apparel Design class at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) collaborated with Independence First to design adaptive clothing. Two Independence First employees worked closely with MIAD students on customized outfits specific to their needs and preferences.

‘GQ Rebranded’ series is a hit for MIAD alum’s new studio

When Justin Thomas Kay ’04 (Communication Design) opened his own studio, JTK Studio, Inc., in New York City early this year, he hoped that his work “would contribute positively to helping to make things look nicer and more enjoyable and speak honestly to people broadly.” The new GQ Sports series “GQ Rebranded” turned out to be a good fit to do just that.

MIAD student support system receives national SMILE Award

Choose Mental Health, the national voice for children’s mental health, named the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) the 2024 SMILE Award–Organization Winner for the college’s commitment to promoting mental health and well-being among its students.

Senior’s passion for Illustration and Natural Sciences thrives at MIAD

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Lilly Zbiegien’s two passions – Illustration and Natural Sciences – flourished at an early age and have continued through college. Recently Zbiegien presented her Natural Science Independent Study research, “Junkyard Nests,” showing not only the impact of plastic pollution on birds, but also her skill in portraying the environment through Illustration.

Reducing food insecurity at MIAD’s People’s Pantry

Students, staff and faculty at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) are addressing short-term food insecurity on campus with direct action. One of the college’s newest resources, the People’s Pantry, provides free food for anyone in the MIAD community who needs a meal, no questions asked.