Who Should Attend

Designers, creative directors, principals, human resource professionals, and talent acquisition staff/recruiters are welcome to attend.

 

We encourage companies to have 1-3 staff in attendance to meet with as many students as possible and to offer multiple points of view on the student’s portfolio and their questions about your hiring process.

 

If you have RISD alumni that work with you, we hope they will attend! Alumni can be excellent advocates for your company and can offer unique insights to students on how they can translate RISD studio work into a strong portfolio in application for your opportunities.

 

Dress is business casual.

 

 

What to Bring

 

Suggested Employer Checklist:

 

• Business cards to leave with students if you’d like to share your contact information for follow-up.
   

• A fully charged laptop, iPad or tablet to show your company web site and/ work and projects. There are limited electrical outlets at the Convention Center and it may not be possible to easily charge your device.
   

• Collateral materials: brochures, post cards, etc. to offer to students.
   

• Lightweight posters that can be hung on the pipe and drape behind your table space.
   

• Tape, safety pins, or clips for hanging items behind your table.
   

• Pull-up banner that can be placed behind your table. Aisles must be kept clear so any banners will need to be placed behind your table.

 

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What to Expect at the Design Portfolio Review – 12 noon - 5:00 pm

The Design Portfolio Review begins with the first portfolio reviews at 12:00 noon. You may arrive any time after 10:00 am. Coffee, tea, snacks and lunch will be provided throughout the day.

 

When you arrive please stop at the Employer check-in table. We will direct you to your space in the ballroom and provide any last minute updates and instructions.

 

A printed schedule of your student portfolio review appointments will be at your table. This schedule will also be sent to you in advance for your reference. We are unable to provide printed copies of student resumes, but these will also be emailed to you in advance.

 

Portfolio reviews will begin promptly at 12 noon and conclude by 5:00 pm. Each review will last for 15 minutes.

 

There are two scheduled 15-minute breaks at 1:30 pm and 3:15 pm for your convenience.

 

Only students with portfolio reviews are permitted to be in the ballroom.

 

 

Student Waiting Area

If you have students who miss a scheduled appointment and/or have an opening in your schedule, we encourage you to take advantage of arranging on-the-spot portfolio reviews with students you can select from the designated student waiting area throughout the day.

 

 

Networking Reception for Employers – 5:00 - 7:00 pm

We hope you’ll be able to stay for a bite to eat and drink as our thanks for your time and commitment to meeting with students. . You’ll have the chance to meet and network with other reviewers, academic department heads, faculty and senior RISD leadership.