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Students - Be Prepared! Networking Reception

Wednesday, March 15, 6:00 pm
Rhode Island Convention Center, 5th floor, Rotunda
Open to All current RISD full-time degree program students
 
RSVP in ArtWorks by TBD

 

The Networking Reception offers companies and students an opportunity to introduce themselves to each other, talk informally about their latest work and projects and share information about their professional interests and focus. Students attending are encouraged to ask about ways to follow-up for future internships and jobs and to bring copies of their resume, business card and/or portfolio samples to leave with those they meet with. Food and beverages will be served!

 

IMPORTANT: If you have class at the time of the event/s you’d like to attend, you must speak with your faculty member and request time away from class to participate. Speak with your faculty in advance to avoid any difficulty and an unexcused absence from class.

 

 

What to Bring

 

  • RISD ID – required

  • Copies of your resume (strongly encouraged)

  • Business cards or promotional cards (optional)

  • Portfolio sample (optional)
     

IMPORTANT: Portfolio reviews are not possible at this event. Please do not bring a complete portfolio with you.

 

 

Dress for Success

It is better to err on the side of formality than informality for this event. Professionalism in personal appearance is a strong complement to the quality of your work.

 

 

Prepare to Attend!

Be prepared to meet and talk with as many representatives as you’d like and get the details from them about their company and upcoming opportunities they have. Be ready to introduce yourself and ask them a range of questions. Use these helpful tips to guide you:

 

  • Know Yourself: What do you want to do? What are your goals? What do you enjoy? What are your passions? What skills do you have? Write it down. Talk it out. Practice your pitch. Nobody knows you better than you. Be confident.
     

  • The Introduction: Tell them your name, year in school and major. Talk about what you know about them and what interests you about their work. Share information about your current studio projects and/or past internship experiences, what you have learned and how you’d like to apply your creativity in the professional world.
     

  • Types of Questions to Ask:

    • Can you tell me about your role in the organization?

    • What are you looking for in a potential intern or entry-level designer?

    • Have you hired RISD interns/designers in the past?

    • How do interns/designers contribute to the work of the company?

    • I have a resume and portfolio sample, would you like to see them?

    • May I have your business card and email address to follow-up?
       

  • Prioritize the companies and organizations you want to meet with. Look at their websites. Follow them on social media. Learn about them on LinkedIn.
     

Additional tips and advice on networking will help you make the most of this event.

 

 

What to Expect at the Event:

 

  • Arrive any time after 5:45 pm to check-in; show your RISD student ID, and get last minute updates on companies attending.
     

  • Career Center Staff will be on hand throughout the event to assist you and answer questions.
     

  • The Networking Reception is a friendly social gathering with the focus on information sharing and making connections between students and companies attending.

 

  • Food and beverages will be served!

 

  • Some companies will have multiple representatives and will talk with small groups of students together, in other cases one representative will meet with one or several students at a time.
     

  • Company representatives will be identified with a name tag so you can easily find them in the room.

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