Professional Development

Professional-development tools

The Professional Engagement and External Partnerships Office's online library covers portfolio development, career-search strategies, major-specific content, pitching, network building, entrepreneurship, and more. Further, the International Student Services team supports student success for our international students and DACA recipients.

Events and workshops

Our team hosts career-readiness and networking events for students and alumni throughout the year, such as professional workshops, trainings, panels, and networking events. Industry partners come to campus regularly, such as our neighbor Adobe, with whom we have programmed panel talks and one-on-one professional portfolio reviews. Open to all students, these cross-disciplinary events support transferrable skill-building and career readiness across industries.

You can easily schedule appointments with our Professional Development Coaches through the Handshake platform. Alumni mentors provide individualized feedback, career inspiration, and professional advice during these one-on-one sessions. You'll get support on career planning and professional growth to help you find your own creative pathways. Beyond coaching, these professionals serve as mentors who can help you build meaningful connections in your creative field, introduce you to industry networks, and provide insider perspectives on career pathways that will support your success long after graduation.

Support for CCA alumni

We want to see you succeed—during your time at CCA and long after. That’s why our team offers unlimited career coaching to alumni for up to five years following graduation. After that time period, alumni can still access up to eight sessions per year and are able to sign up for appointments with the Professional Development Coaches. Email us and include your program name and year of graduation to schedule a coaching session today.

Additional support for alumni includes access to events, workshops, and CCA’s job board Handshake.

The CCA job platform

The Handshake job platform is a resource for CCA students and alumni to boost their careers, seek professional opportunities, and learn more about what employers are after. Like a digital resume, your Handshake profile is an opportunity to represent your professional and creative identity, such as your latest work experience, coursework, skills, and projects, which you can then easily share with employers, mentors, or peers.

For students and alumni

Handshake is your gateway to career success at CCA. Creating your profile opens doors to exclusive job and internship opportunities from employers specifically seeking CCA talent. You'll be able to schedule appointments with Professional Coaching and Development Advisors, receive invitations to industry events and career fairs tailored to your interests, and get personalized job recommendations based on your skills and goals. The platform also provides valuable tools to explore diverse career paths and connect directly with employers looking for creative talent like yours.

For employers

Partner with CCA talent by joining our Handshake network, which includes over 12,000 employers. Creating a company profile gives you direct access to CCA's diverse pool of creative talent across art, design, architecture, and humanities disciplines. You'll be able to post positions, participate in our targeted recruitment events and division-specific job fairs, and gain brand visibility within one of the nation's top art and design schools. Handshake provides a streamlined recruitment process to connect you with the innovative, creative professionals your organization needs.

Expand your recruitment efforts

On-campus portfolio reviews

Arrange for on-campus reviews to streamline your hiring process with CCA students.

Industry/organization design and tech talks

Participate in speakerships to showcase your industry expertise for the CCA community.

Career treks

Host a tour, lunch, workshop, or training at your business location to acquaint yourself and your organization with CCA students.

Host a paid internship

Identify your hiring timeline, position requirements, and resources, and our Professional Engagement & External Partnerships team can help you design an internship opportunity.

Other ways to engage

Ask us about sponsored projects or sponsored studios to build strong brand recognition at CCA, support innovation, foster community, and reinvigorate your organization with new energy and ideas.

Our team is standing by

We have staff dedicated to supporting students in specific programs, alumni, and even employers. We’re here to answer your questions to help grow your career. Email us at [email protected].