Planning for your career
Getting started thinking about your future career while you are still in college can help you make the most of opportunities available for you at Calvin.
The role of your advisor
Your advisor has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of art and art history. He or she will be your best resource as you plan your future career, connecting you with the right program, art-related opportunities and professional contacts.
Contact a professor »
Expand your knowledge and experience
The art and art history department at Calvin provides opportunities for you to gain real experience.
- Take part in various art exhibition opportunities or projects.
- Find off-campus internships during the year, or in the summer.
- Participate in art and art history academic programs off-campus.
- Get a part-time job working in the department of art history, doing everything from assisting with exhibitions, working in the studios, photo lab and woodshop.
Consider graduate study
Going to graduate school is a great way to deepen your knowledge of a specific area within or related to art and art history. Consult your advisor for more information.
Get to know the right people
Even while you're an undergraduate student, expanding your network of contacts within your target career field will help you make your way after graduation. A few ideas on how to build a professional network:
- Get to know your professors. With their years of experience, they know many people in their fields that may be able to help establish your career.
- Attend exhibitions, lectures and participate in art exhibitions.
- Become involved in student organizations to start developing relationships with your future colleagues.
- Do an off-campus internship with a local organization like the Grand Rapids Art Museum, UICA or Meijer Gardens and keep in contact with those you work with there.
- Work with a professor on a collaborative project.
