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PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS

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CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS

Whether you know exactly where you’re going or you’re just looking to take the first step, finding the right pathway to becoming a creative professional is vitally important.

Choose a creative path you can imagine yourself on, and watch your future come into view — by taking your first steps at NCAD.

NCAD cannot promise or guarantee anyone a job after graduation, but does promise to support our students and alumni in their search for employment.

Professional titles and potential employment options

NCAD cannot promise or guarantee anyone a job after graduation, but does promise to support our students and alumni in their search for employment. The following list illustrates some of the many potential employment options for NCAD graduates. The list is not meant to be exhaustive, but to be indicative of the diversity and quantity of opportunities that creative professionals may choose to pursue. NCAD provides entry-level career training in the area of Visual Communication, and many of the jobs listed below may require additional training and/or experience.

  • 3D Animator
  • 3D Modeler
  • 3D Texturer
  • Advertising Designer
  • Art Director
  • Book Illustrator
  • Character Designer
  • Children's Book Illustrator
  • Concept Artist
  • Digital Artist
  • Freelance Illustrator
  • Freelance in Print & Web Design
  • Gallery Owner
  • Game Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Graphic Novel Artist
  • In-House Designer
  • Interactive Designer
  • Junior Art Director
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • Mural Artist
  • Portrait Artist
  • Pre-Visualization Artist
  • Production Artist
  • Sequential Artist
  • Storyboard Artist
  • Studio Artist
  • Videographer
  • Visual Designer
  • Visual Effects Compositing Artist
  • Web Designer / Developer

NCAD has a Comprehensive Program to Aid Students in Obtaining Employment

The professional assistance offered to NCAD graduates includes:

  • Assistance with career research and resume writing
  • Defining graduate goals for employment
  • Research on job requirements
  • Assistance with promotional packages/portfolios
  • Coaching on interview procedures and techniques
  • Marketing to potential employers
  • Job referrals/networking

Professional Assistance is Paramount to NCAD

Graduates are contacted with any information that may help them find a position in the field. When necessary the Career Services Coordinator will accompany the graduate to a networking event with potential employers or conduct employment field research. Non-placed graduates are called with updates, and offered assistance and encouragement.

Current Students Receive Career Guidance Throughout the Program

This includes an orientation to the career services program and workshops in career research, the job market, interview techniques, marketing/lead generation, and necessary correspondence. Between the Sophomore and Junior years, students are required to contact potential employers in their chosen field to enhance their knowledge of the career and internship requirements of the company. These informational interviews are vital for defining career goals, building confidence and learning / practicing skills in phone etiquette and interviewing techniques.

In addition, Seniors complete an on the job internship where they are able to obtain valuable work experience. The curriculum also strongly emphasizes professional development through classes such as Business Planning and Practices and Portfolio and through classroom projects that give the students numerous opportunities to encounter real world work experiences.

NCAD is Dedicated to Building Relationships with Employers in the Creative Arts Industry

In today’s market, networking is essential. The Director of Education, who evaluates and improves the curriculum, incorporates Employer needs continuously.

We work closely with students (semesters 1-9) to promote career development. Students are encouraged to complete projects in the community to obtain professional art/design for their portfolios and essential work related experience. We offer diverse professional development workshops and opportunities, arrange for students to have additional contact with potential employers, and create greater communication with all students and graduates through newsletters outlining career success.

Our career guidance provides students and recent graduates with access to a strong, growing network of companies for employment opportunities. As a result, students see the advantages of the curriculum and many find confidence in the job search process after the program.