Career Engagement at Cornish

Career Engagement supports students and emerging professionals in the creative, performing, and interdisciplinary arts. Through access to internships, experiential learning opportunities, and job postings aligned with creative fields, the office helps artists apply their talents in the world. Beyond listings, Career Engagement offers specialized career coaching, resources for building professional skills, expanding networks, and navigating career paths—bridging the transition from academic training to a sustainable, meaningful career in the arts and related industries.

Job & Internship Resources

Job & Internship Search

These platforms empower students to independently explore career options, connect with industry professionals, and showcase their talents to potential employers. By utilizing these resources, students can take proactive steps in shaping their professional journeys and gaining the experience and connections they need to succeed in their chosen fields. 
General Student Career Platforms

Arts-Focused Student Career Platforms:

Online Resume & Portfolio Builders

To thrive in the creative industry, having a standout portfolio and a polished resume is crucial. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established professional looking to elevate your career, the right tools and platforms can make all the difference. Below you’ll find a selection of valuable resources designed to help you create, refine, and showcase your work, as well as effectively market your skills to potential employers and clients.
Online Portfolio Builders

Resume Building Tools

Career Exploration Resources

Development

Workshops

Networking and Feedback

Networking and Feedback

Financial Resources

Financial Resources
  • Money Talks: Understanding Your W-4
  • Creative Capital: Creative Capital Foundation uplifts underinvested, risk-taking artists with unrestricted project grants, professional development, and community-building services to advance freedom of expression and foster sustainable careers.

Internships, Volunteering, and Residency Opportunities by Department

Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cornish offer on-campus jobs for current students?

All students who are enrolled in a program of study at least half-time (6 credits for undergraduate; 3 credits for graduate) are eligible to work on campus. You do not need to be work-study eligible to work on campus!

On-campus employers hire year-round, and once you’re registered for classes, you can start applying.

All on-campus jobs are found on Handshake – use the filter for ‘On Campus’ or search for the employer called Seattle University On-Campus Employment. For more information visit: Student Employment.

Can I schedule an appointment with a Career Coach?

At Cornish College of the Arts, your career development is a top priority. Meeting with a career coach offers you the chance to receive personalized, 1:1 feedback and support tailored to your creative journey. From interview preparation to career exploration and planning your next steps after graduation, Cornish’s career coaching services are designed to empower you with the tools and confidence you need to succeed in the arts.

Appointments available 9am – 4pm Monday through Friday.

Career coaching appointments are open to Cornish  students AND and alumni — up to 12 months post graduation!

Make an appointment with a career coach.

Can I get credit for an internship that isn't listed on Handshake?

If you’ve discovered an exciting internship opportunity and want to earn college credit for your experience, we’re here to help! Cornish College of the Arts offers a streamlined process to ensure that your internship aligns with your academic goals and counts toward your degree. By following a few simple steps, you can gain valuable professional experience while also making progress in your studies.

Internships do have specific course codes, depending on the department.

AR 418 – Art Internship

DA 469 – Dance Internship

DE 418 – Design Internship

PP 481 – Performance Production Internship

TH 458 – Theater Internship

Currently the way it works, a student will apply for an internship. If they get it, there is a specific agreement form within their departments I believe, that lays out the terms of the internship, and indicates how many credits they would earn from it. The course gets listed on the SoC and they are registered into it. The chair or other faculty member is assigned to it, for 1 WU, as a supervisor of the internship, and to enter their final grade on it.

 

For Employers

Thank you for your interest in working with Cornish College of the Arts students! Below are several options for employers to post job or internship opportunities specifically geared toward creative professionals.

You can find us on Handshake! With our transition to Handshake, you can easily post jobs and internships for Cornish students and alumni. Handshake is a platform that connects employers with students across the country, including those with creative arts backgrounds. Want more information or interested in creating an account? Visit the Handshake Site.

Job Posting Guidelines

As a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), we adhere to the ethical standards outlined in NACE’s Principles for Professional Practice. To ensure fair and equitable opportunities for our students, employers must meet the following guidelines to post positions:

  • The employer must be affiliated with a for-profit company, non-profit agency, or established artist collective.

  • The position must be paid at least minimum wage, with exceptions made for unpaid internships or volunteer opportunities in accordance with NACE guidelines.

  • Employees must receive a W-2 or 1099 for work completed.

  • No fees may be charged to applicants at any stage of the hiring process.

  • Personal postings (e.g., private family jobs or gigs) will not be allowed.

  • No positions related to multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes will be posted.

  • Employers must practice non-discriminatory hiring practices in alignment with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the NACE Principles.

Seattle University reserves the right to remove any posting that does not comply with these standards.

For further details, please visit Career Engagement or email careerengagement@seattleu.edu for more information.