What is Internship Connect?

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Internship Connect is your chance to speak directly with companies and organizations seeking RISD interns! Learn about their internship opportunities and practice how you introduce yourself to professionals. Make contacts with key people and gain valuable tips on presenting a strong application. Be prepared before the event with the materials they would like to see. Make a lasting impression and stay connected to the professionals you meet for future opportunities. First Year Undergraduate Students are not eligible to do internships for credit until starting their Sophomore year at RISD and are therefore unable to attend this event. ​

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Who can attend? 

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Open to enrolled Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors and Graduate RISD Students. 

First year undergraduate students are not eligible. 

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IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you have class during Internship Connect meetings, you MUST get permission from your faculty for an excused absence prior to attending.

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How do I participate? 

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Each company has a virtual OCI (On Campus Interview) schedule in ArtWorks to meet one on one with students. Students are encouraged to apply to all of the OCIs for the companies they are interested in. More applications = more chances for meetings. ​

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• To apply students MUST upload a resume/cv.

• Monday, 10/20/2025 at 9:00am: OCI Applications OPEN

• Tuesday, 10/21/2025 at 11:59pm: OCI Applications CLOSE

• There is no advantage to applying early.

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Internship Connect meetings are assigned by the OCI Application Lottery. The lottery will balance the distribution of all student applications with the meeting time slots for all companies. 

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What if I need to cancel or missed a meeting?

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Every effort should be made to keep your appointments out of respect for the
professional's time and your fellow students. In the event of an unavoidable hardship, such
as illness or emergency, notify risdcareers@risd.edu as soon as possible.

To follow up a missed appointment, it is customary to send a brief message of apology to the
reviewer with the hope of future correspondence. To learn more about this process,
visit the Career Center during drop-in hours or book an appointment to meet with a career advisor.

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What do I share with professionals? 

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• PDF resume (submit with OCI application)

  • In ArtWorks / Application Materials: upload your resume to "Resumes".​

• PDF portfolio sample (optional - submit with OCI application)

  • ​In ArtWorks / Application Materials: upload your portfolio sample to "Others".

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How should I dress? 

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Dress intentionally, express yourself and show you care. Professionalism in your appearance is a compliment to the quality of your work.

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What should I say to professionals? 

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• Know Your Audience: Students are expected to research the companies or organizations they will be meeting with. Review their websites prior to your portfolio reviews; make notes as you go and develop questions you would like to ask them.
   

• Introduce Yourself: Begin by thanking the professional for meeting with you, tell them your name, year in school and major. Explain why you are interested in their company and that you appreciate their feedback and insights on what's expected in a portfolio from applicants.
   

• Show Respect & Say Thank You: Respect and gratitude goes a long way and makes an excellent professional impression. Also, follow up with a thank you note to the reviewers who made an impact on you – written is ideal, email works, too!

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I didn't get on the schedule for my favorite company. Now what? 

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If you applied to the company's OCI, and we hope you did, the company will receive your resume after the event and will know you are interested. You can find the professional in ArtWorks and/or on LinkedIn after the event and send them a message to express your interest, to request a follow up meeting and to keep in touch.

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Is there remote meeting etiquette​?

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• Test your camera/video, Wi-Fi, and screen sharing ahead of time to be sure everything is working properly. Consider using an ethernet cable between your computer and router for an unstable Wi-Fi connection.

• Keep background distractions to a minimum.

• Good lighting will improve the video quality. 

• Dress appropriately and treat your meeting like any other professional meeting.​

 

What if I need immediate HELP during Internship Connect?​

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The Career Center will be on call to assist with any last minute questions or problems throughout the duration of the event. We're happy to help, whether you have a technical question regarding ArtWorks, have second thoughts about an important upcoming meeting, or are unsure about something a reviewer told you. Use our contact info below for help. 

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