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Students

Career Services provides support to students and alumnx through the stages of career exploration, personal and professional growth, and employment. As students, we encourage you to utilize the resources we offer. Please explore this page as well as our Resources page.

Career Counseling

Career Counselors are available to assist students and alumnx. Visit Handshake, our online job board and career services platform, to make an appointment with a career counselor. See "Job Board" below for more detailed login instructions. If you are not able to find a time that works for you, or have trouble logging in, please email us at careerservices@otis.edu.

Appointments are available with a counselor to discuss the following:

  • Major exploration as it pertains to careers
  • Strengths and skills assessment
  • Internship and job search assistance (on-campus and off-campus opportunities)
  • Resume and cover letter guidance
  • Artist resume, bio, and personal statements
  • Portfolio/reel/website review
  • Applying to exhibitions or residencies
  • Networking (meeting people) and informational interviews
  • Interview and negotiation preparation
  • Mock interviews and negotations
  • Applying to scholarships, fellowships, or grants
  • Graduate school preparation for additional degree seekers

Job Board

Current students and alumnx have unlimited access to Otis College of Art and Design's job and opportunity board, Handshake, which contains new art and design opportunities posted daily by creative companies who are seeking Otis talent! 
Current Degree Students:  Log into Handshake with your Otis email username and password.
Alumnx: You may have an account already created, so go to Handshake and click on "sign in with your email address" (BELOW the Otis SSO button). You will use your personal email address, not your Otis email. If you do not have an account, you can click "Sign up here."
Certificate Students: If you are in your last semester or have graduated from a certificate program, you are eligible to use the job board. Follow login instructions above for current degree students if still enrolled, or alumnx if you've graduated. See below for more information for Certificate students.

Internships

Otis College strongly encourages all students to complete multiple internships prior to graduation. Internship experience is crucial for professional preparation.

To search and apply for internship opportunities, please visit Handshake. If you need further assistance, please make an appointment with one of our Career Counselors through Handshake or email us at careerservices@otis.edu.

Internship Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete an internship at Otis will be able to:

  • Apply classroom skills and techniques to their professional experiences.
  • Prepare appropriate written materials such as cover letter, resumes and/or promo sheets.
  • Develop professional portfolios, websites, and/or reels.
  • Cultivate relationships and network with others in their chosen field.
  • Execute company/organization research, job search strategies, such as informational interviews, the one-minute pitch, and interviewing skills to help them distinguish themselves and compete in the professional marketplace.
  • Develop interpersonal skills necessary for successful self-advocacy and negotiation.
  • Engage subject matter that expands on the curriculum at Otis.
  • Evaluate their professional experience, determine appropriate areas for growth, and reflect on aspirations and future goals.

International Students

  • All current international students who have completed a full academic year are eligible to work in the United States, under their F-1 student visa status, with approval from either the host school or USCIS. Employers do not need to provide sponsorship for them to work. This is a great option for students who wish to participate in an internship or CPT.
  • All recent international student graduates are eligible to work in the United States for at least 12 months post-graduation, under their F-1 student visa status, as long as they have been approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Employers do not need to sponsor a graduate under OPT.
  • Digital Media graduates may be eligible for STEM-OPT, which allows them to work for three years post-graduation under their F-1 visa status. Sponsorship is not required.
  • Otis College will provide international students with their visa paperwork after the employers provides an Employment Offer Letter. Here is a sample letter.
  • Students eligible to work under CPT or OPT can be paid. If they don't yet have a Social Security Number, they will need to apply for one through the Social Security Administration with their updated visa and offer letter.
  • Learn more and speak with the Internaional Advisor DSO by visiting the Dashboard my.otis.edu > International Students (or contact OneStop).

Extension Students

Certificate students at Otis may utilize Career Services fully once they in their last semester of classes in the certificate program, and will retain this access for life as alums of a certificate program. This includes full access to the job board, unlimited career counseling appointments, and attendance at all our career education workshops. Extension students not enrolled in a certificate program are not eligible to use Career Services. Please see our full Extension Policy here.

 

 

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Location: Ahmanson 207
Phone: (424) 207-2490
Email: careerservices@otis.edu