Office of PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Plan Your Future.

We empower you to navigate the art world at large—during your studies and after you graduate.  

students

Our Mission

The Office of Professional Development is instrumental in guiding students towards successful careers in the arts by providing essential resources and support. We help you navigate the transition from being an art student to becoming a working artist. Through in-person events, one-on-one appointments, workshops, and communications, we empower you to navigate the art world effectively so that you achieve your professional goals and build a thriving career.  

Counseling and Guidance Assistance

Academic and Professional Support

  • Finding and securing internships, residencies, and fellowships 
  • Study abroad programs and information 
  • Scholarships and grants 
  • ABCert – Arts Business Certificate  

Facilitating
Connections

  • Career fairs 
  • Collaborations with visiting artists 
  • Networking events 
  • Connecting students and alumni through the V.A.R. Project 

Consultations and Workshops

  • Grant writing 
  • Portfolio development 
  • Resume/CV assistance 
  • Artist statement/biography support 
  • Graduate school exploration  
Student Highlights

How the Office of Professional Development has helped students and created internship experiences. 

Contact

woman with glasses smiling

Megan Taylor

Associate Director of Career Services

Email: megan.taylor@artacademy.edu  
Office: N111

AAC is an official member institution with the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS), which offers study abroad programs in more than 20 countries. Come to a PPDS Study Abroad info session to learn more about budgeting, scholarships, and available programs.

ABI has domestic, international, and virtual art and design internship opportunities for students. Its program prepares and trains students for internships with major companies in New York City, Los Angeles, Berlin, Sydney, Melbourne, and Hong Kong.

All AAC students take “Going Big: Professionalism Workshop,” to connect the skills they learn in studio and liberal arts courses with those they’ll need after graduation. Students can also choose between five courses designed to prepare them for their future careers. Those courses include “Exhibition Studios,” for students who wish to pursue a fine arts career, and “Academy Design Service,” for students interested in working with a design firm.

AAC students can work as Ambassadors (responsible for student-led programming) or serve on Student Council. Those in student leadership roles collaborate and help make student life at AAC a true reflection of the student population’s needs.

All AAC students take “Going Big: Professionalism Workshop,” to connect the skills they learn in studio and liberal arts courses with those they’ll need after graduation. Students can also choose between five courses designed to prepare them for their future careers. Those courses include “Exhibition Studios,” for students who wish to pursue a fine arts career, and “Academy Design Service,” for students interested in working with a design firm.

Success after graduation is built into the AAC experience. By engaging in co-curricular activities, students build networking, presentation, organization, leadership, planning, and creative problem-solving skills. Participating students document their participation in three tiers of career preparedness activities throughout their time at AAC to receive an Arts Business Distinction upon graduation.

 

AAC is a member of The Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD), which allows students to attend another member college for one semester at the AAC tuition rate. It also is a part of the Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection (GC3), which permits students to cross-register and take individual courses not available at AAC.

 

Each year, AAC invites local businesses to participate in its Career Fair. Students get the opportunity to speak with business owners, hiring managers, and artists who want to fill positions and network.

The PPDS helps students feel comfortable and prepared for big career moments by providing access to our Career Closet, featuring professional clothing and accessories in all sizes.

Study & Internships

Study Abroad

The Art Academy of Cincinnati is a partner with both ArtBound Initiative and the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS). Scholarships are available for both ArtBound and KIIS programs. Contact the Associate Director of Professional Development (also the KIIS Campus Representative) for more information. Additional suggested programs to review include: Studio Art Centers International Florence (SACI) and the Butler Institute for Study Abroad.

Artbound Initiative Banner

In partnership with ArtBound Initiative (ABI), AAC students have the opportunity to complete a summer internship in one of the world’s art and design hubs – New York City! Students can complete an 8 or 12-week internship option and will earn credit to apply to their degree. Each student receives individual attention to identify a custom internship placement based on their background, skills, and goals. ArtBound Initiative (ABI) is a career accelerator in Art x Design. They offer customized internship placements for students and recent graduates in creative hubs around the world.

Every student will be guided through the process of apply and starting the program by ABI and AAC. Students will initially submit an application, resume, and portfolio to ABI for placement.

ABI will coordinate sending resume to artists/firms/organizations, and will work with the student to identify the most appropriate placement. Once a placement is secured, ABI will work with the student to prepare for living in NYC, including finding housing. Along the way, students will receive individual coaching for career options and resume/portfolio improvement. Once in NYC, ABI facilitates networking opportunities to help students expand their horizon of professional contacts.

Application Deadline: Check the website for current deadlines

The ABI program fee is $2250. This covers internship placement, personalized coaching, travel support, and access to our network. Read more information on www.artboundinitiative.com/overview.

Housing (optional): Participants should budget from $1200 to $1500 per month to cover the housing expenses in New York. Prices will vary depending on availability. ABI will arrange accommodation for students in a private room within a shared apartment with New York locals and other international students. Participants are encouraged to contact us early in the case of financial difficulties or special needs.

Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and one the US’s leading artistic centre. LA has it all, iconic landmarks, a vibrant cultural scene and sunny skies throughout the year. Intern in La La Land. Los Angeles
is a way of life, it’s a city for dreamers and for those looking to make a big name. LA offers you a wide range of distinctive culture, tourist attractions, world-class entertainment, and idyllic paradise weather. What else can you ask for?

Each student receives individual attention to identify a custom internship placement based on their background, skills, and goals. ArtBound Initiative (ABI) is a career accelerator in Art x Design. They offer customized internship placements for students and recent graduates in creative hubs around the world.

Every student will be guided through the process of apply and starting the program by ABI and AAC. Students will initially submit an application, resume, and portfolio to ABI for placement.

ABI will coordinate sending resume to artists/firms/organizations, and will work with the student to identify the most appropriate placement. Once a placement is secured, ABI will work with the student to prepare for living in LA, including finding housing. Along the way, students will receive individual coaching for career options and resume/portfolio improvement. Once in LA, ABI facilitates networking opportunities to help students expand their horizon of professional contacts.

Application Deadline: Check the website for current deadlines

The ABI program fee is $2250. This covers internship placement, personalized coaching, travel support, and access to our network. Read more information on www.artboundinitiative.com/overview.

Housing (optional): Option of a private room within a shared apartment, private studio or 1-bedroom apartment. Housing costs in Los Angeles typically start from $1200 USD per month and are dependent upon location and size preferences.

ArtBound Initiative (ABI) also connects students and recent graduates with key players in the creative industry in London, Berlin, Sydney, Melbourne, and Hong Kong. ABI offers customized internships year-round from 2 to 6 months. More info at www.artboundinitiative.com

Application Deadline: 6-month prior to your internship start date.

Intern from wherever for companies located in major creative hubs such as New York, Berlin, London, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Sydney, Paris and more! Our virtual internships are available for students and recent grads seeking opportunities in Editorial, Design, Research, Content Creation, Animation, Video Editing, Social Media and Script Analysis. 

More info at www.artboundinitiative.com

Application Deadline: 6-month prior to your internship start date.

Study Abroad Kentucky

We believe study abroad should be a part of your college career.

Founded in 1975, KIIS is a faculty-led study abroad consortium of colleges and universities in Kentucky and surrounding states. KIIS is dedicated to providing exceptional and affordable international education programs for college credit. We believe study abroad should be an integral part of any degree program, regardless of academic discipline, and should prepare students to be globally competent upon graduation.

AAC is an official member institution with the Kentucky Institute for International Studies.

KIIS Program Search: KIIS offers winter, summer, and semester study abroad programs in over 20 different countries. Learn more by visiting the KIIS website or contacting the Office of Professional Development.

Internships & More

AAC students have the option to apply for a for-credit internship experience, which allows them to explore various creative pursuits and professional development opportunities under the guidance of professionals in the field. Museums, galleries, studios, local businesses, design and branding firms, art supply stores, newspapers, non-profits, festivals, and other organizations may provide AAC students many opportunities to pursue internships in the Greater Cincinnati area.

A successful internship experience provides students with 3.0 credit hours. Students may register for up to two internships for a maximum of 6.0 credit hours. To apply and register for an AAC for-credit internship, students must complete and submit the Pre-Internship Application Packet to the Internship Program Director (Associate Director of Professional Development).

Upon successfully applying for, and receiving an internship, students must complete the Internship Experience Packet along with at least 120 internship contact hours.

Previous AAC students have been placed at companies and organizations such as BLDG Refuge Studios, Cincinnati Art Museum, LPK Design, Manifest Gallery, P&G, SOS Art, Such & Such Craftsmen, We Have Become Vikings, and many others. For more information about the internship program, contact the Associate Director of Professional Development.

Pre Internship Application Packet

Internship Experience Packet

Every year, AAC students and faculty members take a trip to New York city to explore the city’s museums and urban culture, and to take a closer look at contemporary art. Approximately 40 students participate in the NY Trip every year, which is usually held in March.

Each spring semester, a few sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be selected to serve as AAC Ambassadors. Ambassadors represent the AAC at AAC events such as New Student Orientation, Open House, National Portfolio Day, and more, as well as events in the community. Being an AAC Ambassador is a paid position.

Peer Mentorship

AAC students will receive a peer mentor upon entering the AAC. Starting in their sophomore year, students participating in the Tutor and Ambassador Programs may apply to become a Peer Mentor Lead. This is a paid position.

Professional Mentorship

Upperclassmen may apply to be matched with a Professional Mentor (an alum or distinguished professional in the community) to participate in the AAC Professional Mentorship Program.

To learn more about mentorship, contact the Office of Professional Development.

Student activities at the AAC are student-driven. Rather than planning events from the top down, we look to students to tell us what kind of activities would be beneficial and interesting. The Student Activities Committee is made up of two students from each class level and meets twice per month to plan and coordinate events in consultation with the Director of Student Services.

 

Arts Business Certification supports students’ professional practice initiatives and provides them with increased confidence in their preparedness for career opportunities. The Arts Business Certification demonstrates students’ willingness to take advantage of professional development resources at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Upon completing this certification, students will graduate with Arts Business Distinction and will be able to list the Arts Business Certificate on their resume, formalizing their experiences in the program and lending added credibility. Students may enroll in this voluntary program any time by completing and submitting the ABCert Application and Goal Setting Worksheet to the Associate Director of Professional Development.

ABCert Application

The AAC has two student-run galleries – Exposure13 and the Chidlaw Gallery. Students can volunteer each semester for the Student Gallery Team to be responsible for curating shows throughout the academic year.

The Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD) allows AAC students to transfer to another AICAD college for a semester. Students continue in their major coursework and are able to take advantage of a different college setting, new professors, and environment. Participating students pay the Art Academy full-time tuition rate.

Professional Projects & Partnering with AAC

 Do you want to work with AAC students for your design or creative project needs? We have an in-house program called Academy Design Services (ADS) that collaborates with companies and community partners in the region to ideate and produce visionary results for anything you need! If you have a project that you would like to partner with our students on, simply submit the request form below.

art tools banner
art academy of cincinnati college of art and design logo
Search
Admissions +
Finance
Fill 15955
Programs +
Leadership
Fill 15955
News +
Engagement
Fill 15955
Students +
Alumni
Fill 15955
Search

Due To Inclement Weather

Classes are cancelled

January 25th, 2023

animation of snow falling