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An arts degree opens the door to a variety of internships and career opportunities, while also providing a solid foundation for post-graduate study. 

Our faculty, staff, and alum community members play crucial roles as resources, networking connections, and advisers. In addition to their support, the Matthews Center for Career Development offers a wealth of online and in-person services to help students find internships, graduate programs, and career opportunities. Students can also find resources on bulletin boards in the Belk Visual Arts Center. Additionally, students take advantage of the internship database in Handshake.

Internships offer a diverse range of real-world experiences across various fields. Whether it's during the academic year or over the summer, domestically or abroad, there's something for everyone to explore. 

ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø art students successfully obtain internships and enter careers in various fields in the arts and beyond. A sample of recent student internships ranges from business litigation at McGuireWood to auction/appraisal at Sloans and Kenyon to data science at Tresata and graphic design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Beyond virtual and off-campus internships, the offers work study and internship opportunities that provide a comprehensive introduction to gallery operations, including handling and installing art and researching artworks in the permanent collection. While preference is given to Art History and Studio Art Majors, Gallery Internships are open to all students, regardless of major or class year. Interns will primarily assist the gallery staff with the gallery's day-to-day operations. Most interns work from 2 hours (and up to 10 hours per week). Internships are arranged during the semester prior through Handshake.

Art Department alums have attended many of the world's top graduate programs, including those at Harvard University, Duke University, Cal Arts, Art Institute of Chicago, and the University of Edinburgh, among many others. They have earned advanced degrees in architecture, law, medicine, counseling, and business administration.

The department's rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and dedicated advising prepare students for success in graduate-level studies. Our alums's interests span a wide range of disciplines, and they pursue careers in both public and private sectors. Whether they create art, teach art history, or work in related fields, our graduates find opportunities in museums, galleries, art foundations, auction houses, conservation and preservation, film and television, government agencies, industry, publishing, retailing, visual resources, and writing.

Roles such as grant administrator, corporate curator, art appraiser, and architectural conservationist highlight the diverse skills and expertise of our art majors. Additionally, many graduates have ventured into fields beyond art and architecture, including medicine, law, and business. Notably, recent alumni have secured positions in investor relations, strategic development, obstetrics & gynecology, education, and innovation, showcasing the promising future that awaits our students. Employers include UBS Wealth Management Americas, Vogue, Population Services International, and Kelley Blue Book.