Life After RISD

View from behind of students assembled at a RISD Commencement ceremony

The goal of the Preparedness for Life After RISD initiative is to build systems, structures, and practices that prepare our diverse student body to thrive in their chosen professional practices. Charged by President Williams, a core committee of faculty, staff, and students led the initial work, which entailed:

  • Identifying new approaches to prepare each student, regardless of background, for life after RISD.
  • Defining “prepared for life after RISD” and “post-graduation success” with sensitivity to the essential difference between vocational education and art and design education.
  • Analyzing and benchmarking data on post-graduation success at RISD.

In 2024, the committee provided recommendations to President Williams for creating systemic networks to benefit post-graduation success, with attention to the global nature of our student body–and to engage alums on a larger scale in promoting post-graduation success. 

Action plan

Now through 2027, RISD is working to implement the following recommendations, some of which are already underway:

Future and long-term considerations

The following actions are under review for implementation as part of the strategic planning process.

  • Launch search for RISD Ready Executive Director.
  • Create a network to provide housing for student internship housing.
  • Develop programs for certificates and credentials (e.g., arts administration; teaching)
  • Increase financial support under Career Elevation Fund.
  • Expand internships and ensure equitable funding.
  • Increase partnership-based courses with external organizations.
  • Develop a program for structured job shadowing, working with alumni employers.
  • Support student-run enterprises via the Design Guild and alumni.
  • Establish 4-phase career model (Inspire/Incubate/Develop/Prototype); embedded into Student Advising
  • Offer resources for experimentation (incubator-like residencies; Career Elevation Fund)

Resources and related links

More details can be found in the Preparedness for Life After RISD Executive Summary (RISD credentials are required to access).

We invite you to share your thoughts at any time via email to strategy@risd.edu.