About the Career Services Office
Who We Are and What We Do
The office is part of the Office for Undergraduate Academic Affairs in the College of Fine and Applied Arts.
The Fall Lecture Series: Exploring Careers in the Arts
Each fall we invite working artists and arts administrators to discuss how they’ve succeeded in their careers. Our presentations have involved musicians, recording studio owners, Grammy winners, gallery owners, art studio owners, independent film makers, visual artists, chamber ensemble members, painters, and ceramic artists.
FAA300: Entrepreneurship and Self-Promotion in the Arts
This class focuses on tailoring written and verbal presentations to a variety of audiences. Students explore case studies of self-supporting artists, create a partial business plan for an arts-related venture, build a self-promotional package, conduct job searches and apply for arts-administration or design positions. Guest lecturers include experts in copyright law, grant writing, and tax issues for the self-employed.
Individual Career Counseling
Students are invited to make appointments to discuss career paths, arts-business ventures, internships, portfolios, job applications, and general questions.
How to Use the Office
During your freshman and sophomore years, attend as many of the Exploring Careers lectures as possible. During the second semester of your sophomore year, start preparing your résumé and exploring internship opportunities. Make an appointment at any time for help with your intern or job searches, interview preparation, and to discuss your path, both in college and in your future career.
About Michele Plante, Career Services Coordinator
A graduate of FAA, Michele has over 14 years of marketing experience. She has worked as a graphic designer, art director, project manager, information architect, adjunct professor, and now as instructor and career services coordinator for FAA. In 2008, Michele was appointed to the Urbana Public Arts Commission. With her background in marketing and promotion she'll be developing materials showing the students how to promote and support their artistic endeavors.
Contact Information
Michele Plante
Career Services Coordinator
College of Fine and Applied Arts
phone: 217-333-1102
e-mail: mplante@uiuc.edu
Resource Library
- Act One Reports - agencies, theatres, resources
- Art That Pays: the Emerging artist's Guide to Making a Living
- Beyond Talent: Creating a Succesful Career in Music
- Breaking Through the Clutter: Business Solutions for Women, Artists, and Entrepreneurs
- The Business of Being an Artist
- Careers for Culture Lovers & Other Artsy Types
- Careers by Design
- The Entrepreneurial Artist
- The Fine Artist's Career Guide
- Legal Guide for the Visual Artist
- Poor Dancer's Almanac
- Your Film Acting Career