An efficient way to begin your job search is to have an up-to-date professional package ready to go. This may include a resume, cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), and artist bio and statement. Helpful guides for creating these documents, as well as information for where to find on-campus and off-campus jobs are provided below.

Portfolios

The Patty Disney Center for Life and Work has partnered with site building platform CargoCollective to provide free portfolio sites to all enrolled students. 

Continuing students may use the code 80829ae2 to activate your free portfolio site. Cargo will continue to provide free software to all enrolled students with a new code each year.

For 2020 graduating students, use the code 89411800 to activate your free portfolio site for one year! This software usually costs $99 per year—this code gives you a free site for one full year after activation.

Cargo offers ongoing technical support. Please do not hesitate to reach out to their team with questions on building your site.

If you need some help getting started with your portfolio, check out alum Samantha Chen’s (Art BFA 18) Visual Arts Portfolio Workshop Webinar and the Cargo Collective Demo on using their templates.  

Student Employment at CalArts 

Check out the Compass @CalArts Job Board for available work-study and non work-study employment opportunities.

Important information regarding student employment:

  • Hourly wages are at least the federal minimum wage but may be higher, depending on the position. Minimum wage is $12.00 per hour.
  • Work-study students must complete timesheets on time and accurately for each pay period before they will be paid. 
  • Students are paid every other week and paychecks may be picked up at the Cashier's Office.
  • During regular academic semesters, domestic students may work a maximum of 8 hours a day and 25 hours per week.
  • International students may work up to 20 hours a week.
  • During breaks, students may work a maximum of 8 hours a day and up to 40 hours per week.

Student Job Descriptions
  • Administrative – Provide general administrative support for a CalArts faculty member, academic or administrative office, or class, including answering phones and email, filing, assistance with communications and mailings, and other duties as assigned.
  • Non-Technical Support – Serve as drivers, responsible for equipment maintenance or room maintenance.
  • Technical – Provide technical support that requires technical knowledge for cameras, labs, lighting, installations, and production.
  • Instruction – Serve as Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, student tutors, and researchers.
  • Community Arts Partnership – a variety of positions are available with the Community Arts Partnership, a co-curricular program of CalArts that offers free, after-school and school-based arts programs for youth ages 6-18 in every discipline taught at CalArts. Programs are offered at public schools, community centers and social service agencies, covering a thousand square mile radius across Los Angeles County.

More information regarding federal work-study and student employment can be found in the Financial Aid office. 

External Job Boards