Our students leave the College with the critical thinking and creative problem solving skills employers crave. Today’s businesses are looking for job candidates that distinguish themselves as “one-of-a-kind,” and that’s exactly what we hope to inspire at Lake Forest College!
Art and art history majors are particularly in tune with the flow of ideas in contemporary culture. Along with critical observational skills and the ability to evaluate visual information, our grads translate these trends for others using creative materials and methods. Now more than ever, art and art history majors are poised to step into many roles in the work world.
Lake Forest College facilitates five career communities called Career Pathways to help students explore major/career options and position themselves for the internships that will help them to further prepare for productive and rewarding careers after graduation. Students from all majors can participate in the Career Pathways to shape their career goals alongside of their academic interests.
To get an idea for which pathways students might join based upon some common artistic interests, check these out:
- Arts administrator – Creative Arts + Business and Finance
- Artist – Creative Arts
- Arts appraiser and underwriter – Business and Finance
- Art Therapist – Science and Health Care
- Merchandiser – Business and Finance
- Art historian – Creative Arts
- Teacher – Law and Public Service + Creative Arts
Explore the Career Pathways by participating in events, reading profiles of students’ and alumni experiences, and by joining a pathway (or two). Remember to look at the next steps pages to get ideas for immediate ways to prepare yourself for great internships and a productive, rewarding career after graduation.
INTERNSHIPS
Art internships allow students to put the knowledge they have learned in the classroom to pursue work in a variety of different avenues. Our art interns take advantage of the rich culture available in Chicago.
Here are a few sites:
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- Chicago History Museum
- Field Museum of Chicago
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Foundation
- Illinois Arts Council
- Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
- Mongerson Gallery
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Mana Contemporary
- Art Institute of Chicago
Fallynn Orusa ’12 became a brand and culture specialist at AbbVie after studying studio art and digital media design
Michael Ojdana ’08 completed three internships while studying studio art and communication.
Join our communication graduates in success
100% of the class of 2021 reported landing a job within six months of graduation.
Contact Information
Creative Arts and Communication Career Advisor and Internship Specialist
Danielle Kelly
847-735-5235
dkelly@lakeforest.edu
Schedule an appointment with Danielle Kelly via Handshake.
Need help scheduling an appointment?
View our Handshake Help Page here.
For more information, visit the Career Advancement Center.
One Major, Multiple Paths
A degree in communication can open up a variety of opportunities. Here's a sample of job titles our newest graduates have held in the last five years:
- Graphic Designer and Illustrator
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Video Producer
- Development and Events Coordinator
- Private Equity Analyst
- Proofreader
- Media Buyer and Planner
- Project Manager
- Nonprofit Community Liaison
- Law Clerk
- Technical Writer/Copywriter
- Account Manager/Sales
Where our graduates land
Our students have completed an internship or landed a job with high-profile organizations in and beyond Chicago.
Our most recent graduates have interned at or joined the ranks of these companies in the last five years:
- Abbott Laboratories
- American Red Cross
- Chicago Sky WNBA
- Chicago White Sox
- CDW
- Hispanic Alliance for Career Advancement
- Horizon Therapeutics
- Reynolds Consumer Products
- Starcom
- Shedd Aquarium
- Teach for America
- Uline
Advancing their studies
Communication graduates have also furthered their studies through graduate programs across the country. We set our students up for success so they can enroll in diverse programs such as this sample of degrees pursued by recent graduates:
- Master of Social Work (University of Illinois at Chicago, Boston University)
- MS, MA, and PhD in Communication, Marketing (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, Emerson College)
- MFA in Visual Communication Design (School of the Art Institute of Chicago)
- MBA (Loyola University Chicago)
- Master of Public Policy (Vanderbilt University)
- MS in Journalism (Syracuse University)
- Master of Sports Management (Georgetown University)
- Juris Doctor (University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Northern Kentucky University’s College of Law)
A Lake Forest College education is built for the future. All students are equipped with the most sought-after professional skills: writing, speaking, critical thinking, and an understanding of human society and cultures. Our interdisciplinary curriculum sets our graduates apart as competitive and uniquely qualified candidates who are eager to take on the challenges presented in today's professional world. Learn more about how our students turn their passions into a career on our Success Stories and Outcomes page.
“
Lake Forest College prepared me to be confident in approaching new projects independently and taught me skills for finding solutions and thinking outside the box, which has helped me to succeed in my professional experiences.
Gwen Baker '22, Public Relations Coordinator at the Shedd Aquarium
Gwen's journey isn't the only way to make it at Lake Forest College. Our career pathways offer a multitude of different ways to take advantage of the education here as well as the opportunities after graduation.
Our Communication graduates...
Analyze social systems
of historical and contemporary communication
Apply key theories of communication
to multiple professional contexts
Identify and respond to problems
with logical analysis and mindfulness of context
Actively challenge existing systems,
structures, and policies of racism and inequality
Networking and Career Preparation
Our students have opportunities to engage with professionals working in various fields of interest and build meaningful connections before graduation.
Lake Forest College students don't only get a fantastic education, but also hone applicable skills that employers are seeking in candidates.
Our career counselors ensure that our students are well prepared for whatever path they choose.
At Lake Forest College, you will have the opportunity to connect with professionals from a multitude of fields.
Like what you see?
Arrange a campus visit to see what Lake Forest has to offer in person. You'll be able to talk with professors, students, and get a taste for what Lake Forest has to offer your career.
Contact the Gorter Family Career Center
Pathway Leader
Danielle Kelly
Creative Arts and Communication Career Pathway Leader
dkelly@lakeforest.edu
847-735-6186
General Contact
Gorter Family Career Advancement Center
256 Brown Hall, Middle Campus
847-735-5235
careers@lakeforest.edu
