Ringling’s career networking event for students
Ringling College’s annual Career Insight event brings professional artists and company representatives (including Ringling College alumni) from a variety of backgrounds together on one day to share experiences, creative expertise, and industry insights.
The event provides an opportunity to network with working professionals from a variety of art and design fields. Invited guests (many of whom are alumni) are available at individual tables to meet with students, review work, assist with career planning, and ease the transition from school to work.
All students are encouraged to attend and alumni, employers, artists, and other professionals are invited to participate as table hosts. The event is held on campus each February and is hosted by Career Services.
Students: Please preregister here to save time at Check-in.
Career Insight 2025
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Schedule: (subject to change)
10 AM: Doors Open
Diane Roskamp Exhibition Hall
11 AM: Speakers
Welcome and Introduction by Dr. Larry R. Thompson, President of Ringling College of Art and Design
Keynote Speaker: Debra Pierce, visionary founder of The Pierce Group
12 PM: Food truck, raffles, and activities!
Goldstein Library, First Floor Terrace—Food truck, raffles, and activities!
1-4 PM: Networking Tables Open
Goldstein Library—Networking Tables Open
Keynote Speaker: Debra Pierce
Debra Pierce is a conference engagement director, professional recruiter, career coach, networking and nurture specialist, connector, and artist.
Pierce, affectionately known as the “Fairy Jobmother,” boasts an impressive track record of connecting creatives with exceptional opportunities. Her career began in higher education at institutions where she pioneered innovative methods to connect students and alumni with opportunities through intimate employer meetings and immersive trips to events at Siggraph, SXSW, HOW Design, and more. Pierce led a team that organized more than 800 employer visits on campus. She also played a key role in launching the Service Design Conference, Animation Conference, and programs like an art sales division providing a platform for students and faculty to sell their artwork to a variety of clients.
Building on this success, Pierce founded The Pierce Group, which continues her mission of connecting creatives by offering a range of services. The Pierce Group specializes in organizing immersive trips to major conferences, including Miami Art Week (Basel), Game Developer Conferences, and Annecy Animation. These trips offer attendees opportunities to meet industry leaders, receive industry-focused coaching, and establish meaningful, long-term relationships. Additionally, Pierce provides coaching and manages niche recruitment for creative companies.
With over two decades of experience, Pierce excels in networking, outreach, and relationship-building, transforming conversations into lasting connections. She has a deep understanding of the gap between employer expectations and what creative professionals present during interviews. At The Pierce Group, she hopes to transform the recruitment landscape by offering targeted services that simplify and demystify the job search process. Her approach removes barriers and fosters direct connections between job seekers and employers, setting new industry standards.
Outside of her professional life, Pierce enjoys crafting 3D sculptures in clay, biking to the beach, and spending time with her family, including her cat, Buster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Career Insight?
The Career Insight event is presented to Ringling College students and alumni to address practical concerns confronting designers and artists today. This annual event provides an opportunity to network with working professionals from a variety of art and design fields. Invited guests (many of whom are alumni) are available at individual tables to meet with students individually or in a group, review work, assist with career planning, and ease the transition from school to work.
Who should attend?
All students (from any major or class year) are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the opportunity. Attendees can stop by and enjoy Career Insight in the moment or come prepared with a resume and digital portfolio.
What does Career Insight include?
We’ll begin with a welcome and address from the keynote speaker, followed by a lunch break with food vendors (free!). Tables will be set up throughout the first and second floors of the library, as well as on the back terrace, hosted by companies, professionals, and alumni. They are there to help you practice your professional skills when you make your introductions, listen to discussions, and create important connections for your future. Some of these table hosts may have jobs or internships available or know someone who does. Enjoy some fun, new components this year: Have a professional photo taken for your LinkedIn profile at the photobooth; win prizes and get a t-shirt; de-stress with activities from Health Services and Rec and Wellness.
What should I prepare to attend?
We would love for you to stop by the event regardless, but we know some folks would prefer to prepare in advance.
Here are a few pointers for the event so you make a great first impression:
- Dress and conduct yourself professionally.
- Prepare some questions ahead of time. Questions can be anything you’re curious about, but here are some conversation starters:
- What was the process you used to find your first job out of college?
- What is it like to work at your company?
- What was the interview process like at your company?
- Is your company hiring or do you have connections at companies that are?
- How would you describe a typical day at your company?
- Ask for contact information, a LinkedIn connection, or a business card so you can say “thank you for your time” after the event
- Look up the connections you made on LinkedIn and easily request a connection with that “thank you.”
Is this event online or in-person?
This is a totally in-person, interactive, networking, fun event.
Who will be there?
Here is a List of 2025 Networking Tables.
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