Many exciting and fulfilling careers exist in the creative economy, and Wellesley’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum prepares students and alumnae with strengths that are especially relevant in the arts and media fields. Opportunities can be found in every sector— from nonprofit organizations, education, and government, to Fortune 500 companies. Whether you are interested in working in a museum, a lifestyle start-up, a civic arts council, a classroom, an established corporation, somewhere in-between, or somewhere beyond, you can find positions. Students and alumnae are encouraged to get started by exploring the resources below and scheduling an appointment in Handshake to meet with Hebert Labbate.
Arts Resources
The resources below explore a broad range of careers in art and design; from architecture, to fashion, to museum work, and beyond.
Nonprofits are mission-driven organizations dedicated to addressing a particular social issue or advocating for a cause. These resources provide an overview of the vast nonprofit sector, which includes numerous industries and many job functions.
Appointments can be scheduled in Handshake for Mon–Fri.
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Eligible: graduating seniors and recent alumnae from any country in any field, under the age of 29. This application deadline is for holders of passports from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. Everyone else should apply by the September deadline.
International Student, Research/Gradschool, Travel, Postgraduate
The Schwarzman Scholars Program supports leadership development & a special one-year Master’s program at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The 200 scholars chosen annually for this highly selective program will work towards a Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing—one of China’s most prestigious universities. As individuals who want to have a positive impact on the world, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Scholars will be selected based on their academic credentials, extracurricular interests and leadership potential.
Wellesley College offers a number of fellowships and scholarships for graduate study or research open to Wellesley seniors and graduates. Two awards are open to women graduates of any American institution (the Schimke and the Shackford). Awards are usually made to applicants currently enrolled in or applying to graduate/professional school for the following academic year; there is a single common application process for most of these awards, and the campus deadline is typically in January.
The four steps in this resource will help keep you focused and productive in your search. You should plan on revisiting each step as your knowledge and understanding of positions and industries grow. Each step below is outlined without a specific industry or position in mind. It is best to schedule an appointment with your Advisor for Career Exploration (ACE) or an Industry-specific Career Advisor to customize your process. The questions we have provided at each step are designed to help you reflect on your preparedness and identify what you may need to move forward in the process.
This one-year, full-time position is available to Wellesley College graduates, thanks to a long-standing arrangement between the college and the National Palace Museum. Each fellow’s responsibilities and job description will be determined, to some extent, according to the Museum’s current staffing requirements as well as the fellow’s personal background, interests and skills.
The Wellesley-Yenching Program in cooperation with Chung Chi College in Hong Kong sponsors a fellowship to teach or assist in teaching English at Chung Chi. This one-year fellowship is generally offered on an annual basis to a Wellesley College senior or graduate with the option to extend for a second year. Candidates are first interviewed by the committee at Wellesley College, which then sends on the credentials of its nominee for final approval by Chung Chi College.
Apply in spring semester 2025 for the 2025-26 Fellowship.
The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship offers graduating seniors a one-year grant for independent study and purposeful travel and exploration outside of the United States, to enhance their capacity for resourcefulness, imagination, openness, and leadership and to foster their humane and effective participation in the world community. Campus deadline typically in August.