What is IRD?
Internship & Recruitment Day (IRD) is Otis College of Art and Design’s annual creative recruiting event hosted each spring by the Office of Career Services. IRD provides employers the opportunity to meet, interview, and review portfolios with talented students from Otis’s art and design programs.
For 2026, IRD will be held virtually and offered at no cost to employers.
We are hosting two IRD dates so employers may conveniently meet students across all majors.
Each event takes place from 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. PST and includes options for 20-minute virtual 1:1 appointments and/or virtual group sessions.
Day 1 — Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Day 2 — Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Fine Arts (BFA & MFA)
- Graphic Design (BFA & MFA)
- Illustration
- Animation
- Game & Entertainment Design
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Why Participate?
IRD connects you with exceptional emerging talent for your internships, part-time roles, freelance projects, and entry-level hiring needs.
By participating, you will:
-
Meet students who are trained across a range of creative disciplines
-
Conduct virtual interviews or portfolio reviews
-
Host optional group sessions to share your mission, company culture, and opportunities
-
Build early relationships with the next generation of designers and artists
-
Strengthen your talent pipeline across multiple creative fields
Hear from previous employer participants:
“I met great candidates who fit perfectly with our program. Already scheduling follow-up
interviews!” – GUESS?, Inc.
“One of my favorite events every year.” – Ntropic
“Such a smooth, organized event. Wonderful talent.” – Azazie, Inc.
“Great students! Thank you!” – Victoria’s Secret & Co.
Who Will You Meet?
Employers can expect to connect with students from all over the world studying in Otis’s professional programs.
Students bring perspectives shaped by industry collaborations, interdisciplinary coursework, and strong portfolio development. Many will be attending IRD for the first time, making your mentorship and guidance particularly meaningful.
Learn more about our majors and interdisciplinary studies (minors) through our program pages.
How We Prepare Students for IRD
Students participating in IRD receive extensive preparation through:
-
Classroom visits and weekly IRD prep workshops
-
Resume, portfolio, and interview advising
-
Mock IRD held prior to the event
-
Career Services resources
How to Register (Virtual via Handshake)
Registration for IRD is hosted through Handshake.
To participate, ensure your organization has an active Handshake profile connected
to Otis.
Registration Steps:
-
Register in Handshake
Participation is free. Select the IRD date(s) aligned with the majors you wish to meet. -
Post your internships/jobs
This helps students understand your opportunities and prepare for appointments. -
Set up your fair schedule
Once approved, you’ll configure your 1:1 appointments and/or group sessions. -
Students begin selecting appointments one month prior to the event.
(Register early for maximum visibility.)
Important Note
Otis College reserves the right to decline or cancel registrations that do not align with the College’s mission, vision, and principles.
Registration Links
Day 1 — February 24, 2026
- Fashion Design
- Product Design
- Toy Design
- Environmental Design
Day 2 — March 19, 2026
- Fine Arts (BFA & MFA)
- Graphic Design (BFA & MFA)
- Illustration
- Animation
- Game & Entertainment Design
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Questions?
Email Career Services at careerservices@otis.edu.
Employer Q&A Zoom sessions will be offered leading up to the event (schedule TBA or
email to schedule an appointment).
Students
Students can view event details and preparation resources on the MyOtis IRD page.