College of Design academic programs consistently rank among the best in the nation. Design Career Services helps employers connect with creative, talented design students and alumni.
We host in-person and virtual events and manage an online system enabling employers to manage a profile, post full-time positions and internships, promote information sessions, and more.
We encourage you to explore the resources below and contact us for assistance.
Iowa State University accepts postings for professional internships and full-time positions for current students, recent graduates, and experienced alumni via CyHire. This ensures all qualified students have access to information about employment opportunities and allows employers to manage an organization profile, schedule information sessions, create interview schedules, and register for ISU career fairs. The service is free; however, registration is required for first-time users.
Part-time positions, volunteer opportunities, and freelance/short-term projects in or near Ames should be posted on Iowa State’s Student Job Board.
Design Career Services hosts two large events each year, Design Conversations and Connections and the Design Career Fair (see below). Participation all ISU recruiting events requires registration through CyHire, Iowa State’s online career management system. For help creating an account, registering for an event, or general questions, contact Design Career Services.
To provide the highest level of professional and ethical service to our students, alumni, employers, employer contacts, and other constituents, Iowa State University requires all representatives of employers that recruit at ISU to abide by the following Professional Employment Practices Agreement. Please review these policies prior to engaging with student candidates.
Launched in October 2022, Design Conversations & Connections is a networking event to facilitate connections between students, employers, ISU resources, and professionals in an informal, fun environment. Students at all levels are encouraged to participate to explore career paths in design, learn tips for navigating the world of work, meet employers, discuss internships and full-time jobs, discover resources supporting their professional journey.
The event will be casual. We are hoping for participation from professionals representing all disciplines offered by the College of Design and students at all levels will be encouraged to participate.
In addition to promoting positions and internships (if applicable), participants should be willing to share perspectives or helpful information about types of careers in your field or other aspects of the world of work like networking, transitioning to a new position/location, etc. Positions and internships should be posted using CyHire.
Prior to the event, representatives are invited for brunch and conversations about studio environments, networking tips and opportunities, and advice for students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Conversations will be facilitated by the College of Design’s BUILD Learning Community and a link to sign up will be provided after event registration is confirmed.
Tables and spaces at this event will be smaller than at Iowa State career fairs (mostly 30′ cocktail tables). Table-top information is welcome but there won’t be space for large displays.
Registration will be managed via CyHire, Iowa State’s online career management system, and will open in late August. Access your account (or sign up, if a new user) by selecting the ’employer’ button.
Plan to attend the Iowa State Design Career Fair! Participants will meet talented students pursuing degrees and seeking professional opportunities in architecture, art and design, biological/pre-medical illustration, community and regional planning, graphic design, industrial design, integrated studio arts, interior design, interdisciplinary design, landscape architecture, sustainable environments, urban design, and more.
A typical schedule of the event includes:
Arrival and set up (8:30 a.m. -11:45 a.m.)
Optional BUILD Brunch (10:30 a.m. -11:45 a.m.)
Lunch available (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Career fair (12-5 p.m.)
Reception (5:15 p.m.)
Prior to the event, representatives are invited for brunch and conversations about studio environments, networking tips and opportunities, and advice for students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Conversations will be facilitated by the College of Design’s BUILD Learning Community and a link to sign up will be provided after event registration is confirmed.
Registration opens in December and will be managed via CyHire, Iowa State’s online career management system.
Access your account (or sign up, if a new user) by selecting the ’employer’ button at https://cyhire.iastate.edu/. Once logged in, select a fair from the list of events on the right side of the home screen. Be sure to confirm your registration and watch for emails after submission and confirmation.
Staying in Ames: see lodging and dining options through the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau
Directions and parking: Parking is hosted and available in an attached ramp. From parking ramp proceed to 2nd floor. The Durham Great Hall and several surrounding spaces will be used.
Materials may be shipped and will be transported to the ISU Memorial Union if they arrive prior to noon the day before the fair, are able to be lifted/moved by one person. Check registration confirmation for address and additional information. Iowa State and the College of Design are not responsible for missing or damaged items.
Participants are offered the opportunity to host on-campus interviews the day after the career fair. Registration is required, separate from the career fair registration, and managed via CyHire. Access your account (or sign up, if a new user) by selecting the ’employer’ button at https://cyhire.iastate.edu/. Once logged in, select the event from the list on the right side of the home screen. Be sure to confirm your registration and watch for emails after submission and confirmation.
