The Creative Economy Career and Business Launch Pad
Thrive in today’s gig economy
Careers in the creative industries are dynamic and fluid, moving across disciplines, sectors, and local and global economies. The Creative Economy Career and Business Launch Pad is designed to equip individuals, groups and organizations of all kinds with tools and support needed to thrive in today’s fast paced gig economy.
The Launch Pad is a hub for cross-sector learning that is technologically empowered, global and inclusive, with both in person and online service including:
Test ideas, develop business models and access pitch competitions and mentorship.
The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute offers self-guided learning, collaboration spaces, and mentorship opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members interested in entrepreneurship, including introductory courses such as What Is Creative Entrepreneurship?
For students interested in a degree-based pathway, the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts offers a graduate program that integrates entrepreneurship with creative practice: the MS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This STEM-certified, one-year program brings together engineering, business, and design to prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs.
Workshops and resources supporting emerging technologies, business practice, and grants and fundraising.
ASU Career Services offers free courses and workshops in the following areas:
- Technical and specialized skills
- Professional and workplace skills
- Networking and professional branding
- Job application and search strategy
Explore ASU Career Services courses.
ASU Learning Enterprise Career Catalyst offers paid, non-credit courses designed for working professionals to build in-demand, industry-aligned skills. Created by ASU faculty and industry experts, these flexible programs emphasize real-world application and prepare learners to advance their careers through certificates and digital badges.
Explore Career Catalyst programs.
Gig + Freelance Work Essentials is a curriculum for ASU faculty and staff that prepares students for gig and freelance work in an evolving workforce. It offers modular, ready-to-use resources that can be integrated into courses and accessed by enrolled students outside of coursework to build skills needed for creative and non-traditional career paths.
Financial literacy, legal advice, marketing, new technologies and branding support.
Professional services and expert advising resources will be added as they become available.
Building a network of community, alumni, faculty and industry mentors who can offer guidance and open doors.
The ASU Alumni Association connects graduates with a global network of alumni through events, programs, and online communities that support ongoing professional and personal engagement.
Explore ASU Alumni Association resources.
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts alumni resources support continued connection to the Herberger community through alumni programming, events, networking opportunities, and engagement with faculty and industry partners.
Explore Herberger Institute alumni resources.
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts events provide opportunities for community members, alumni, students, and creatives to connect with the Institute through talks, exhibitions, workshops and gatherings.
Appointments focused on creative career paths and opportunities.
Individualized career advising provides one-on-one guidance focused on navigating creative career paths and opportunities. This service is currently available to ASU students and alumni through Creative Career Services.
Information and advising about internship opportunities for students and employers.
Internships provide hands-on experience that connects academic learning with professional practice. Resources are available for both students seeking internship opportunities and employers interested in hosting interns.
For students: Resources support finding internship opportunities, preparing for the experience, registering internships for academic credit when applicable, and more.
Explore internship resources and general internship FAQs.
For employers: Resources outline how to host internships with Herberger Institute students, including internship requirements, supervision expectations, compensation guidance, and academic credit considerations.
Explore employer internship resources and guidelines:
Event coordination, job opportunities and connection facilitation between employers and students.
The Herberger Institute partners with employers and industry professionals to create meaningful connections between students, alumni, and organizations. Engagement opportunities range from recruiting and project-based work to mentorship and event participation.
Creative Career Services works directly with employers interested in engaging with Herberger Institute students and alumni. Opportunities include posting jobs, internships, and gig or project-based work, participating in events, and supporting mentorship initiatives.
Explore Herberger Institute employer and industry partner opportunities.
ASU Career Resources provides centralized guidance on recruiting policies, internship development, hiring international students, and using Handshake to connect with ASU talent.