Learn about upcoming events in arts, design, entertainment, and communications. These events will feature professionals from some of Buffalo’s most sought after companies who are looking to meet curious UB students like you!

Campus is bustling with students, staff, and faculty; our new electric bus just broke ground, there’s a line out the door for Starbucks, and at least three new students have asked me where to find Capen 201c (it’s one of the library classrooms), which can only mean one thing…

We’re finally ready to go for UB’s Fall 2026 semester, and here at the Career Design Center, we’re thrilled to welcome you back!

There are great benefits to career exploration while you’re still in school, whether you’re a freshman hearing about various pathways for the first time, or a senior with a pretty good idea just looking for the best way to enter your field. Here are some of this semester’s events that feature employers you won’t want to miss.

Advertising Agency Pitch Competition Kickoff: Wednesday, September 30, 5 – 6pm, Virtual.

The first of its kind, the Advertising Agency Pitch Competition is sponsored by the American Advertising Federation and will feature professionals from Buffalo’s top agencies and creative companies; Crowley Webb, New Era, Mr. Smith, Riveter Design, dPost, and more.

In the Kickoff, you’ll learn the basic rules of the competition. Attending employers will provide a series of prompts, productions, and objectives. It’s up to you, the future advertising professional, to build a campaign, product launch, advertisement, or brand deck that follows one of the employer’s real-world prompts. You’ll have three weeks to create and submit your project. Finalists will present in front of a panel of judges from each of the companies listed above.

The best way to land a creative role is to create work that you can proudly display in your portfolio and make personal connections with professionals at the companies you want to work with. This competition will help you feed two birds with one scone, so to speak.

Register now and learn more at the Kickoff!

Behind the Scenes: Buffalo Film + Television: Friday, October 1st, 5 – 7pm, In Person (location TBD).

Did you know about Buffalo’s thriving film, television, and commercial production scene? This is a great chance to learn more. Connect with local casting directors, filmmakers, actors, and theatre managers. Learn what it takes to break into the business. Whether you want to be in front of the camera or behind it, there’s a place for you in the industry here in Buffalo, and the attending employers are eager to meet you.

The Publishing Playbook: Tuesday, November 10th, 5 – 6:30pm, Virtual.

It can be difficult to land your first publication, and building a strong network is often the best way to get past the earlier barriers of entry, often called “slush piles” in the industry.

When you attend The Publishing Playbook, you’ll meet professionals from publishing houses, literary organizations, newspapers, and consulting firms who are either looking to hire new employees and freelancers or find new talent whose work they can publishing. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the publishing industry and make personal connections that could land you your first publication.

If you’re interested, make sure to register today so you don’t miss any announcements about these upcoming events. We can’t wait to see you there!