The goal of this project is to prepare MFA graduate students in the Professional Practices "Exit Seminar" (ArtDes 800) for professional careers in art or design after graduation. In order to survive as an artist or designer in today's competitive climate, students must learn how to professionally present themselves and their work to procure exhibition opportunities or financial support. While students are somewhat aware of opportunities that exist for creative production outside of the university, they lack direct experience with the process of developing proposals, applying for commissions or grants, approaching galleries or companies, and meeting with curators, to name a few. This class (and project) provides a bridge between graduate students' academic coursework and their professional lives, better enabling them to sustain their creative practice after leaving the University setting. Julie Lazar, an independent curator with decades of experience programming contemporary art (previously at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles) and director of a small arts consulting and production firm, (ICANetwork.org), will spend an entire day with the students, give a presentation on her curatorial practice to the seminar, lead a group discussion and meet students individually to provide critical feedback on their art/design work and written proposals (for jobs, exhibitions, public art, etc.). As a professional in the art world, she will provide a valuable perspective and up-to-date information that will better equip our students for life after the MFA program.