Advice from Your Peers
< Design

The following advice was offered by School of Design students on their career plans surveys shortly after their graduation. Next to each quote is the degree that the student recieved.

"My "strategy" had three parts-- 1. utilizing connections, (the job i took was at an office i was already familiar with but the position was made more available to me because of a recently graduated friend working there) 2. interviewing at a variety of office types, sizes, structures to explore what options were really out there. 3. participating in the career fair. While the job I took was not through the career fair, I was impressed by the options it made available to me-- I had at least contact with at least 5 offices because of it they mostly pursued me and really made me feel like I had some viable options (good for the nerves when job hunting!!!). also, the more interviewing you do, the better. and finally, when you do your portfolio/resume just START it early. You don't have to finish it early, but if you get a couple pages done, put them away for a few days, and then go back to them, print them out and look them over... it is a lot easier to have constructive criticism about it when you are more removed from it. ask your friends that have graduated recently for advice as well." (MLA)

"Don't be afraid to cold call firms or to ask questions such as suggestions of other firms that are hiring. Have your resume/design sheet ready before you start calling, as many people will ask you to email it to them after you speak to them.

The design community is a small and mobile group, and even if a particular firm is not hiring they may know of another firm that does need help. Don't automatically rule out firms that are seeking 'summer interns' only. A summer position may easily turn into a full-time position if you fit in well with the office and they are happy with your work (this is what happened in my current situation).

Also check out your alumni connections from your undergraduate school or people you know from Penn who graduated a year or two ago. TAs can be a good resource as they are typically recent Penn grads. These people can give you helpful advice on which firms are good to work for, what it's really like at a particular office, who's hiring, etc. DON'T RELY ON EMAIL SOLELY for your communication with firms. If you make the initial contact via email, ALWAYS follow up with a phone call a week later to see if your attachments were received. This often gives you a chance to speak to someone about the potential job or to ask questions about the firm. It will help set you apart from the pile of resumes and show interest in the job.

If you have alot of time, try stopping by a firm's office to drop off your resume/design sheet. This will give you a chance to see the office and to make visual contact with someone, which will also help set you apart. Even if you only see the receptionist, at least they'll pass along the message that you came by, which shows a strong interest in the job. Be sure to dress professionally in this case, as it may turn out to be an informal 'interview' or office tour in smaller firms." (M.Arch)

"I didn't think anything would come of submitting my resume [to the resume book], but as it turns out I got a great job that I'm thrilled with! If I hadn't participated, the firm would have never found me." (MCP)

"Start early, be persistent. Don't be too reliant on email and electronic communication. Send mail correspondence, make personal phone calls, send hard copies of your portfolios." (MCP)

"Go on informational interviews to learn more about specific companies you might be interested. Make use of resources--professors, family, and friends. They sometimes know people who may be able to assist you. Keep a positive attitude. Even if it takes a while to get that job you are looking for-- stay focused and keep going!" (MCP)

"My advice to current students is to use every resource possible in your job search. Also, that your starting salary is not an indication of what you will make in the near future. Do a good job and you may be given a big raise sooner than you expect." (M.Arch)

"Apply to everything you qualify for even if you think it is out of your reach." (MFA)

"Start early and don't sell yourself (or your skills) short!" (MCP)

"Early in my final year, i decided which cities I would want to live in. Later in the fall, i started researching which firms were doing interesting work in those cities, partly by looking at which firms had won AIA awards. Then, i narrowed down the firm list to those who matched the size i was looking for using the AIA 'architect finder' firm profiles. And then sent out letters, resumes and design sheets to the fimrs I was interested in." (M.Arch)

"The best advice I can offer is to keep up any and all contacts in one's field. Go to conferences and talk to others who do jobs that you would want. Take a summer internship, paid or not, that is in your field. Good networking can be a source of information, a source of job listings, and may be the element that tips the scales in your favor during the interview process." (MSHP)

"Network, network, network- use who you know to get a foot in the door. If you don't know anyone at a firm that you like, ask a question that gets a principal to respond to you. then you can start a dialog." (MLA)

"I used the various job listings available for my professional area. The Historic Preservation Department is especially good at sending out emails they receive looking for future employment or internships." (MSHP)

"ADVICE FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR CONSULTING POSITIONS: Look as early as the previous summer before graduation. Know the firms you want to target and start to research via websites and talking to professors/professionals. You'd be surprised how small specific fields can be. Find a professor who you can speak with about what you are looking for - most likely they will open a door you never thought of. Go to conferences, read trade magazines, and check out advertisements - many firms sponsor events and advertise so you will know who the players are. Contact alums! Most are more than willing to share advice. Seriously start applying in the beginning of second semester - prep over winter break." (MCP)

"Presidential Management Fellow - secured job in federal service through this program. Highly recommend this as a source for numerous opportunities regardless of field." (MCP)

"Don’t narrow your search category to specific areas or you will lose out on great opportunities." (MCP)

"Summer seems not to be a good time for looking for full-time jobs. Most popular firms are filled up by summer interns, especially in New York . But it is just a reminding. Don't give up. Full-time opening is still some where. Be patient. Many graduated students go back to firms where they did previous internships. So, to do internship at a year before graduation is very important, especially for people who haven’t worked before in their own disciplines." (M.Arch)

"The slightest lead can get you in at a firm. Just showing up is half the battle of getting a job. Working abroad is not hard and an incredible opportunity!" (M.Arch)