A Special Lecture for International Students at UPenn: The Truth About Job Hunting

Two month ago, I had the privilege of delivering an incredibly meaningful lecture—a virtual session with international students from UPenn on the truth about job hunting.

You can watch the full lecture here: Watch Here

One of the students, Kali, asked me, "Where should I send the speaker fee?" I told her there was no need. For me, this lecture wasn't about work or business; it was about giving back.

Years ago, I was a student who grew with the help of UPenn's resources; today, I am someone who can provide resources for its students. That, to me, is the best payment I could receive.

Before the lecture, several students asked me questions like:

• "Is it impossible to get a job without US internship experience?"
• "My portfolio isn’t perfect, what should I do to improve?"
• "We only have one year, no time for internships—will it be harder to land an offer?"

Hearing these questions, I couldn’t help but think of my journey. I graduated during the peak of the pandemic, with no job prospects. I sent hundreds of applications, only to face rejection after rejection, feeling lost and defeated.

The challenges faced by these students were not unlike the ones many of us encounter during our job search. However, even in such a tough environment, some strategies can help overcome these obstacles. During the lecture, three key approaches were shared:

1. Multiple Portfolios: Creating distinct portfolios tailored to different areas, such as interior design, architecture, and urban design, can significantly expand job opportunities.
2. Networking: Actively reaching out to alumni and connecting on platforms like LinkedIn to seek advice and recommendations can open doors to valuable opportunities.
3. Interview Practice: Regular mock interviews help refine communication skills and build the confidence needed to present one's true potential in every interview.

This lecture was one of the most important moments of my career. Going from someone who relied on UPenn’s resources to someone who could offer those resources in return was a major turning point for me.

After the lecture, I received a message from one of the students: "Thank you, Senior Krystin. Suddenly, I'm not as scared of the future anymore."

That message meant so much to me because it reflected exactly what I wished for when struggling with job uncertainty: not to feel so afraid anymore.

I’m Krystin, your Offer Collector. If you’re feeling lost in your job search or have any architecture job-related questions, feel free to leave a comment or message me directly. I’m here to help.