Job Search
These links and resources will help you get started on your job search.
You may also make an appointment by emailing Meryl Golden, Director at mgolden@gsd.harvard.edu.
International Students
International Students unfamiliar with the job search process in the U.S. should review the following handout for useful information for International Students Seeking employment in the U.S.
Research
As a GSD student, you will have access to many studios, resources and lectures, conferences, and events. If you see a project or firm you are interested in, do some research into that project/firm. Research can also involve networking through professional organizations, through professors, alumni, and through your classmates. Learn more about how to build a professional network.
Many GSD alumni are useful contacts for job seekers. Students will have access to a new Harvard wide "opt in" alumni database in the fall of 2005. Until then, you may email career@gsd.harvard.edu to learn more about contacting alumni.
Field specific research:
These pages offer more information for career research on specific fields:
Prepare your Job Search Tools
Resume: Your resume should be clear, concise, easily scanned. You should use“action oriented” sentences and specifically state specific skills and achievements.
- Read more about resumes
- See sample resume 1
- See sample resume 2
- See sample resume 3 (MUP)
- See sample resume 4 (MAUD)
- See sample resume 5 (MDesS)
- See a sample CV
Cover Letter: A cover letter introduces you to the firm/organization. Be sure to highlight aspects of your background that fit well with that particular employer.
Design Sheets: Demonstrate a selection of your best recent work. Send 2-4 sample pages along with your resume and cover letter to employers.
Contact firms/organizations and interview
Once you have a target list of contacts at firms you are interested in, write a cover letter specifically to your contact at that firm. (See field specific research for strategies on how to contact specific firms.)
Address a cover letter to a specific person in that firm/organization. Enclose your resume and design sheets with a cover letter. Follow up by phone or email to ensure that the materials have been received and ask when to follow up again to schedule an interview.
Firms and organizations often interview promising candidates throughout the year. Take advantage of these opportunities to make personal contact with people inside the firms and organizations you would most like to join.
Interviewing and Negotiating
To make the most of every interview opportunity, we encourage you to to review the following tips on how to prepare for interviews.
GSD students are encouraged to schedule an appointment for a mock interview or coaching session with Meryl Golden at mgolden@gsd.harvard.edu.
For assistance with negotiation strategy, review the following tips.
GSD students may also contact Meryl Golden at mgolden@gsd.harvard.edu to discuss questions or concerns.
Email us at career@gsd.harvard.edu