The Silent Loud Anxiety of Job Hunting as a student
A nervous tension is involved in searching for a job when one is a student : a combination of hope and uncertainty, confidence and creeping imposter syndrome. All your years at school honing your sensitivities in terms of design, studying urban theory, and getting down technical skills, and then out in reality, in which recruitment rounds are a cipher, companies a will-o'-the-wisp, and job postings a poor reflection of one's actual capabilities.
The search is exhausting. It begins with combing through job boards, firm websites, and LinkedIn posts, attempting to decode what companies actually seek out. "Are they actually looking for five years' worth of experience, or is that a new grad deterrent?" "Will they even consider international candidates?" "Is my portfolio strong enough?" These are the questions trailing each post.
And then comes the application stage—a blur of customizing resumes, perfecting cover letters, and curating portfolio collections. Not a matter of simply presenting experience, but a matter of narrative, too. Every file name a source of tension ("Must I include my name in the title of the PDF?"). Every message to a recruitment manager a shot in the dark.
The waiting is agony. Applications go down a black hole, unanswered. When a message comes, it's a mixed bag. An invitation for an interview brings joy, but rejection messages, particularly ones beginning with "we were impressed with your qualifications, but…," hurt, no matter your best efforts at disengagement.
Networking is another battle. You hear it over and over again: "It’s all about who you know." But networking as a young urban designer is a skill in itself. Reaching out to professionals, attending events, and following up without feeling like you’re imposing is a delicate balance. And when conversations fizzle out with no leads, you wonder if you’re doing it right.
Beyond the mechanics of job searching, there’s the emotional toll. It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating job success with self-worth. Rejections begin to feel personal. The pressure of financial independence looms large. The question of “what if I don’t find a job?” is ever-present.
But amidst the stress, there are moments of resilience. A mentor replies with encouragement. A portfolio review offers constructive feedback that reignites your confidence. An interview—finally—clicks. The process is slow, often disheartening, but it’s also a lesson in perseverance.
Here are a few things I do to keep myself sane :
Document Everything: Create a personal log to track applications, responses, and follow-ups. Use a spreadsheet or even a journal—it’s not just about organization, but also about reflecting on your progress. Sometimes seeing the effort laid out can be reassuring.
Here is a custom job tracker that I began with (found this on reddit), it helped streamline my progress : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14FENWc5dkk-S8nJbzYI7Yp2_EzjtLqLaPCjT92MSwsA/edit?usp=sharing
Reach Out Intentionally: Instead of cold messaging dozens of professionals, focus on a handful whose work you genuinely admire. Write personalized messages, referencing their projects or articles, and ask for advice or portfolio feedback rather than directly asking for a job. This approach often leads to more meaningful connections. As an Urban Design grad, here are some messages I use :
I recently came across your work on [specific project, article, or talk] and was really inspired by how you [mention something specific—approached a design challenge, integrated community engagement, etc.]. As an early-career urban designer navigating the job search, I’d love to hear your perspective on breaking into the field.
If you’re open to it, I’d really appreciate a quick chat or even just some advice on [specific topic, e.g., portfolios, job applications, navigating firm cultures]. I understand you’re busy, so no pressure—any insights would mean a lot!
I came across your profile while looking into [firm/organization] and noticed we both [share a connection—same school, mutual acquaintance, similar interests]. I recently graduated with a Master’s in Urban Design from CMU and am exploring job opportunities in [specific focus area].
Since you’ve been through this journey, I’d love to hear about your experience at [firm] and any advice you might have on transitioning from school to practice. If you’re open to it, I’d greatly appreciate a quick chat or email exchange.
Thanks in advance, and I hope to connect soon!
I hope you’re doing well! I’m currently in the midst of my job search as an urban designer and am refining my portfolio. Given your expertise in [specific area—urban placemaking, master planning, public space design, etc.], I’d really appreciate your perspective.
If you have a few minutes, I’d love to hear any thoughts on how I can make my work stronger for job applications. No worries if you’re busy—I completely understand! Either way, I really admire your work and hope to stay in touch.
Look Beyond Job Boards: Most employers don't post jobs publicly. Study companies whose work most inspires your passions and submit them a portfolio sample that reflects their ideology, even when no opening is posted.
Organize Portfolio Feedback Sessions: Get a group of peers or fellow new professionals in your field and swap feedback about portfolios and resumes. Not only will these sessions give useful critique, but practicing presenting your work will serve your interviewing skills well.
Also I think portfolios are super tricky, especially when it comes to uploading files as small as 5mb. Making all your work look so blurry and incoherent, this sometimes makes us feel less accomplished. But fear not, all those who submit come in with such issues and you do get a more detailed opportunity to explain your work when you progress. (Having a website helps)
Build a Community: Turn to fellow students, alums, and even urban design forums online. Sharing your frustrations and triumphs with one another can make feelings of isolation less painful and introduce new ideas. I think being honest about the anxiety really helps, we all go through this at some point!
Be Yourself: Ask yourself who inspires your work and in whom your talent bests serve. Customize your applications for jobs best answering your questions. Honesty in your message tends to resonate louder than checking off all requirements for a job.
That's all folks! Hang in there, we all have a place in this world, you got this!
For more such rants and confessions check out the rest of the blog : https://quirkyaverage.wixsite.com/website/
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