Preparing for the Job Market: Practicing Your Interviewing and Networking Skills with the Board of PennDesign Overseers

Please join us for this unique opportunity to practice your interviewing skills in front of top executives who are members of PennDesign’s Board of Overseers. Representatives of the Board of Overseers have numerous connections with industry professionals and PennDesign Alumni. Please see the list of participating Overseers below. During this event, you will meet one-on-one with high level executives in 15-minute sessions. In the first five minutes you will need to present your “story” or your “elevator pitch” explaining who you are, what distinguishes you from others, and your career aspirations. The Overseers will then give you feedback on your pitch and resume and answer questions. 

This event is open to all PennDesign students! Please bring your resume! We recommend you use the attached resume format, which will assist the Overseers in quickly reviewing your skills and experiences. Additional tips for writing a good resume can be found here on the Penn Career Services website. Also, make sure to dress professionally (no jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, etc.)! You will be asked your time preference through the registration link. Kali Meeks will send you an email if your preferred time slot is full. Three lucky students who attend this event will be entered in a raffle to win a $100 gift card to the Penn Bookstore!

Participating PennDesign Overseers:

Robin Beckett (MCP’75)

Former Executive at Citicorp in New York and Asia. Ms. Beckett served on the boards of the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, the New Canaan Preservation Alliance Inc which she co-founded, and was appointed a Commissioner to the Historic District, New Canaan, CT.

Mark Gardner (MArch’00)

Partner at Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects in New York City. Mr. Gardner is the Director of the Graduate Program in Architecture and Assistant Professor of Architectural Practice and Society at the School of the Constructed Environments, Parsons The New School. He previously taught at PennDesign from 2007-2012.

Mason Haupt (W’77)

Former Portfolio Manager for Soros Fund Management. Mr. Haupt has served as Penn’s Alumni Secondary School Committee Chair for Manhattan and the Bronx non-magnet public schools for the past fifteen years. He has significant interest in Architecture and Design and Public School education policy.

Richard Linhart (W’83)

Executive Director of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2009, Richard was president of Opus Capital, LLC, an investment firm focused on private equity investing in media companies and on public market investments. 

Bonnie Sellers­­­ (CW’73)

Former CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate. Ms. Sellers is on the board of Hovnanian Enterprises (NYSE: HOV), one of the nation’s largest home builders, and is a member of the Planning Board and the Environmental Commission for the Borough of Bernardsville, New Jersey.

Amrita Sen (W’92)

Owner of Vault Agency. Amrita Sen is a well-known artist, designer and Bollywood singer-songwriter. She brings her abilities in music, fashion and art together in her Amrita Sen line of products. Prior to launching these products, Amrita worked as a licensing agent for major artists and brands, record executive and, at the start of her career, in investment banking.

Bill Witte (C’73, MCP’75)

Chairman & CEO of Related California, one of the largest developers of urban and multifamily

housing in the state, overseeing both the affordable and market rate divisions. Prior to founding Related California in 1989, Mr. Witte served as Deputy Mayor for Housing and Neighborhoods under Mayor Art Agnos where he oversaw all housing, development and redevelopment activities for the City of San Francisco. 

Meyerson Hall, 210 South 34th Street, Lower Gallery