New Career Ambassador Program Connects Soon-to-Be Graduates and Alums

In an effort to support graduates in these challenging economic times, the Weitzman School has launched a new Alumni Career Ambassador Program. The program is the latest offering from the School’s Office of Professional Development and Leadership, which also initiated a popular externship program for architecture students in 2018, and added landscape architecture students in 2019. The Office also partners with Penn Career Services and the Weitzman Alumni Association to offer a year-round series of workshops and portfolio reviews, weekly email updates and links to job postings, individual advising and resume reviews, and the annual Weitzman Career Fair, which last year included 80 employers.  

The Ambassadors Program connects current students to alums offering career advice and networking and job search guidance. Ambassadors, other alumni, and industry professionals will also participate in virtual networking panels and career-building discussions over the summer.

“I’ve been asked by many, in recent weeks, how they can help or get involved,” said Fritz Steiner, Dean of the Weitzman School, in an email to Weitzman alums last month. “At a time when social connections are more precious than ever, please consider joining this effort to support the next generation of design leaders.”

Already, the program has attracted over 160 Weitzman graduates representing the School’s various academic disciplines. Many hold CEO or senior leadership positions at their firm or agency, and count decades of professional experience. In addition to the United States and China, they reside in all corners of the globe, from Brazil and Costa Rica to France and Great Britain, India, and South Korea. In addition to architecture firms, they represent transit and housing agencies, municipalities and developers, parks and historic sites, and colleges and universities across the U.S.

To participate, interested alumni are asked to complete a short online survey or contact Kali Meeks, Associate Director for Professional Development and Leadership, at the Weitzman School.

In the meantime, alums who are hiring for full-time positions or summer internships are invited to post those opportunities on Handshake, Penn’s online job board, or share opportunities via the Weitzman Alumni LinkedIn Group. For assistance with posting an opportunity, the Hire Page provides detailed instructions for posting opportunities.