Graduates are employed in a wide range of design-related fields, from established design strategy consulting firms to architecture, engineering firms, tech startups, and entrepreneurial ventures. As students and graduates, they benefit from ongoing career support, enabling them to thrive as consultants, designers, entrepreneurs, researchers, builders, and engineers.
Career Services
Career Services offers comprehensive support to help master’s students find summer internships and jobs after graduation. Services include career advising, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, networking opportunities, job search resources, and access to career fairs, industry days and employer events. These resources are designed to enhance students’ job search strategies and connect them with potential employers.
Career Seminars & Job Search Club
The IPD Career Seminar Series (IPD 6990) invites professionals from various industries to share insights on product design. Topics change each semester in response to the current climate necessary to support IPD students. Past topics covered include summer internships, intercultural communication, career advising, stress management, interview strategies, resume tips, revenue model design, health equity co-creation, executive conversations, negotiation skills, no-code prototyping, and our annual NYC studio visits. This seminar provides master’s students with diverse perspectives and practical advice to enhance their career readiness and success.
The Engineering & Applied Science Professional Master’s Career Development course (EAS 8960) features workshops on career interests, interview strategies, and career fair prep, alongside research seminar talks by Penn faculty.
The IPD Virtual Job Search Club is designed to help students navigate the job market with confidence. In addition to weekly training sessions, alumni lead small group meetings where you’ll build practical skills, share progress with peers, and support one another in everything from uncovering opportunities to preparing for interviews and creating a standout online presence.
On-campus Employment
There are part-time hourly paid on-campus employment opportunities, including roles in the Venture Lab, IPD maker spaces, and various studios. Faculty may also hire students as graders and teaching assistants. The Office of Student Employment provides centralized listings and guidance on finding additional job opportunities across campus.
Internships
Internships are optional within our degree program, yet many students choose to pursue them during the summer between their first and second years. Recent internships have been secured at notable companies such as OXO, Walmart, McDonald’s, Verizon, Gulfstream, and others.
Post-Graduation
UPenn Career Services remains available to IPD alumni even after graduation and continue to assist with career advising, career resources, networking opportunities, and professional development support. Alumni continue to have access to the job search platforms, events and more.
IPD alumni retain access to the IPD Slack community after graduation, ensuring continued access to career channels and other valuable resources.
