New York-based Dhruv Loya recently shared his professional success story on LinkedIn, marking the end of a long and challenging job search. “I finally got a job!” he announced, updating his profile with his new role as a Powerwall Technical Support Specialist at Tesla. Loya’s journey involved overcoming many obstacles, despite his strong academic background, internships, and active involvement in extracurricular activities. His search for a job extended over five difficult months, during which he not only struggled professionally but faced personal challenges in the U.S. as well.
Challenges of Life as an International Job Seeker
Loya recounted his hardships, which included losing his apartment lease and health insurance. As an international student, the ticking clock of his visa status added extra pressure. Without stable housing, he moved between friends’ apartments and lived on air mattresses, saving every dollar. Now, he’s using his story to connect with others in similar situations, empathizing with the difficulties that international job seekers face. “I know the job market is very tough, especially for international students,” he wrote, aiming to offer support to those navigating the uncertainties of unemployment.
Dhruv’s Advice for Navigating the Job Search Process
During his journey, Loya developed some tips for job seekers. His unique approach to job hunting included treating it like a “9-5 job” but ensuring evenings and weekends were reserved for relaxation. “Treat applying to jobs as your 9-5, but make time to unwind,” he advised. His advice reflects a balanced approach to a stressful process, emphasizing the importance of self-care amid the job search.
Tools That Helped Him Secure Interviews
Loya also shared the tools that aided his search, including LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake, and Jobright.ai for job applications, while using Hunter.io for cold emailing. He also relied on ChatGPT+ to refine his resume and cover letters. His encouraging message to other job seekers? “Stay positive, keep manifesting, and believe that things will fall into place!”
Building Experience Before Tesla
Loya’s resume showcases a variety of internships that bolstered his experience. Before Tesla, he worked as a Product Engineer intern at CoreHaptics, a research assistant and senior IT technician at the University at Buffalo, and a Quality Assurance intern at Boehringer Ingelheim. He graduated from the University at Buffalo’s School of Engineering and Applied Science with a GPA of 3.4, where he also participated in rowing and won a dance competition at the International Fiesta event.
Reflecting on Past Internships
In an earlier LinkedIn post, Loya shared his impactful experience as a Commercial Quality Intern at Boehringer Ingelheim. During his three-month role, he collaborated with the Commercial Quality team, managed technical product complaints, and even automated data reporting processes through Microsoft Power BI. His summer internship in Atlanta was a valuable learning period filled with professional growth, team networking, and personal milestones, including his first baseball game.
Through his YouTube channel and social media, Loya documents his journey as an international student and now as a young professional in New York, hoping to inspire others through his achievements and the challenges he overcame along the way.
