News Summary
Palashi Singhal, an international graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, faced a tough job market after her job offer was rescinded following graduation. Despite initial setbacks, including high unemployment rates among recent grads, she diligently pursued opportunities and secured a fulfilling position as a research analyst. Her journey underscores the importance of networking and adaptability for graduates entering a competitive workforce.
Philadelphia, PA – Palashi Singhal, an international graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, has successfully navigated a challenging job market after experiencing the rescission of her job offer just days after graduation. Singhal earned her master’s degree in behavioral and decision sciences on May 20, 2024, with hopes of starting her new career immediately.
Initially, Singhal had anticipated beginning her role as a behavioral sales and customer support specialist at a tech startup in June, which would help her maintain her status on an OPT visa. However, on May 24, she was informed via email that the job offer had been rescinded due to a reassessment of hiring needs at the startup. This unexpected development left her feeling disheartened, and with limited time to find a new job, she canceled a planned trip to visit relatives.
The urgency of her situation was exacerbated by the job market statistics; as of June 2024, 4.8% of recent college graduates aged 22 to 27 were unemployed, reflecting the competitive landscape she was entering. Singhal’s master’s program, which she started in August 2022 and completed in December 2023, also included a part-time paid internship at Marketing for Change from March to May 2024, which was coming to an end.
After receiving the initial job offer in April, Singhal had put her job search on hold, but she was now effectively starting over. She began a rigorous nine-month job search, applying to numerous positions starting in the summer of 2024. To improve her chances, she monitored job boards closely and implemented cold outreach strategies to connect with potential employers. Through LinkedIn, she reached out to current employees at companies where she had applied, which soon led to multiple interview opportunities.
In June 2024, she secured a contract position as a research analyst at a consumer goods company. Though this role was initially a three-month contract, it was extended multiple times, allowing her to maintain her work authorization through January 2025. As the contract neared its end, she began her search for a new job again, preparing for another transition.
Fortunately, a classmate connected her with the founder of Dolphin Digital, an adtech startup, where she successfully demonstrated her problem-solving abilities during the interview process. This connection resulted in a part-time position at Dolphin Digital in early February 2025, which quickly transitioned into a full-time role by the end of the month.
After nine months of uncertainty and job searching, Singhal was able to secure a fulfilling full-time position that aligns with her academic training and career goals. She expressed satisfaction with her new job, which allows her to develop professionally while applying her graduate studies effectively.
In light of her journey, Singhal offers advice to recent graduates, suggesting they remain open to part-time or contract roles as potential stepping stones to full-time opportunities. Her story serves as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and highlights the importance of networking and adaptability in navigating the job market.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
