Dhruv Loya, an Indian-origin engineer, recently achieved a significant career milestone by securing a job at Tesla after an incredibly challenging and prolonged job hunt. His journey was anything but easy, as Loya applied to over 300 positions and sent more than 500 emails before finally landing a role at the renowned electric vehicle company. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Loya shared the emotional and financial toll that his job search took on him, shedding light on the obstacles he faced as an international student in the United States.
Loya’s story underscores the hardships of navigating a job market as an international student, with additional stress stemming from strict visa regulations. Despite having a strong academic background, including a high GPA and three internships, Loya struggled to secure employment. In his post, he revealed how the uncertainty of unemployment, paired with the looming threat of losing his visa status, compounded the difficulties he faced. As his job search stretched on, he lost his lease, his health insurance, and was forced to move in with friends, sleeping on air mattresses while trying to save money to survive.
"Despite having three internships, a good GPA, and active extracurriculars, I never imagined I would be in a position where I’d be unemployed for five months. I lost my lease, my health insurance, and constantly felt the ticking clock of my visa status, knowing I could be forced to leave the US at any moment," Loya wrote, reflecting on his struggles during those tough months.
In the face of these overwhelming challenges, Loya remained committed to his goal. He treated his job search like a full-time job, making use of platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake to find opportunities. He also employed tools such as Hunter.io to connect with potential employers and ChatGPT to fine-tune his resumes and cover letters, hoping to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. His persistence eventually paid off when Tesla offered him a position as a Technical Support Specialist.
“For months, I moved between friends’ apartments, slept on air mattresses, and saved every dollar I could to get by. I’m thrilled to share that it was all worth it — I’ve secured a full-time position at Tesla,” Loya announced with excitement in his post.
In his message to others facing similar challenges, Loya emphasized the power of persistence and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout the job search process. He acknowledged that even with strong academic credentials and internships, success did not come easily. He encouraged others to take breaks when needed and prioritize their mental well-being during tough times. "Even with a solid academic background and internships, I never imagined I’d be unemployed for five months," Loya shared, offering hope to those still struggling in their job search.
Loya’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the importance of keeping faith in the face of adversity. His success serves as an inspiring reminder that while the road to achieving career goals may be filled with challenges, persistence and a positive outlook can eventually lead to breakthrough opportunities.
