Harvard GSD Master in Design Studies
Yifan Shen | Harvard Graduate School of Design | Harbin Institute of Technology
听Yifan聊聊她如何连点成线找到自己的方向：Yifan’s PinUp Webinar
听Yifan聊聊她如何连点成线找到自己的方向：Yifan’s PinUp Webinar
As an exchange student
Being an exchange student three times during undergraduate study, Yifan sought to acquire better education and explore open-ended possibilities.
“To be honest, I was not that satisfied with courses in HIT, so I got exchanged several times. In HKU, I came across an impressive professor and got an internship in his firm. I joined astonishing projects and progressed rapidly.”
Culture, History and Art
Instead of designing new buildings, Yifan is more interested in rejuvenating old ones.
“Through my study and internship, I’ve gradually realized that as an architect, I’m afraid of shouldering responsibility for a new building. Instead, I appreciate exploring stories behind historical architectures. I’ve also attended art history courses, joined in projects of historical conservation. But I felt lost when planning my graduate school application. Thanks to in-maginative, I managed to connect my past experiences and got to know the Master in Design Studies Critical Conservation (MDes CC) program.”
Shoot at GSD
Yifan aimed at MDes CC in Harvard Graduate School Design (GSD), for the diversity and various opportunities it provides. She only chose three other programs to apply. Finally she got into GSD under the guidance of in-maginative.
“Personally, I only wanted to get in top programs, especially CC in GSD. But actually, I might have had a hesitation on whether to apply to Master of Architecture as well. Seth encouraged me to insist on CC and not to compromise. He would like to take the risk with me. And finally we made it.”
Application during internship
Yifan was working at an auction house while developing her portfolio. She had limited time and energy for both work and application. It was a tough period.
“I was busy with my internship and had to spare time for graduate school application. I can be passive from time to time. It was Seth who pushed me and always encouraged me when I was extremely anxious. He often provides positive feedback to me and guides me to think in a positive way. Also, his advice on portfolios is sharp and trustworthy.”
作为交换生
Yifan在本科学习期间有过三次交换经历，他总想获得更好的教育并探索无限的可能性。 “说实话，我对哈工大的课程设置并不满意，所以我申请了几次交换项目。 在香港大学，我遇到一位了不起的教授，并受邀在他的公司里实习。 我参与了非常优秀的项目，并在过程中快速成长。”
文化、历史与艺术
比起设计新建筑，Yifan对复原旧建筑更感兴趣。 “通过学习和实习，我逐渐意识到，作为一名建筑师，我害怕承担起设计新建筑的责任。 相反，我更喜欢探索历史建筑背后的故事。 我还参加了艺术史课程，参加了历史建筑保护项目。 但是当我进行研究生申请时，我却感到迷茫。 我很感谢Seth，他让我得以将自己过去的经验与申请相联系，并开始对MDes CC项目有了一些了解。”
以GSD为目标
Yifan的目标是为GSD的MDes CC项目，这个项目给学生提供多样的选择和各种机会。除此之外， 她只申请了三个项目。 最终，她在in-maginative的帮助下成功获得了了GSD的offer。 “就我个人而言，我只想进入顶级的项目，尤其是GSD的CC。 但是实际上我对是否同时申请MArch有所犹豫。Seth鼓励我坚持申请CC而不要妥协，他愿意和我一起冒险。 最后，我们做到了。 ”
边实习边申请
Yifan当时在一家拍卖行工作，同时进行作品集的设计，这导致她工作和申请的时间和精力都很有限，那是一段非常艰难的时期。 “我不得不在忙于实习的同时，抽出时间进行研究生申请，在这过程中有时会很被动，是Seth一直在督促我，在我极度焦虑的时候鼓励我。他经常给我提供一些积极的反馈，引导我以积极的方式进行思考。同时，他对作品集的建议是一针见血和值得信赖的。”