From Rejection to a Rare Career Hat-Trick: How Viveka Landed Her Dream Creative Role with Visa Sponsorship
Introduction
Finding a graduate role in a creative field is never straightforward — and for international students, the challenge can feel even steeper. Visa restrictions, competitive job markets, and unclear hiring paths often make success stories rare.
That’s why Viveka Goswami’s journey stands out. Against the odds, she not only landed one, but two graduate offers in her dream field. Creative writing in a corporate setting — and secured UK visa sponsorship along the way.
This is more than a career win. It’s a story of clarity, persistence, and resilience that every student chasing a less “traditional” career path should hear.
Watch the Interview
The Three Elements of Viveka’s Career Breakthrough
1. Clarity of Calling
From the start, Viveka knew exactly what she wanted, and why. She pursued a Master’s degree to refine her craft, built a strong writing portfolio, and tailored her applications towards roles that aligned with her passion.
Why it matters: Employers notice when you have a focused, well-aligned profile. For Viveka, her commitment made her stand out in a crowded field.
2. No Compromise
Viveka didn’t hedge her bets with backup options in unrelated industries. Instead, she went all-in on her chosen path. While this high-risk approach isn’t for everyone, it can be powerful if you have:
Proven skill
A compelling body of work
Evidence you can deliver value in the role
Her portfolio spoke for itself — and it resonated with employers.
3. Iterate, Don’t Ruminate
Rejections didn’t discourage her; they sharpened her strategy. Every application was an opportunity to improve. Instead of waiting for “luck” to change, she actively made success inevitable.
Key lesson: Feedback, even in the form of rejection, is fuel for growth when used effectively.
Why Her Story Matters for Creative Career Seekers
At Pagoda, we often work with students pursuing careers in finance, consulting, or professional services — industries with clear recruitment timelines and well-defined entry paths. Creative roles don’t usually have that same structure.
Viveka’s success proves that with clarity, persistence, and strategic positioning, it’s possible to break into competitive creative fields while securing long-term career stability, even as an international graduate.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re aiming for a corporate role or a creative one, Viveka’s journey is a reminder: persistence pays, clarity wins, and every rejection can be a step toward your breakthrough.
Want to carve out your own success story?
Pagoda helps students and graduates turn ambition into career success. From personal branding to application strategy, we guide you every step of the way.
