Joseph Lee

Hometown: Recently moved from NYC
Education Background: Undergraduate in Business & Finance

How did you get interested in your field?
I took a few classes in art, architecture, and real estate to explore my lifelong interest in architecture and urban design after rethinking the choices that led me to corporate America. Turns out, I’m curious about and desire to bridge the varied disciplines influencing the built environment.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
I worked in business consulting and in corporate for several years. I also had a 2-year stint where I worked as a cook at a restaurant, a production assistant on TV sets, and a consultant at a media startup.

Why did you choose Penn?
I primarily chose Penn for its multidisciplinary flexibility given my wide-ranging interests. PennPraxis and Housing Initiative, the certificates and interdisciplinary classes, and the possibilities of a changing program drew me in.

What has been your favorite class so far?
I’m surprised to find myself enjoying History and Theory. I’ve never been much of a non-fiction reader, but the class readings and lectures discuss interesting urban design ideas and issues that are potentially applicable to today’s contemporary cities. Fernando Lara is also a fantastic lecturer. 

What do you like best about Philadelphia?
I appreciate Philly’s human-scale neighborhoods and its proximity to major cities. I’m still getting used to how friendly people are here but I’m sure that will eventually be a highlight.

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
I work as a Graduate Assistant at Penn’s Financial Wellness organization where we provide financial education and resources for students around campus. I also go to sketch clubs in the city when I need a break from staring at Rhino.

What are your career ambitions?
I’m still in the process of understanding my varied interests and want to keep my doors open to fields like urban design, housing policy, game design, and more. The beauty of this program is that I have the privilege of resources and time to explore these interests.