Alumni Profile – Yutian Song
- What have you been doing since you graduated from BU? Details about your current and past employment? Accomplishments you’re proud of? Challenges you’ve encountered?
After graduating from BU, I applied for various jobs and postgraduate fellowships. Currently, I hold a temporary position as a Curatorial Assistant in Chinese Art and Culture at the Peabody Essex Museum, focusing on Yin Yu Tang, the vernacular Chinese house. My main responsibility is to assist with research and the development of the new gallery for Yin Yu Tang. Although my MA paper at BU focused on British post-war architecture, I also engaged in translation and archival work related to Chinese pre-modern art during my previous studies in China. I believe these experiences, along with my architectural background, have led me to this position. Since I started just a week ago, I haven’t encountered any specific accomplishments or challenges yet. I hope this experience will help me explore future research interests in Chinese vernacular architecture and urbanism, as well as the potential for a career in a museum setting.
- How did your time in the department shape your professional and personal lives?
I had a wonderful time in BU AAH and met many kind and thoughtful people. The faculty’s diverse range of topics provided me with substantial inspiration, especially my two advisors. Professor Abramson, who is highly knowledgeable in his field, gave me detailed advice and support on writing scholarly papers. Additionally, Professor Alnajada’s class exposed me to topics, readings, and methodologies I had never encountered before, and she offered very insightful perspectives. They have both greatly influenced my academic career, even though it has been quite short so far.
- Any advice that you would’ve given to your younger self?
I would advise my younger self not to overthink and to be more brave in reaching out to advisors and building connections.