The University of Utah Asia Campus Career & Internship Development Center (CIDC) welcomed David J. Robbins (https://www.instagram.com/daveyscakes/?hl=ko) for a special career talk session titled “Build Your Own Stage: Crafting a Unique Career.” The event offered students a firsthand look into David’s personal and professional journey—from teaching English in Korea to becoming a renowned content creator, actor, and presenter.

With an engaging and relatable presence, David emphasized the importance of self-discovery, personal branding, and resilience when navigating an unconventional career path, particularly in a foreign country. He spoke candidly about the challenges he faced when first arriving in Korea and how he gradually leveraged his creative strengths and language skills to build a successful and meaningful career in the Korean entertainment and media landscape.

Students learned practical strategies on how to stand out in competitive industries by authentically promoting their passions and skillsets. David also highlighted how platforms like YouTube and Instagram played a critical role in expanding his audience and creating new professional opportunities—encouraging attendees to view social media as a tool for storytelling and networking.

Throughout the session, students were inspired by David’s message of taking ownership of one’s path: “If there’s no stage for you, build your own.” His story resonated deeply with aspiring creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone considering a career beyond traditional boundaries.

The interactive Q&A portion allowed students to ask thoughtful questions about content creation, working in a cross-cultural environment, and how to stay motivated when forging new paths. Many attendees left the session energized with new ideas and confidence in their ability to design their own futures.

Thank you to David J. Robbins for sharing his time, experience, and insight—and to all the students who joined us to explore what it means to build your own stage.