You’ve probably thought that your architecture degree was going to be the hardest part of getting a career in architecture. In fact, it is once you graduate that you learn the difference between what school and work really is. Everyone is on their own path to finding a career for themselves but there are so many misconceptions about after graduating that I think you need to know.
Finding a work placement is an unpaid full-time job.
Well, it is a lot easier to say it through writing than it is to actually do. Architecture placements for Part 1 students are very competitive. Make the most of drafting, and redrafting then redrafting some more of you CV, Portfolio and cover letter style to make sure that everything is up to date and the best reflection of your personality and abilities. This may mean that you take time out to rework your portfolio or seek feedback from your peers, tutors and individuals in platforms like The Architecture Social to elevate things to a higher standard. This isn’t to say that you should spend too long on this as opportunities for positions are starting to open as older candidates have left to continue part 2 studies in most cases so companies are in need of part1s. You have to find a middle ground of having just your best work enough to show your skills without hindering your chances of getting a role. The reality is that there is no exact time frame for this, some find work within 6 months and for others, this may take longer, there is no perfect or expectation you should put on this process, just that you need to be moving
You need to be your own supporter, not just your own worst critic.
So yes, you are still figuring out how to make any of your portfolios look good but makes sense just know that employers know you are new to all of this. You want to woow them but you don’t want to know everything that isn’t the point of working for them, you are there to learn. Too many times you will criticise and compare yourself to the point in which you no longer feel like your ready or the role isn’t right for you before you have even applied. Well, apply anyway. This isn’t to say apply to roles that are not within your skill set range, just know that each company is different as long as you show that you are willing to learn more than anything else, that shouldn’t stop you from taking the opportunity especially when the company is one you are interested in. There is no guarantee to whether you’ll get an interview or not but it’s worth a try and you’ll learn something about yourself in the process.
Networking is really important, not just in person but you being a person.
People buy into people so get to know people and not in a creepy I need something from you kind of way. Connect with individuals that you enjoy the work of or that you share similar interests with, you’ll be surprised and how human they are. This doesn’t mean that you have to network with people because you want a job. You’ve got to stop thinking like that because not only does it make me feel uncomfortable but it feels insensitive. Besides connecting with someone who shares a similar interest in work or expertise in something you like is actually fun. Being able to talk about and engage in discussions about matters that you have knowledge about or are learning about is a great way to broaden your perspectives. Not every connection you will make will bear fruit of an interview or a job but it sure is nice to have someone you could go to that can give you an experienced, honest or varied perspective on a struggle you are having, whether academic or not. Building a network is far more important and possible when you are in a social environment, you should take the opportunity of extracurricular events and talks - especially now that they are more accessible than ever for everyone to attend them and engage with online. Anyone who is on social media will tell you engagement drives traffic but this kind is the kind of traffic is to understanding the world around you and the thoughts of others that simply makes the world go round. If we limit our beliefs and ideas to things that we already know about, are you really making the most of the information that is out there? People are your greatest resource because people understand people and more importantly, a once struggling architecture student will definitely understand a currently struggling architecture student better than anyone ever will. When you build a network of connections it feels like you are back in the studio where you were only an arms reach away from asking a friend for help except this friend has loads of experience or willingness to figure it out with you because you were going to both learn from this. And with platforms like Instagram, The Architectural Social and LinkedIn you can connect with individuals in the same field and help each other out by supporting the work they do and engaging with what matters to them and yourselves in a playful but also professional manner. You don’t have to be an extrovert to do it, just the confidence in yourself that what you have to say is valuable to talk about because you matter just as much as your ideas do.
Do what you love even if it has nothing to do with architecture.
If you haven’t already noticed I’m a big advocate for being creative in a way that feels right to you but in a way that excites you. During your studies, you don’t always have the time to sit down and read a book or write, paint, draw to relax, I get it, so now you shouldn’t feel guilty in doing them anymore. Go hard or go home, really work on your passions, explore digital illustrating, building a website or making videos whatever skill you like because it won’t feel like you are working. You are more likely to learn when you enjoy it, to begin with, so you should invest your time in doing a hobby or working on a skill that you’ve felt nostalgic or has been sitting on your mind for a while. Your CV will thank you for it but most importantly it will nourish you mentally. There is nothing more fulfilling than doodling because you want to and it brings you joy. And if you don’t love anything in particular now is the time to explore things you like to do. Your mental health will struggle in the long run if you don’t pause every once in a while to do what you love. It is soul food and it’s very filling. One way to look at it is that is rest, and when you take rest you give yourself the room to work on being a human and to develop soft skills that everyone needs whether they want to build connections and become employable.
There is nothing wrong with working other jobs.
It is a privilege to have the ability to financially dependent on others, whoever they are so it is a reality that we should accept more. Even though I believe you should focus on finding work in your industry there is nothing wrong with finding a job that has no other purpose but to help you live. There are expenses that come with finding work and that differs for everyone. Each circumstance is different so this may not be something you need to be doing, but it sure helps to have an income to continually build people skills with. Jobs in any sector is character building and will allow you to build skills too, we often neglect how little people skills we have when we don’t work in a setting where it is natural to develop them. These jobs look different for everyone and will vary tremendously on what experience you do have and what you want to be doing. Just remember that if your goal is to get a full-time job as an architectural assistant, then it should be your priority, otherwise your job search will be more challenging than it needs to be. There are various roles within the built environment too, so don’t assume that you should just apply to one specific role, diversify your search and interests so that they align with work you have done in the past whether for projects at uni or elsewhere. You never know, perhaps the role that is for you will be in fields like urban design and interior design, don’t limit yourself to what role you apply for you especially if you haven’t got an interest in a specific job learning in practice whether it is in the role you imagined or in a completely different role will build a real-world experience that aligns with your interests when you are open to learning.
I hope you find these points helpful to reflect on your experiences as a student or recent graduate wherever you are on your journey in architecture. Whether you are going back to school or finding work there are so many things you can do to better ease your way into the world of work. It isn’t easy by no means but it is part of the process of learning that you embark on when pursuing a career in the built environment.