So, you have finished school, which is a commendable achievement in and of itself, but now it’s time to pursue a career. Your career in architecture after graduation is likely a blank page, and you know better than anyone how daunting a blank page can be. But the endless possibilities should also be invigorating! At Architecture Design Collaborative (ADC), we can help you build a career in architecture to exciting new heights post-graduation.
Since 2014, ADC has been a nationally ranked architecture and design company serving Southern California with innovative residential designs where people just like you have architected their dream careers. Here’s how to pursue a career in architecture after college.
Pursuing Architecture After Graduation
So you are ready to start your architecture career. But in the professional world, there is no roadmap for success like in school. From becoming a risk-taker to never stopping learning, here is how to pursue your dream career.
Become a Risk-Taker
Become comfortable with taking risks and pressing forward. Maybe you want to celebrate, and you deserve it after years of hard work.
Travel for a year. Experience the world. Gain knowledge of different cultures and architectural styles. You can even turn these plans into a stepping stone to enter architecture after graduation.
Maybe instead of traveling abroad, you can volunteer or work abroad to gain valuable experience designing and managing projects in different cultural contexts. Be proactive and seek out opportunities.
Tailor your resume to firms you want to work for and determine what kind of experience you need to gain. Getting this experience could require taking some risks. When you are ready to enter the industry, don’t rush into a job you don’t like.
Take your time and explore different options and fields. Step out of your comfort zone. There are so many fields of architecture. Make sure you work in the right one. Taking these risks and exploring different fields is your chance to build a network.
Become Self-Aware
Self-awareness is essential to finding the right path in architecture after graduation. Becoming self-aware could take some soul-searching. Be humble throughout this process.
The best advice we could give you is to leave your ego at the door because it will take a hit during this process. Still, simply stepping into a full-time position is a huge accomplishment. You may have been a titan at school, but you’ll be a rookie again.
Still, work to determine what you are good at and where you want to focus your time and energy. Ask yourself what you value you most. Find the field that makes you happy, allows you to use your strengths to the fullest, and keeps you content.
Focus on Experience and Knowledge
After graduating, focusing on experience and knowledge is crucial. Money will come later. Make a list of architects and designers you admire and try to work for them for free.
Maybe learning more will require an internship, and that’s a viable option to gain experience. Practical experience is key to success in this field. Get as much hands-on experience in designing and managing projects as you can. Seek out every opportunity.
Continue to build your portfolio, and have your portfolio always at the ready. Your portfolio will be just as important as your resume, if not more so. When applying make sure your portfolio showcases your best and most relevant work.
Set Goals and Define Objectives
Making long-term goals, defining objectives, and continuing to work toward them is crucial when pursuing architecture after graduation. We advise choosing a specific area of architecture and specializing in it.
Maybe that’s sustainable design or historic preservation. Striving to create a specialized skillset will help you stand out in a crowded job market and increase your earning potential.
Remember when you were soul-searching and honing self-awareness? That was important because you want to stay true to yourself when setting goals and defining objectives. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain – just have a plan in place.
Be very clear about what you want to accomplish, when you want to accomplish it, and what you want to get out of accomplishing these goals. Professional rewards are great, but your career should also be personally fulfilling.
Never Stop Learning
You may be done with school, but learning will never stop when pursuing architecture after graduation. Don’t neglect your inquisitive side because you have worked hard to build a solid foundation of knowledge. With the groundwork you have laid, the sky is the limit.
You can learn and master almost anything in an architecture career. Continue increasing your knowledge. Learning more will open you up to more possibilities and opportunities and give you the confidence you need to succeed.
“Remember that everything is a learning opportunity, and the best architects are constantly learning throughout this process. If you have a bad interview, that just teaches what to do differently and how to better prepare. At ADC, we have a culture of constant development, and love helping our junior architects blossom into the architects they want to become.” – Craig Chinn, President, ADC
The Final Step? Apply to ADC for a Fulfilling Career in Architecture After Graduation!
Are you interested in working at a firm where you can explore every field of architecture to find your passion? Do you want to work in an environment with other creative people who are passionate about innovative and interesting design work? Are you hungry for work that enables you to continuously learn and grow? Then ADC is the place for you!
