Putting Pen to Paper
The first of my blogs, all about the life of a trainee architect making his way in the world! This week I focus on the personal struggles graduates face when preparing their portfolios and applying for their first Architectural Assistant job.
So here it is then. The first post. I've wanted to begin writing this for a while, as a way to inform others in similar positions to myself what it can be like when you leave the shelter of architecture school and decide to pursue it as a profession.
This first post may seem like it contains a lot of my own personal feelings on what finding that first big job is like, but I know that I'm not alone in this situation. I do apologise for the dreary start to this blog, I do promise that it won't stay this way!
However I've found that many find this time in their lives stressful and confusing and thought it may be useful to share what I have learned to try to benefit others in the future. However enthusiastic someone may be about architecture, it is about real world application of your skills and a willingness to push yourself into something that sometimes feels so close yet can be so hard to reach.
I graduated in July 2019 from the Kent School of Architecture and didn't begin the process of finding a job straight away, nor had I done a huge of research about it in my final term at University. In hindsight, this was probably slightly naïve, and perhaps a reflection of my optimism that making the next step would be as simple as transitioning from college to University had been. In reality however you find yourself having to navigate your way predominantly flying solo, with the odd progress check via social media to see how your course mates are getting on in their lives. There is no UCAS to help you narrow it down to 5 options, no University accommodation offering a guaranteed room for a year while you find your feet and the realisation that you have to do it all on your own can be challenging for some. Regularly checking RIBA jobs and online sites like Indeed etc make the process a little more straightforward but it is still daunting if a graduate is hesitant to take the plunge by themselves. Nobody finds it easy, but some do find it easier than others. Some have already got jobs offered before they have finished their course and some have guaranteed positions at companies they have perhaps done internships or voluntary work for.
The rest of the bunch then find themselves in a process of scouring the internet, seeing what jobs are available, checking the locations and whether or not they'd have to move to make it possible, compiling portfolio's of their best work, sending out CV's and writing endless cover letters. It is a very stressful time, with pressure from parents and peers, as well as internal personal expectation; all combined with the desire to succeed that often makes a small proportion of graduates feel low.
Of those that are searching when they leave University, it is important to consider that some people are just more confident and self-assured than others, which of course puts them in an advantageous position when applying. They will apply more regularly, sound more confident in their written correspondence and be more employable at interview. But consider the reality that there are always two sides to that spectrum, with some students feeling unsure about what to do and how to go about the process after they leave University. Don't be afraid if this is you, don't worry about what others are doing, just try and do what is best for yourself. I am also supportive of the opinion that some people are just worn out from architecture school and need a short break rest. There is no shame in doing that.
There is increasing evidence supporting the theories surrounding mental health in Architecture schools, with numerous RIBA articles and other large design publishers researching how long working hours leads to burnout and over long periods of time, stress anxiety and depression. This inevitably leads to periods of time where students have to pause for various lengths of time and take care of themselves, in a world where increasing awareness of mental health is encouraging people to seek treatment. I'm sure I experienced burnout to some degree too, the long working hours I'd put myself through in April, May and June for my finals taking their toll through mid-summer which is the best time to start applying for graduate jobs that start in September. I have included some of these aforementioned articles at the bottom of the post for those who want to read more about it.
For those then that don't feel quite ready to go again as soon as they leave there is a much longer and slower application phase that requires much more patience. Design students have often taken on the Part 1 graduate by this time and there is a much decreased availability and increased competitivity for the remaining jobs. I've found that in my personal experience that many of the applicants applying post-September each year have to find the mental capacity to realign themselves with their vision of finding the right graduate job, as many of them have been focusing on other goals throughout the summer. Others still have portfolios to finish or want to bring them up to a standard they feel more comfortable while others decide to work part time until they receive the offer of what they want to do.
Best online guide I felt to help with completing my portfolio
Though I have finished my portfolio to a standard I am pleased with I am still in the applying phase, and though the days are often measured on their degree of progress towards my goals, it feels like I'm close to being at the front of the queue to get that job offer. It's now early January 2020 as I write this post and though I have had days where I get downhearted, I still get excited every time a potential employer responds positively. Having spent my time since the summer working as a care assistant with disabled children and on site as a tree surgeon, I have had to use my time in the evenings to work on my architecture skillset. I have read furiously, developed my artwork, learnt how to use new software, explored new rendering techniques, set up a portfolio website and got stuck in to whatever projects I can.
I urge that anybody reading this who is in the same position as myself or are due to graduate from an architecture school soon, just to brace yourself and to keep going. The world needs architects and it needs them from all kinds of places and backgrounds. It needs people who understand that everyone is different and everyone develops at different rates. Opportunities do come to those who work for them. Its just about putting yourself in the mixer and being resilient and strong enough to go again if it doesn't work out. Whatever stage you are in try not to worry about the long term future and just focus on the next step. When you get there it will feel like you've truly earned it.
Until next time,
RK
Extra Reading about burnout in Architecture School;
Comments