As a recent architecture graduate with little to no work experience, it’s challenging to find a job in the competitive world of architecture. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to land your first job at an architecture firm and start building your career. In this blog post, we’ll share 10 tips to help you get your foot in the door at an architecture firm. From building a strong portfolio to networking and being persistent, these tips will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing a job. Whether you’re looking for an internship or your first full-time position, these tips will help you navigate the job market and start your career in architecture on the right foot. So, let’s dive in and explore how to get your foot in the door at an architecture firm!

When you have little to no work experience, your portfolio is the most important tool you have to showcase your skills and creativity as an architect. Include a range of projects that show your range of skills, such as concept sketches, technical drawings, 3D models, and rendered images. Your portfolio should be well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear and concise descriptions of each project.

A few high-level portfolio tips:

1. You do NOT need to include every project from school. If you don’t like a project, or are not proud of it, remove it!
2. Anything in your portfolio you should be able to talk through and tell a story.
3. If you worked with a partner or team, provide credit to the entire team. Do not take credit for work other did.
4. Go beyond architecture work! Do you have other side projects or hobbies you enjoy you can include? Photography, woodworking, etc.

Networking is a good way to find job opportunities and make valuable connections in the architecture industry. Attend architecture events, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals on social media. Building relationships with people in the industry can help you learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door at an architecture firm.

Your local AIA Young Architects Forum is an awesome group of young professionals! You can connect with them to not only gain mentors and friends, but it might open a door for a position in a firm.

For my first full-time position, I contribute to playing on an architectural beer league softball team during my summer internship. The firm I was interning with partnered with another local office, and a few people from other firms. It was a great way to network and gain contacts to reach out to when I was looking for a full-time position upon graduation. I got a full-time job with the partnered firm in that softball team.

Internships are a great way to gain experience and make connections in the architecture industry. Look for internship opportunities at firms that interest you and apply early. Internships can often lead to full-time job offers, so it’s important to take them seriously and make the most of your time at the firm.

Remember, an internship is also a great way for you to figure out if the firm is right for you and learn what you’d want in a firm for a full-time position. If you didn’t like the internship experience, you don’t need to go back to the firm. Every firm is different, find what aligns with your goals, passions, and needs.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back from firms right away. Keep applying and following up on your applications. A polite follow-up email or phone call can help keep your name on a firm’s radar. Remember, it can take time to find the right job in architecture, but persistence and determination will pay off in the end.

When I was looking for internships and my first full time position the industry was still recovering from the 2008 crash. There were little to no jobs available. I needed an undergraduate degree just to get my first internship. I remember reaching out to firms for full time positions. Many of them do not respond at all. (If I get to a leadership position in a firm it is my goal to make sure we at the VERY least send a courtesy email back saying we don’t currently have any positions available.) I remember the firms that were nice enough to do that for me when I was looking, but I also remember the firms that were very rude to me when I called asking.

Tailer your cover letter and resume to the specific job posting they are applying for. This can be a time-consuming task, but it can make all the difference in standing out from other applicants. Customizing a cover letter and resume shows the potential employer that the candidate has taken the time to research the firm and understand what they are looking for in an employee.

To start, you should carefully read the job posting and look for specific keywords or phrases that match their skills and experience. They can then incorporate those keywords into their cover letter and resume. It’s important to make sure that your cover letter and resume are tailored to the firm’s values, mission, and the specific projects they have worked on. If a job posting says 1-2 years of experience, apply for it anyway! You don’t need to check of 100% of the boxes.

The cover letter should be personalized and addressed to the specific person responsible for hiring. It should also highlight the candidate’s unique qualities and experiences that make them a good fit for the position. It’s also helpful to include any relevant certifications, awards, or publications that show the candidate’s expertise in the field.

Overall, customizing a cover letter and resume shows the potential employer that the candidate is serious about the position and has taken the time to understand the needs of the firm. This can increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview and ultimately being offered the job. The cover letter will be the most customized piece for each job posting. Whereas your resume may have just slight adjustments to align with the job posting. Your portfolio does not change between job applications.

When you’re starting out in architecture, it’s important to be open to different roles. Don’t limit yourself to just one type of job or one type of firm. Consider opportunities at smaller firms, government agencies, or even construction companies. You never know where your career in architecture will take you.

The architecture industry is closely tied to the economy, as it is heavily influenced by factors such as construction spending, consumer confidence, and interest rates. During periods of economic growth, there tends to be an increase in construction projects, which leads to a greater demand for architects and other design professionals. This can cause a surge in job opportunities within the industry. However, during times of economic downturn or recession, construction projects may be put on hold, leading to a decrease in demand for architecture services and fewer job opportunities. It’s important for architecture graduates to be aware of these economic cycles and be flexible in their job search, as job availability can fluctuate depending on the state of the economy.

In architecture, it’s essential to keep learning and growing throughout your career. Show your willingness to learn by taking additional courses, attending industry events, and seeking out mentorship opportunities. Hiring managers want to see that you’re passionate about architecture and committed to improving your skills.

During an architecture job interview, it’s important to exude confidence and demonstrate your passion for the field, but also to convey a willingness to learn and grow as a professional. It’s important to keep in mind that as a recent graduate, you are not expected to know everything and never will. However, showcasing a positive attitude towards learning and an eagerness to take on new challenges can go a long way in impressing potential employers. In addition, highlighting any relevant experiences or projects, even if they were completed during school or internships, can demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge and skills in a practical setting. Ultimately, finding a balance between confidence and humility is key to making a good impression in an architecture job interview.

The architecture industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Read industry publications, attend conferences and webinars, and follow thought leaders on social media to stay informed. Showing that you’re knowledgeable about industry trends can set you apart from other job candidates.

LinkedIn is a great social media platform to engage with industry leaders, read articles, discover podcasts, stumble upon blogs, etc.

It is important to maintain a positive attitude while searching for a job in architecture. Job hunting in the industry can be tough, but keeping a positive mindset and staying focused on your goals is crucial. Surrounding yourself with supportive people and taking care of yourself physically and mentally can help you stay motivated. It’s important to maintain perspective and realize that setbacks are a natural part of the process. Rather than getting discouraged by rejections, use them to learn and improve your skills. A positive attitude can make the job search process more enjoyable and also make a difference in your career trajectory. Employers are often drawn to candidates who exude positivity, as they are seen as motivated, resilient, and capable of handling challenges. By staying positive, you can increase your chances of success in the architecture industry.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that finding the right job in this field can take time, and that’s okay. Patience and persistence are key traits that will help you stay motivated and focused on your search, even when you may feel discouraged. Building and refining your skills, as well as expanding your network, can be helpful in the process. It’s also important to stay open to unexpected opportunities that may arise, even if they are not exactly what you were originally looking for. By remaining patient and keeping an open mind, you can position yourself for long-term success in the field of architecture.

Landing your first job in architecture requires patience, persistence, and a proactive approach. By building a strong portfolio, networking, applying for internships, customizing your cover letter and resume, and being open to different types of roles, you can increase your chances of getting hired at an architecture firm. Additionally, being willing to learn, keeping up with industry trends, and staying positive are crucial to building a successful career in architecture. Remember that finding a job in architecture can take time, but with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals and start your career in this exciting field. We hope these tips have been helpful and wish you the best of luck in your job search!

Written by

Katelyn Rossier, AIA, LSSBB