Architecture is a dynamic and challenging field that requires a unique set of skills, creativity, and passion. As a recent graduate, you have just begun your career journey, and it’s important to focus on your passions to build a successful and fulfilling career. Whether you have a clear idea of your areas of interest or are still exploring different specialties, there are steps you can take to focus on your passions and develop your skills and expertise. In this guide, we’ll provide 10 tips for focusing on your passions. By following these tips, you can discover your passions, develop your skills, and build a fulfilling career in architecture. Understand that there is a big learning curve when starting out your career, so soaking up as much as you can early in your career can also help you discover the parts of the profession that excite you the most.
1 Explore Different Specialties:
Explore different specialties: As an architecture graduate, you may not have a clear idea of what area of architecture you want to specialize in, and that is okay. It’s essential to explore different specialties to discover where your passions and talents lie. You may think you want to work in healthcare but may find out that it is not for you once you try a few projects. Research the different specialties within the profession and seek professionals working in those areas to gain insights and advice. Consider internships or part-time work to gain practical experience in your areas of interest. Exploring different specialties early on can help you focus on your passions and guide your professional development. If you have a handful of construction types you are interested in, try to find a firm that does that handful. That way to can experience the different types while within the same firm.
2 Networking
Networking is crucial to finding job opportunities and building professional relationships, but it’s also an opportunity to meet other professionals who share your passions. Attend industry events and conferences to meet other architects and designers who work in areas that interest you. Join professional organizations and online groups related to your passions to connect with like-minded professionals. Young Architects Forum (YAF) through the AIA is a great community to be a part of growing your network with others within the first 10 years of their career. Networking can help you find mentors, study accountability buddies, and role models who can guide you on your career journey.
3 Continuing Education
Continuing education can help you stay current in your field and expand your knowledge and skills in areas that interest you. Many states or particular memberships require it, but for a young professional, you can level free continuing education websites that align with your tasks. You always learn the most when you are actively working on a particular task, so why not be able to learn all the components? For instance, if you need to work on masonry exterior details, why not find a few online webinars on masonry? Or better yet, a physical workshop on building masonry walls!
Seek out educational opportunities, such as workshops, seminars, and online courses, to develop your expertise and deepen your understanding of your work. Continuing education can also help you build your portfolio and demonstrate your dedication to the profession.
4 Build a Portfolio
A portfolio is an essential tool for showcasing your skills and passions to potential employers or clients. Build a portfolio that highlights your strengths and areas of expertise, and tailor it to the specialties that interest you. Include examples of your best work and highlight projects that showcase your passions and skills. A well-crafted portfolio can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to your passions.
But once you’ve been in the industry and you may have a particular project type you are passionate about. Your portfolio will start to become more focused on that type of construction or building type, rather than the medley of academic work. For instance, I have workplace experience but that is not my area of focus. I still list those projects under my experience but don’t highlight them in my portfolio.
5 Seek out Mentorship
Finding a mentor who shares your passions can be invaluable in your professional development. But I will always recommend a larger board of directors that changes as you do. Look for Architects, Engineers, or Designers who work in areas that interest you and seek out their guidance and advice. Your board of directors can help you navigate the complexities of the profession, provide feedback on your work, and connect you with other professionals in your field. Be open to feedback and willing to learn from other’s experiences.
6 Participate in Design Competitions
Design competitions can be a great way to challenge yourself and showcase your skills and passions. Look for design competitions related to your areas of interest and participate to gain experience and exposure. I know AIA Pittsburgh has a Young Architects Design Competition which is a fun way to add to your portfolio or work with other young architects within your office as a team. Check out your local AIA office to see if they have a similar competition!
Competitions can also boost your portfolio, and it is a bonus if you add that you are the winner!
7 Volunteer for Community Projects
Volunteer for community projects: Volunteering for community projects can help you gain practical experience and make a positive impact in your community. Look for community projects related to architecture and design and offer your skills and expertise.
Volunteering can also help you build your network and connect with other professionals who share your passions. Any community involvement does NOT need to be architecture related. We are all humans with multiple passions. Sometimes it’s the non-profit or volunteer organization that aligns with other passions outside of architecture that are the most fulfilling for you.
8 Read Industry Publications
Reading industry publications can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in your areas of interest. Subscribe to industry publications and read them regularly to gain insights and inspiration. Reading industry publications can also help you discover new opportunities and find professionals who share your passions. YAF also has their own digital publication, Connection Magazine. It can be a great way to see what others are doing around the country.
9 Attend Lectures and Talks
Attending lectures and talks by professionals in your areas of interest can be a great way to gain insights and inspiration. Look for lectures and talks by Architects and Designers who work in areas that interest you and attend them to learn from their experiences. It can also help you build your network and connect with other professionals who share your passions.
10 Build Personal Projects
Building personal projects related to your passions can help you develop your skills and creativity outside of your professional work. Look for opportunities to build personal projects related to your areas of interest.
Focusing on your passions is crucial for building a successful and fulfilling career in architecture. As you begin your journey, it’s important to explore different specialties and seek out opportunities to develop your skills and expertise. Building a portfolio, seeking out mentorship, participating in design competitions, and volunteering for community projects are all valuable ways to gain experience and build your network. Pursuing continuing education, attending lectures and talks, and reading industry publications can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the field. Finally, building personal projects can allow you to express your creativity and experiment with new ideas. By following these tips, you can discover your passions, build your skills, and create a career that is both rewarding and meaningful. Remember to stay focused, be open to new experiences, and never stop learning. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goals and make a positive impact in the field of architecture.
A summer internship in architecture can be a life-changing experience, providing valuable insights into the many aspects of building design and construction. By learning from experienced professionals, interns can develop a broad range of skills and gain practical experience in the field. The ten lessons learned from a summer internship in architecture highlight the importance of attention to detail, communication, problem-solving, time management, collaboration, feedback, technology, construction processes, sustainability, and accessibility. These lessons provide a roadmap for success in this exciting and rewarding field and can help aspiring architects develop the knowledge and expertise necessary to thrive in a competitive industry. As architecture continues to evolve and become increasingly complex, it is essential to remain adaptable, creative, and committed to lifelong learning. With the right mindset and dedication, anyone can succeed in a career in architecture and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Written by
Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, LSSBB
