Starting out in the architecture profession right out of school can be daunting. Even after over 4 years of school and a degree(s) there is still a large learning curve. I have previously described being new in the profession and having to tackle inexperience with the concept of, “you don’t know what you don’t know”. But there is another concept I want to acknowledge, and it is about growing as a young professional.
This concept revolves around being in different situations that are uncomfortable, challenging, and big learning curve. I describe this phenomenon as being on the edge of a cliff.
Knowing when you’re about to fall:
When different tasks are given to you sometimes you can feel in over your head. This is compared to feeling like you are about to fall off the cliff. Start trying to tackle the task, but when you feel like you’re about to fall your Project Manager or Project Architect is there to pull you back away from the cliff. Once you’ve done a task a few times or been exposed to something it won’t feel as daunting. And remember the more experienced staff is there to help, guide, and mentor you through new and challenging tasks.
Take on the edge:
It is important to note that this cliff or new challenges are expected to happen as a young professional with little experience. It is important to know that you are not alone and remembering that you have resources, able to ask questions, and being surrounded by staff that is there to help you. Asking for help or asking questions does not mean that you are not good at your job. It means you want to learn what is correct, learn from your colleague’s years of experience, and be able to teach others in the future.
Simply, you are not actually alone in a task so don’t make it harder on yourself by trying to tackle everything by yourself. Knowing and identifying when you’re over your head is a strong asset. Take on the initiative to handle more responsibly and grow from it, but when it gets overwhelming you can always take a step back away from the edge.
You and the cliff grow:
As you move through the first days, months, and years of your career, the cliff is constantly changing. As you gain experience that initial a cliff becomes more of a hill, and larger cliffs become visible in the distance. These new challenges mean you are learning and gaining confidence. Sometimes you don’t even realize when you triumph over some cliffs.
These initial cliffs become just another thing you need to hurdle throughout your day rather than something that feels overwhelming. Sometimes the cliff concept is in reverse, where there is a tall cliff you must climb. You see opportunity with a lot of hard work ahead, but you want to take on the challenge. It is another way you grow in your career rather than the concept of looking over a cliff.
Cliff of mentorship:
The concept also goes along with growing professionally as a mentor. As you grow in your career the cliffs that you concurred are still there but are no longer overwhelming to you. However, these hurtles should not be forgotten. Architecture is a profession of mentorship. Remember, knowing when you’re about to fall your project manager is there to pull you back from the cliff. But you need to identify to them when you are able to fall. As you concur cliffs you become a mentor to others trying to tackle that very same cliffs you did in the past. It is now time for you to be there for them with lessons learned, advice, knowledge, and keep them on the edge to learn but not falling. Being on both sides of the cliff will always be changing throughout your entire career.
What if there is no cliff?
If you have no idea what I’m talking about with this post it might be because you have never experienced it. Is your office not trusting you to take on new and challenging tasks? Have you gotten to experience all phases of a project? (proposal, schematic, design, construction documents, construction administration) Have you been given a variety of tasks without being stuck constantly doing repetitive tasks? Are you constantly learning something new?
If you can relate to any of the above questions, then it is time for you to find that cliff. Talk to management of your office or your office mentor that you are not being challenged. Or you want to tell then what you want to get involved in. If talking to management doesn’t help to change the pattern, then it might be time for you to search for a new experience. I’ve always been taught you should always be learning and challenging yourself to continually grow as a professional. If you love your company and don’t want to leave, then try reaching out to a local organization to take a leadership position with them. It is no easy task, but it is a great way to learn, grow, and find a cliff within that organization to keep you on your toes.
The cliff as a metaphor can be used in multiple types of applications. The cliffs will always be there in your career but they will always be changing and evolving. It’s more about the experience you gain and lessons you learn that carry you forward to new expectations.
Written by Katelyn Rossier
Thanks. Very well done. I am sharing this with our young associate embarking on a career with us.