While having the flexibility to work from home may seem like the ultimate dream for many recent graduates entering the workforce, it’s important to remember that there are still numerous benefits to being in the office, particularly early in your career. While remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, the truth is that there are certain aspects of work that are difficult to replicate from home.
For new graduates, being in the office provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and skill-building that are often difficult to achieve remotely. It also allows for a deeper sense of connection and engagement with coworkers and the company culture, which can be invaluable in building a successful career. In this era of rapid technological advancement, being present in the office also provides access to the latest tools and resources. This can enhance your skillset and help you to stay up to date in your field. So, while the allure of remote work is understandable, recent graduates should strongly consider spending time in the office to take advantage of the unique opportunities it offers. Here are some of the benefits of choosing to make the office your home base.
1 Collaborative Environment
Working in an office allows you to work in a collaborative environment, where you can easily interact with your colleagues and discuss ideas face-to-face. You can share your thoughts, seek feedback, and learn from others in real-time, which can accelerate your learning and professional growth. There is nothing like asking someone a question and have them sketch out the response right in front of you. Technology can do aspects but not as quickly and personal. You can also learn to ask anyone in the office a question. No needing to see if the handful of team members on your project have a green dot on their Teams profile image. Just turn to the person next to you to see if they can help. Be aware sometimes you do need to wait for a project team member to be available to answer the question, but more often than not anyone can help!
2 Professional Networking
Office environments provide an excellent opportunity to network with professionals in your field. You can meet new people, make valuable connections, and develop relationships that can help you throughout your career. You never know where office friendships will spawn from. Often it is just the person sitting next to you, shares a similar work schedule, or shares similar hobbies outside the office.
3 Access to Resources
Offices provide access to resources that you may not have at home, such as professional software, equipment, office supplies, and PEOPLE. These resources can help you work more efficiently and effectively. I know someone want to argue that people are not a resource. But that knowledge base, relationship, mentoring, and teaching is a foundation for the profession. Your staff are your most valuable resource! As a young professional or new hire, you should focus on learning the people resources of the office. Who is the go-to person for specifications, door hardware, details, or materials? Learn who your resources are and then leverage them to grow yourself.
4 Structured Routine
Working in an office provides a structured routine, which can be beneficial for recent graduates who are still adjusting to the workforce. You can develop a routine that works for you, which can help you manage your time better and improve your productivity. The real-world routine is likely very different than your college routine. (Even those outside of architecture take a long time to adjust) Going into the office is a good way to adjust to this new phase of life, and practice on setting boundaries.
5 Professional Development
Professional development: Offices often provide training and development programs to help employees improve their skills and knowledge. By working in an office, you can take advantage of these programs, which can help you develop your career and improve your earning potential. Your office may have lunch and learns where product representatives come in to share construction techniques, products, resources, etc. This is an opportunity to see and feel products in person. You not only learn for each one, but typically there is a free lunch. And for a recent graduate with enormous student debt, why not take the free food? And maybe some leftovers.
6 Work-Life Integration
Work-life Integration: I am not one to believe in “Work-life balance” as it assumes there is an equal balance between work and life. Like a seesaw, work on one side and life on the other. Always equally balanced. That is certainty unrealistic and impossible for Architects. There are some weeks that will require you to be pulled in one direction over the other. Such as a large deadline or big project pursuit. During this time, you may take shorter lunch breaks, skip a workout routine, or even eat take out to work more at night. But there are other times that life will be the stronger force. You need time to decompress and relax to recharge. After a big deadline you may need more time focused on life, vacation, sleep, family, etc. This is work-life integration. Acknowledgement that the two will rarely be in balance but you learn how to integrate the two that works best for you.
Going into the office early in your career can help you to learn how to integrate work and life. There is a clear place for the two. If you begin working remotely full time you may find it harder to learn the difference between the two, because it is so easily to work longer hours and not be able to shut off. You need to be more disciplined in that way which takes time to learn. This is why I recommend spending more time working in the office for the first few years of your career.
7 Mentoring
Mentoring: Working in an office provides an opportunity to be mentored by experienced professionals. Mentors can offer guidance, feedback, and advice that can help you develop your skills and knowledge. Some office may “provide” a mentor or buddy for when you start out. But a true mentor is one that you discover from building relationships and finding others whose passions align with your own.
8 Social Interaction
Working in an office can provide an opportunity for social interaction with colleagues. This social interaction can help you build relationships, improve your communication skills, and reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness. On days I go into the office, it is more about socialization, collaboration, and relationships. I understand that I will not be as productive on these days, but I know I need these aspects of the office environment to stay energized and engaged in my work.
9 Improved Communication
In an office environment, you can practice and improve your communication skills by interacting with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Effective communication is essential in any career, and working in an office provides ample opportunity to practice and improve your skills. You can learn from listening to other conversations and phone calls occurring around you. This includes learning how more seasoned professionals communicate with colleagues, consultants, contractors, clients, etc.
10 Enhanced Creativity
Working in an office environment can stimulate creativity and inspire innovation. By working in a dynamic and collaborative environment, you can share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and come up with new and innovative approaches to work challenges. You can also stumble upon what other teams in the office are doing by just being in the office.
While the flexibility to work from home has become more prevalent and definitely a valuable benefit to have, it is important for recent graduates to consider the benefits of going into the office when starting their careers in architecture. Being in the office provides opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and networking that can be invaluable to a new architect’s development. Additionally, working in a professional environment allows for a deeper understanding of office culture and expectations, and helps to build relationships with colleagues and clients. While remote work can be convenient to have as a benefit of the office, it is important for recent graduates to balance this with opportunities to gain practical knowledge and experience in the office setting. By doing so, they can set themselves up for success in their careers and establish a strong foundation for their professional growth.
Written by
Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, LSSBB
