After architecture graduation we all stand at a point where we have no clue what to do next or how to proceed in life after completing an architecture course. We are generally left with some common options after graduating as an architect:, get an architecture job in some high paying design firm or start an architectural firm. In this article we are sharing some insights that will guide you on how you should plan your next few years after graduation.
1. Take risks and keep moving forward
Travel for a year, make travel plans, experience the world, gain knowledge of different cultures and architectural styles. Don’t rush yourself into a job that you don’t like. Take your time and explore different options, try various styles of work and pursue what makes you happy as well as plan your career around it. Architect is valued by his/her experience and knowledge. Try different experiences, volunteer for different communities while traveling to cover your travel cost. Though it will definitely take time initially to figure out, but once your track is decided it is bound to last.
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you” – Frank Lloyd Wright
2. Become self aware
“As you become more clear about who you really are, you’ll be better able to decide what is best for you the first time around.” – Oprah Winfrey
Self-awareness helps us in figuring out what we are good at and where we should focus our time and energy so that we can enjoy our life. You can make better decisions in life just by being self aware. Pick the one thing that makes you happy, uses your strong abilities to the fullest and keeps you content for the rest of your life. If you are planning for a non architecture job than becoming self aware is the first step to take.
3. Experience and knowledge over money
After graduating, instead of focusing on money, everyone should focus on gaining a varied experience. Make a list of architects and designers you admire and work for them for free, learn from them. Make long term goals based on your interests beneficial for your career growth and work towards those goals. Short term money driven goals is a never ending loop, a pathway for miserable life. You can start a firm today but without experience in that area, you can never run a successful design firm.
4. Set goals and define objectives
If you are planning to start your own architecture firm, start by setting goals and define objectives. Be very clear in your head. Ask your self, what type of a design firm? what services you will be providing: consultancy or turnkey? what types of projects you want to start with: residential or commercial ? What resources you going to need to setup an office? Write all answers and define a specific time frame so you can achieve your goals on time.
5. Never stop learning
When you’re done with architecture school and learning is no longer a compulsion, don’t let your inquisitive side die out. You already have an excellent foundation to build upon, so keep going. With this incredible groundwork, you can learn to master almost anything.
Increasing knowledge will help solidify your sense of self. You can better assess yourself to plan your career path more effectively. Also, because you’re still young and you don’t have a clear idea yet about your future, learning more will help you overcome a rigid sense of self. You’ll be able to look at more possibilities and have the assurance that there are many ways for you to become a strong candidate for different job positions.
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Check out our last post on how to design an architecture portfolio for a job interview.
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