Evelyn Lee is a Start-up Advisor in the Tech Space, Angel Investor, Founder of Practice of Architecture, and Host of the podcast Practice Disrupted. She is a prominent speaker on architectural practice evolution, technology integration, and diversity in AI, dedicated to guiding the profession into new horizons.
Congratulations, new graduates! As you embark on your journey into the professional world of architecture, it’s important to remember that the road ahead will be pretty bumpy. While your education has provided a strong foundation, many challenges and uncertainties remain.
As a fellow architecture graduate, I’ve learned valuable lessons I wish I had known when I was where you are now. In this article, I’ll share five key insights to help you navigate the industry and overcome obstacles as you begin your career. So buckle up and get ready for the ride!
1. Build Your Community
School of Architecture and Design: Library at the University of Greenwich by Heneghan Peng Architects, London, United Kingdom
Building a community that supports your personal and professional development over time can be incredibly beneficial. Find peers at work and other architecture firms to help you expand your network and gain new perspectives on how different architectures and their firm cultures operate.
One way to do this is to be active in professional organizations like AIA and to attend conferences or workshops. Also, use these opportunities to identify individuals you think can offer good career guidance and with whom you can confide. This could be a mentor or someone with more experience than you do. Feel free to contact these individuals and ask for their advice or guidance. You might be surprised at how willing people are to help others succeed. The worst thing that can happen is that you will not get a response.
It’s important to remember that building a community takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent in your efforts and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. By actively seeking out opportunities to connect with others, you’ll be well on your way to building a strong and supportive community that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals!
2. You Are Your Best Advocate, Chart Your Own Path Forward
School of Architecture and Design: Library at the University of Greenwich by Heneghan Peng Architects, London, United Kingdom
To be your best advocate, make sure you are taking ownership of your personal and professional growth and goals. Track your accomplishments so you remember all that you’ve done the next time you have to justify a raise or promotion, but make sure you are aware of your areas for improvement and don’t forget to set future goals.
It’s on you to seek out opportunities for professional development outside your daily work. Read books, attend conferences, and take courses on topics of interest, but especially topics like entrepreneurship, team management, leadership, and more. These are areas that architects have historically struggled with and can benefit by seeking support and inspiration outside of architecture.
3. Treat Your Job Like Your Business
School of Architecture and Design: Library at the University of Greenwich by Heneghan Peng Architects, London, United Kingdom
Treat your job like a business, making decisions that are best for you and your career, independent of feelings around bosses, coworkers, or clients. While it’s important to maintain positive relationships with those around you, it’s equally essential to prioritize your own goals and interests. When it comes down to it, business owners will inevitably need to make decisions based on what’s best for their business; you should do the same for your career.
I’ve seen individuals that have waited to reach certain milestones in their current position before considering whether or not to look for a new job. While it may be tempting to wait until you have a promotion or a big project before making a change, you could also miss out on an incredible opportunity in the meantime.
If you find yourself in a position already considering a change, you can take steps forward to see what opportunities are available. After all, you don’t actually have a decision to make until you have a job offer in hand. It doesn’t hurt to do some exploring in the meantime.
4. Build Your Brand
School of Architecture and Design: Library at the University of Greenwich by Heneghan Peng Architects, London, United Kingdom
Building your personal brand is essential in today’s digital age. I usually skim cover letters and resumes for open positions and quickly pivot to LinkedIn and a general google search to learn more about a candidate. Often, what people submit to you through a job portal is a catered view of what they want you to know about them. What they share through social media often helps me better understand who they are and what they value.
On my first day of orientation in business school, my section leaders did mock intros of other individuals in the section by what they could find about them on social media. Ensure your social media presence is consistent with how you want to be seen professionally. Be mindful of what you are posting or hide your social media presence so you can control what people see.
A strong personal brand can help you advance in your career, establish you as an expert, and attract new opportunities to come to you, and it’s OK if it changes over time. With growth comes change; it’s a natural evolution.
5. Your Career Is a Journey, Not a Destination
School of Architecture and Design: Library at the University of Greenwich by Heneghan Peng Architects, London, United Kingdom
It’s important to remember that your career path may not always be linear, and that’s okay! Within the last six months, AI has created new companies, jobs, and career paths that didn’t exist before. This means that the possibilities for your career are infinite. It also means it’s ok not to know exactly where you are going in your career. The key is to stay open-minded and curious about new opportunities and experiences.
Remember that the career journey is about growth, learning, and development. Each role or experience can teach you valuable skills and help you build your network. Even if a particular job or experience doesn’t seem like it’s leading you directly to your ultimate destination, it may be helping you develop skills or connections that will be valuable later on. Everything you’ve done, and all the experiences you accumulate over time, give you your unique perspective and point of view.
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