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You’ve earned your qualification and now you’re ready to make the switch from student life to the world of work. Congrats! This is an exciting time for any young architectural professional.
So what now? Maybe you’re looking for a challenging internship to help you build experience. Or it might be time to find that first dream job. Either way, this is a great place to start your search … and to pick up a few tips to kickstart your architecture career.
Tip 1: Prepare a checklist
- Is your portfolio up to date and looking its best?
- Have you included all of the most relevant projects?
- Got spare copies of your CV?
- Are your references ready?
- What about a well-designed business card?
There’s nothing like a good checklist to make sure you don’t forget something important.
Tip 2: Google is your friend
It’s never been easier to find information about a potential employer ahead of time. Impress them by researching the company’s history, culture and past projects, and then use that information to your advantage. Your research can help you decide which aspects of your skills and experience are most relevant to the position, so you know what to highlight during the interview.
Tip 3: Be relevant
Take the time to study the job description and identify your most relevant skills and experience – and make sure you prepare specific examples to back them up. Maybe you have some experience that aligns with one of the company’s past projects? Mention it! And it’s not just design skills that are important. Architects need to have great communication and teamwork skills, so make sure you highlight yours.
Tip 4: You can ask questions, too!
It’s not just the interviewer who gets to do the asking. Preparing a few relevant questions of your own shows confidence and initiative. Does the company offer any training programmes? What are the day-to-day responsibilities? What are the most important qualities for the role?
Tip 5: Rope in a friend
Prepare a few sample questions and ask a friend to play interviewer. Are you speaking clearly enough? Making good eye contact? A test run can boost your confidence and make you more relaxed when it comes down to the real thing.
Tip 6: Dress to impress
It’s worth putting in the effort to look as neat and professional as possible. “Dressing down” for an interview is not a good strategy – even if the company has a more laid-back work culture.
Tip 7: Be on time!
Punctuality is a sign of respect – and it shows you can manage your time well. There’s nothing like being late for your interview to create a bad impression in the eyes of a potential employer.
Becoming a PIA member is quick and easy,
simply register via the link below.
Please note, as a new member, there will be a once-off administrative fee of R150-00.
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