STARTING YOUR INITIAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN RESUME

     Career Fair is coming to the School of Architecture, and you want to land that first internship? Though, the problem is that you have no prior experience working in an architecture firm? That is no problem at all, listed are some suggestion that can help you build your resume to land that initial internship for a firm. This will take time before you actually apply for a firm you want to intern for. I want to help you, if you do not have that one person advising you on this. You got this!

1. BUILD YOUR EXPERIENCE THROUGH WORK (DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ARCHITECTURE RELATED)

      If you have a part-time job for a restaurant, graphic design, retail, tutor or construction related – add it to your resume. You may be thinking – why? This has nothing to do with architecture at all. Step back and think about it for a bit – What has these jobs done for me, in my personal development? What skills have I obtained throughout my working experience? 

Example: You work at a restaurant, a bus boy, what are the skills that you learned? Restaurants require team work, hospitality, management, and much more. Depending on how you want to compose your resume – you can have a small description of the skills you learn in your job. Make it brief, no sentences. 

2. VOLUNTEER 

      For sure there should be programs out there that reach out for volunteers – students, professionals, or the general public who are curious about construction. A good example is the Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization that focuses on home improvement for the community. You get to learn a lot from these opportunities since they are more hands-on experience. Not all Architecture schools do get the opportunity to be involved in hands-on opportunities (One of the reasons is the liability). Just make sure to always take precautions – seriously, please do. Always follow instructions and guidelines from the person in charge. Also, wear appropriate footwear, safety wear and appropriate/comfortable gear – if the opportunity involves a construction project. When you get the chance – do not be afraid to speak up. Yes introverts – It’s your time to get knowledge in opportunities that helps you grow in your future with architecture. 

3. WORK ON YOUR SKILLS

     Building your skills takes time – By skills I mean computer programs. Practice on your graphics, revit, rhino, rendering, etc. The best way to learn is Youtube and online forums. There are individuals out there who are helping you in an instant, so take those opportunities. If you do have that one studio mate that is ” A Master Wizard” of that program you want to learn. Just ask them or it could be the teacher or teacher’s assistant. 

4. JOIN AN ORGANIZATION

     You may be familiar with AIAS ( American Institute of Architecture Students). This will help your resume, especially if you do not have prior experience with an architecture firm. You will get opportunities to attend events to meet professionals, visit firms, and so on – to enrich your connections. Also, you can get opportunities at a discount with the membership.

Note: Personally, I have not joined throughout Architecture School, though I did join in their events. Honestly, it would depend on your personal preference to join or not. I heard great things about this organization by far.

5. BUILD YOUR CONNECTIONS – FOR YOUR REFERENCE(S)

     While you’re in school, you may have that one teacher that you you are inspired by or one that teaches your favorite subject. Do not be afraid to ask them questions, or just reach out to them to ask for advice. Teachers are there as a resource for your education and career. Your teacher may transform to your mentor for your architecture lifestyle, and one that you can turn to for advice. Be genuine and respectful to them, but also try to loosen yourself up. University professors are people, and you are an adult.