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5.18.2010
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Succeed!
6.17.2009
Top 40 Industry Tips to Help You Succeed in the Design Industry
by Carole Steadham, Hon. AIA, SDA/C and Amy Rogers
With the current variables in the national economy, the design industry is faced with downturns resulting in downsizing of firms due to lack of projects or projects subject to termination for lack of funding. Thus, many of the tips listed below address this environment.
1. Be passionate. Never lose your passion for the built environment. If you feel it failing, refresh yourself or leave the industry, as your contribution will not be productive.
2. Invest in yourself. Get a Master's Degree as a good step to registration. MBA’s are good too, as firms need business-minded employees.
3. Be a motivator. Participate in the future of interns by becoming active in an Intern Development Program Study Group. You are the best example of how becoming an architect can benefit their future.
4. Get published and enter award competitions. Become an expert and share your knowledge and talent with others. These are always good to list on your resume.
5. Pursue certification. Be “certifiable” in as many areas of expertise as you can manage. Becoming an expert – LEED AP, for example - is a must for your professional future and job security.
6. Join. Be a joiner by supporting your professional organization (AIA, IIDA,QUOIN, CSI, USGBC, SDA, etc.) The expert professionals in charge of these organizations are there for you; be there for them.
7. Upgrade your skills. Continue to upgrade your skills, especially computer skills. Don’t be left behind. Remember that in downturns, you will be competing against those with the latest software skills. That currently makes Revit a must!
8. Diversify. Diversity is the key. To add to the longevity of your career, diversify both your in-house roles and project types even if early on you have to move to another firm.
9. Mentor. Find a mentor who is the “right fit” for you and continue your relationship with him or her throughout your career. In addition, as you progress, become a mentor.
10. Continue your education. Key to your progress as a true professional is the maxim that “you’re never too old to learn.” In addition, you’ll never know it all, so be sure your firm has “bought in” to your continued education goals.
11. Take initiative. Learn early how to put a building together and request on-site visits to projects under construction. Learn all you can from the Construction Administrator.
12. Be loyal. Show your support for your firm in good times and in a downturn. Be among the first to volunteer for a pay cut. Hopefully, by biting the bullet, you will be among the last to be considered in a lay-off.
13. Network. Building and maintaining strong professional relationships is a continuing and critical tool for success that becomes invaluable in downturns. Stay in touch with your design industry colleagues across the country.
14. Get involved in community service. Always reach out to others. It helps you to grow and helps others in your community. Hearts & Hammers is a wonderful local industry project. Any such participation should always be listed on your resume.
15. Remember that cash is king. The industry will always experience highs and lows, so be prepared!
16. Keep careers separate. If your spouse is a design professional, we suggest that you find jobs at separate firms. There are numerous reasons why this is best, but most importantly, during a struggling economy, you will not be competing with each other over lay-offs within the same firm.
17. Be resourceful. Use your creativity and innovation to seek out other opportunities when the industry is down. Keep an on-going list of all the resources the design industry offers - your local AIA Chapter and your networking relationships being two of your best resources.
18. Stay positive. While going through a downturn, know the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train but the beginning of good times again for our industry.
19. Branch out. Learn new skills outside the design industry. Remember: plumbers and other tradesmen always have jobs.
20. Exhaust all options. In a downturn, network online, attend industry events, work with an industry recruiter, take on temporary assignments, or offer to work on a contract basis.
21. Do your research. Keep abreast of all trends by reading industry magazines and articles and perusing professional organizations' websites. Discuss trends with your firm or prospective firm when interviewing. Remember: knowledge is power. Share it!
22. Update your resume. Always keep your resume updated. If you are an intern, ask for testimonials from professors before graduation and include them on your resume. Also include projects you worked on in school. Tailor your resume for different opportunities at firms and don’t limit it to one page. Create a Mission and Vision Statement rather than an objective - do not be too specific, however, as that limits your opportunities within a firm.
23. Update your project list. Attach your project list, categorized by project type, to your resume. This is an easy way for Principals to look at your project diversity.
24. Share your success stories. Keep notes - index cards are perfect for this - on how you contributed to the success of building and professional projects. Update information often as it comes in handy during interviews or reviews.
25. Prepare for interviews. Always remember: less is more. Listen to the interviewer and limit your answers to one to two minutes per question. Be creative - design a business card with your skills listed on the back. Dress appropriately for your interview by checking out the culture of the firm and knowing what attire they prefer.
26. Produce a powerful portfolio. As a designer, remember that you're competing with other designers, so you must be creative and must keep your portfolio updated in hard copy and on disc. Reverse the role and think about what you would want to see in a portfolio if you were the prospective employer. If you have construction document experience, have drawings neat and scaled down for easy review.
27. Impress human resources personnel. Remember, HR personnel are your best friends before and after employment. Their role is to represent the firm and the employee, and they appreciate all who can bring in solutions, not problems.
28. Promote lessons learned. Never forget what you have learned and don’t repeat mistakes. Educate your firm to practice “lessons learned” on projects because an improved outcome is money in everyone’s pockets.
29. Be a team player. Listen with an open mind and learn from others. This trait is often questioned of your future references when you seek new positions. Practice an assertive communication style rather than a passive or aggressive style.
30. Respect professional roles. Always respect the roles of others. It takes a fully dedicated team to produce a successful project. Study material about management styles. Learn your style and how you relate to others.
31. Recruit. Be active in assisting our firm with hiring the best. The process and the people both make you look good.
32. Focus on best practices. Always strive to work for the best firm because, in the eyes of others, you are only as good as the firms on your resume. Look for professional organization awards - such as AIA Firm of the Year or national and local design recognition. Be determined to help your firm become a winner!
33. Seek best firms. Join those firms that encourage registration, continuing education, mentoring, AIA guidelines for salary compensation, practice an open-door policy, continue to upgrade benefits, promote physical fitness through discounted gym memberships, and practice ethical procedures such as “pay when paid” to consultants.
34. Avoid worst firms. Avoid shops that: do not promote your goal towards registration; actively solicit employees from other firms; fail to pay consultants when paid by clients; or have exceedingly high salary ranges. The caution about salaries is that if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is; the next position you take in a firm who stays within AIA guidelines may be at a lower rate.
35. Be aware of firm culture. Prior to an interview study a firm's culture. Ask around and make sure the current culture is in-line with your goals and expectations. If it’s not a fit, keep looking.
36. Stay informed. Always be aware of industry and national issues, especially the economy, and work to help your firm avoid pitfalls by being proactive and prepared for contingencies.
37. Be flexible. Stay open to all opportunities, including relocation to a branch office in another area, in or out of state, during a downturn. Never be afraid to broaden your horizon.
38. Become a marketing expert. Business Development is the life-blood of every firm, and you should always be marketing your firm. If you don’t believe in them enough to sell them, leave.
39. Be proactive. Reactive employees often find the door hitting them on the way out. Don’t be complacent and lulled into thinking you will always have your current position.
40. Rely on recruiters. Contact a recruiter who has industry experience. A professional who has actually worked in a design office can help you avoid pitfalls and find the right fit. Pick the person who let's you know that your career is as important to them as it is to you!
Entering the design profession in 1983, Carole Steadham began her career in the design industry in Administration, Business Management, Human Resources and, in 2001, continued as President of Placement By Design (PBD).
Carole’s business partner, Amy Rogers, whose professional credentials are in the health care industry, joined PBD in 2004 and has proven to be a valuable asset. Amy is highly respected in the Design Industry to not only candidates but also firms PBD represents.
by Carole Steadham, Hon. AIA, SDA/C and Amy Rogers
With the current variables in the national economy, the design industry is faced with downturns resulting in downsizing of firms due to lack of projects or projects subject to termination for lack of funding. Thus, many of the tips listed below address this environment.
1. Be passionate. Never lose your passion for the built environment. If you feel it failing, refresh yourself or leave the industry, as your contribution will not be productive.
2. Invest in yourself. Get a Master's Degree as a good step to registration. MBA’s are good too, as firms need business-minded employees.
3. Be a motivator. Participate in the future of interns by becoming active in an Intern Development Program Study Group. You are the best example of how becoming an architect can benefit their future.
4. Get published and enter award competitions. Become an expert and share your knowledge and talent with others. These are always good to list on your resume.
5. Pursue certification. Be “certifiable” in as many areas of expertise as you can manage. Becoming an expert – LEED AP, for example - is a must for your professional future and job security.
6. Join. Be a joiner by supporting your professional organization (AIA, IIDA,QUOIN, CSI, USGBC, SDA, etc.) The expert professionals in charge of these organizations are there for you; be there for them.
7. Upgrade your skills. Continue to upgrade your skills, especially computer skills. Don’t be left behind. Remember that in downturns, you will be competing against those with the latest software skills. That currently makes Revit a must!
8. Diversify. Diversity is the key. To add to the longevity of your career, diversify both your in-house roles and project types even if early on you have to move to another firm.
9. Mentor. Find a mentor who is the “right fit” for you and continue your relationship with him or her throughout your career. In addition, as you progress, become a mentor.
10. Continue your education. Key to your progress as a true professional is the maxim that “you’re never too old to learn.” In addition, you’ll never know it all, so be sure your firm has “bought in” to your continued education goals.
11. Take initiative. Learn early how to put a building together and request on-site visits to projects under construction. Learn all you can from the Construction Administrator.
12. Be loyal. Show your support for your firm in good times and in a downturn. Be among the first to volunteer for a pay cut. Hopefully, by biting the bullet, you will be among the last to be considered in a lay-off.
13. Network. Building and maintaining strong professional relationships is a continuing and critical tool for success that becomes invaluable in downturns. Stay in touch with your design industry colleagues across the country.
14. Get involved in community service. Always reach out to others. It helps you to grow and helps others in your community. Hearts & Hammers is a wonderful local industry project. Any such participation should always be listed on your resume.
15. Remember that cash is king. The industry will always experience highs and lows, so be prepared!
16. Keep careers separate. If your spouse is a design professional, we suggest that you find jobs at separate firms. There are numerous reasons why this is best, but most importantly, during a struggling economy, you will not be competing with each other over lay-offs within the same firm.
17. Be resourceful. Use your creativity and innovation to seek out other opportunities when the industry is down. Keep an on-going list of all the resources the design industry offers - your local AIA Chapter and your networking relationships being two of your best resources.
18. Stay positive. While going through a downturn, know the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train but the beginning of good times again for our industry.
19. Branch out. Learn new skills outside the design industry. Remember: plumbers and other tradesmen always have jobs.
20. Exhaust all options. In a downturn, network online, attend industry events, work with an industry recruiter, take on temporary assignments, or offer to work on a contract basis.
21. Do your research. Keep abreast of all trends by reading industry magazines and articles and perusing professional organizations' websites. Discuss trends with your firm or prospective firm when interviewing. Remember: knowledge is power. Share it!
22. Update your resume. Always keep your resume updated. If you are an intern, ask for testimonials from professors before graduation and include them on your resume. Also include projects you worked on in school. Tailor your resume for different opportunities at firms and don’t limit it to one page. Create a Mission and Vision Statement rather than an objective - do not be too specific, however, as that limits your opportunities within a firm.
23. Update your project list. Attach your project list, categorized by project type, to your resume. This is an easy way for Principals to look at your project diversity.
24. Share your success stories. Keep notes - index cards are perfect for this - on how you contributed to the success of building and professional projects. Update information often as it comes in handy during interviews or reviews.
25. Prepare for interviews. Always remember: less is more. Listen to the interviewer and limit your answers to one to two minutes per question. Be creative - design a business card with your skills listed on the back. Dress appropriately for your interview by checking out the culture of the firm and knowing what attire they prefer.
26. Produce a powerful portfolio. As a designer, remember that you're competing with other designers, so you must be creative and must keep your portfolio updated in hard copy and on disc. Reverse the role and think about what you would want to see in a portfolio if you were the prospective employer. If you have construction document experience, have drawings neat and scaled down for easy review.
27. Impress human resources personnel. Remember, HR personnel are your best friends before and after employment. Their role is to represent the firm and the employee, and they appreciate all who can bring in solutions, not problems.
28. Promote lessons learned. Never forget what you have learned and don’t repeat mistakes. Educate your firm to practice “lessons learned” on projects because an improved outcome is money in everyone’s pockets.
29. Be a team player. Listen with an open mind and learn from others. This trait is often questioned of your future references when you seek new positions. Practice an assertive communication style rather than a passive or aggressive style.
30. Respect professional roles. Always respect the roles of others. It takes a fully dedicated team to produce a successful project. Study material about management styles. Learn your style and how you relate to others.
31. Recruit. Be active in assisting our firm with hiring the best. The process and the people both make you look good.
32. Focus on best practices. Always strive to work for the best firm because, in the eyes of others, you are only as good as the firms on your resume. Look for professional organization awards - such as AIA Firm of the Year or national and local design recognition. Be determined to help your firm become a winner!
33. Seek best firms. Join those firms that encourage registration, continuing education, mentoring, AIA guidelines for salary compensation, practice an open-door policy, continue to upgrade benefits, promote physical fitness through discounted gym memberships, and practice ethical procedures such as “pay when paid” to consultants.
34. Avoid worst firms. Avoid shops that: do not promote your goal towards registration; actively solicit employees from other firms; fail to pay consultants when paid by clients; or have exceedingly high salary ranges. The caution about salaries is that if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is; the next position you take in a firm who stays within AIA guidelines may be at a lower rate.
35. Be aware of firm culture. Prior to an interview study a firm's culture. Ask around and make sure the current culture is in-line with your goals and expectations. If it’s not a fit, keep looking.
36. Stay informed. Always be aware of industry and national issues, especially the economy, and work to help your firm avoid pitfalls by being proactive and prepared for contingencies.
37. Be flexible. Stay open to all opportunities, including relocation to a branch office in another area, in or out of state, during a downturn. Never be afraid to broaden your horizon.
38. Become a marketing expert. Business Development is the life-blood of every firm, and you should always be marketing your firm. If you don’t believe in them enough to sell them, leave.
39. Be proactive. Reactive employees often find the door hitting them on the way out. Don’t be complacent and lulled into thinking you will always have your current position.
40. Rely on recruiters. Contact a recruiter who has industry experience. A professional who has actually worked in a design office can help you avoid pitfalls and find the right fit. Pick the person who let's you know that your career is as important to them as it is to you!
Entering the design profession in 1983, Carole Steadham began her career in the design industry in Administration, Business Management, Human Resources and, in 2001, continued as President of Placement By Design (PBD).
Carole’s business partner, Amy Rogers, whose professional credentials are in the health care industry, joined PBD in 2004 and has proven to be a valuable asset. Amy is highly respected in the Design Industry to not only candidates but also firms PBD represents.
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