So I’ve been on the job market since February; in that time, I’ve applied for over 175 different positions. Some of these have been outside of the world of architecture, while most have been with architecture practices.
I can see the writing on the wall, the architecture industry is changing and until it finds its new face there are not going to be many new positions out there working for other people. This is one of the reasons I’ve started my own residential design firm, studioSML, with a good friend of mine. On one hand we have the dream of working for ourselves, but on the other we are trying to be realists and understand that it is very likely that we will not bring in enough money to be self sufficient for years. This means that we both need full time positions elsewhere, and not just temporary ones. We are looking for long term (a number of years) positions that will allow us the ability to work on our own projects while still paying the rent/mortgage.
In my mind, the best way to accomplish this is to find jobs outside of architecture, and for me that means looking to my graphic design experience. Now, don’t get me wrong, if I somehow find a position with another architect or interior design or find myself with so much work i can actually take a salary I’ll be overjoyed, but I’m trying to be realistic. So I have been applying for graphic design jobs and not gotten much of a reply. Tonight, I finally got some helpful feedback from a potential employer. He questioned my desire to leave architecture and my dedication to graphic design, as well as the inability for me to find a salary that both takes into account my architecture experience(+4 years and almost licensed) as well as my graphic design experience (less than 2 years).
I don’t really know how to respond. I’ve already reworked my resume to feature my graphic design skills, but i feel it would be wrong to leave off the last 4 years of architecture jobs. In addition, in my cover letters I mention that I am looking to redirect my career into graphic design and leave architecture. I also mention that I understand that my architecture experience outweighs my graphic design experience, but that in my opinion (and hopefully theirs) it allows me to approach design issues form a different point of view. Beyond these measures I’m not sure what to do. Do I start applying for senior positions, or continue applying for entry level to positions requiring 2 years of experience?
Changing job fields can be difficult. In the world of Chemistry (my field) to change your focus still staying a chemist, you have to go back to school (which is what I am doing). So, I understand some of what you are going through. I went through a bunch of interviews where I actually know how to run the analytical equipment they potentially wanted me to run; but since I had spent the last three years working primarily with different equipment, they didn’t want me.
I know that’s not really encouraging; but I know some of what you are going through. Should you apply for senior positions? Sure. The most they can do is say no. You might even get some positive feedback to help you market yourself. Most of all, though, they can’t hire you if you don’t apply. Remember, the job market right now isn’t that great, so many companies can afford to be picky with what they want in a new hire.
Having said all that, I wish you the best of luck. If you need a second pair of eyes on your resume, I am a good proofreader.
-Rebecca
I am in a very similar quandry but in entirely different fields. I wish to start up my own game store, but apart from that I am also looking to get back to regular Software Development after 7 years of being a Software Consultant.
Now you might not think that those things are that different and to an outsider they aren’t. But to someone on the inside there is a vast difference mostly around the process of development.
I would emphasis on your resume what Graphic Design and Architecture have in common. Demonstrate that _both_ skills are useful in combination and seek out employers who are looking to fill two positions but only have money for one. Never look at your experience as a hindrance because you cannot change where you have been. Simply realize that your experience is what makes you uniquely you and revel in being different. Emphasize your strengths and your flexability to your potential bosses. And hang in there.
I made a similar change years ago when I got into web development. My resume emphasized the relevant skills and downplayed skills that weren’t _obviously_ relevant. I got an entry-level position and worked my way up (especially by exploiting my other skills).
I help make hiring decisions at my current job. If I saw someone with your resume applying for a junior position, you would need to downplay your architecture experience. When looking for junior positions, we want people that we can invest in. You would need to convince me that you will grow within the company, instead of leaving us when an architecture job comes along.
However, you may have some luck with Senior positions. Senior positions require additional skills such as project management, team building, reporting, and client handling. I’m sure you’ve developed many of those skills working on architectural projects. If I saw your resume for a senior position, I wouldn’t worry as much about you leaving for a better job.
Best of Luck,
Kent