first-time job resources?

Hi everyone. I'm not a member of these groups, but I want to help one of my family members and thought someone who does architectural design professionally might have some ideas for my brother. He graduated in May with a degree in architectural design and has been looking all summer for an apprentice situation. He's not receiving a great deal of response, and it seems to have to do with his lack of experience already. But how does someone break in to the job before getting experience in a job? It seems a major problem. I think he'd accept an internship of something if he could come across one, but I don't know anything at all about this industry, but I promised to try and find him some resources and I'm not finding a lot through my web searches either. I come across general job sites like www.jobdirect.com, which helps recent graduates, and www.monster.com, and I'll pass those along too, but where do you find specific job postings for first time architectural professionals? Thank you for any advice. We appreciate it.

First, you don't say what area of the country. Most of the larger cities are severely shorthanded. But there is still a limit to what firms can pay and be profitable Your best bet would be to check the Sunday papers want ads, go to the library or larger bookstores....they typically have papers from across the country.

Second, the resume. I've seen a lot of mistakes that can get you in the round file real quick. 1) It should be one page only 2) No need to list every Mcdonalds and babysitting job you had 3) No need to list your 'design' philosophy or your desire to be blah, blah, blah, to the firm. You are fresh out of the gate. Be confident, but humble 4) Tailor the resume to the firm you are applying to....put emphasis on the strengths that mtch the firms needs. Even blind ads with a fax number only, you can do a reverse search and usually find out who is advertising.

Have some photo reductions of some of his better projects made. (professionally) 10 sheets or so , a representative smaple of projects Include these with resumes you send out.

Don't be afraid to answer newspaper ads that are looking for higher experience level than what you have. In this tight labor market, you may get

Breaking into any field without experience is difficult. It is an age old problem so many students face after obtaining a degree. Architecture and interior design students both face similar problems. The economic conditions of a particular region can have a great impact on the availability of positions. So naturally, when construction is high, more positions and openings are available.

One of the most thorough ways to attack this problem is to visit your main Public Library. Listings can be found which give you the name, address, city, zip, telephone, fax and, most importantly, the owners full name. Start by obtaining this list of all the architects in town and preparing a letter/contact campaign to each and every one of them. Be sure your letter is short, direct and flawless. Then follow up with a call in hopes of securing an interview. Let them know you would be interested in any recommendations of other firms hiring in the area, if they do not have an opening. Be willing to accept any position available, part-time or on a contract basis to get your foot in the door. Pay special attention to the portfolio and consider a format that is unusual.

Also, consider joining the local chapter of AIA or other pertinent organizations in the area to learn who is who in the community. Often newsletters are published by these organizations and it may be possible to advertise your availability or you may be able to find some openings posted within these publications.

Dezignaré: Interior Design Collective PO Box 203476 Austin TX 78720-3476 Tel: 512.249.2322 / Fax: 512.249.2325

Has he considered relocated to the San Diego Ca area

Lots of architecture going on here. Firms are turning down work and all of the firms need architects. Any acad exp.?

Can I say...I feel his pain. I am having the same problem in my area of Interior design. I too graduated witha degree and no practical experience...If you get any good advice (besides relocating) let me know! Miranda

'So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around?'