What Architecture Firms Are Looking For in Young Employees

Millions of careers will start in the United States this summer. With one of the tightest labor markets in history though, it can be tough just to get a foot in the door with attractive companies.

The AEC industry is no different. With the economy doing well, opportunities are everywhere, but so is the competition.

“It’s a great time actually to come out of school. Everyone is still really, really busy. Finding a job isn’t as hard today as seven, eight, nine years ago,” Bob Borson, Principal Architect at Malone, Maxwell & Borson said. “The thing that makes me a little worried is it’s been really good for awhile now and the AEC industry as a whole goes through these cyclical kind of moments and we’re waiting for it to kind of turn down.”

Borson, who created the popular architecture-themed blog, Life of an Architect, has been in the architecture industry for decades now, but knows how important young architects’ first job is today.

“It’s important because it can dictate how your entire career might go,” he said.

This is not to say young architects should lock themselves into situations if they are not receiving the right opportunities though.

One way Borson advises those breaking into the industry to do is find a mentor in a role they envision themselves in one day.

“The thing that makes mentorship work, and this is important, is you have to reevaluate the decisions you’ve made. So, it suggests that that partnership has to be in place for a period of time,” he said.

Ultimately, sometimes landing that first job can come down to executing on the simplest of expectations, according to Borson.

“There are certain things we talk about that are kind of problem solving 101. If someone sends me a resume and they want a job and they address it to ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, you already failed the very first test which is to find out who you should address this to” he said. “It’s not a hard problem to solve.

When beginning a career, Borson also advises to measure the nature of the company and the relationships with senior teammates and clients. This can be unnerving for young workers but at some point, employers will expect genuine opinion and contribution when the time is right.

“If you’re in the room, if your employers have brought you into the space and put you at the table, they probably want you to feel comfortable to at least opening your mouth and saying something. Or they wouldn’t bring you,” he said.

To watch Borson’s entire interview on MarketScale Mornings, click here! For the latest in AEC news, head to our industry page! You can also follow us on Twitter at @AECMKSL. Join the conversation in our Market Leaders LinkedIn group!

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

DCS and IMI Unite for a Stronger Future
DCS and IMI Unite for a Stronger Future
November 4, 2024

In the latest episode of On Time In Full, host Gabrielle Bejarano sits down with Seth Taylor, Executive Vice President of Operations at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), and Mike Smith, Vice President of Operations at IMI Industrial. The conversation centers around the recent acquisition of IMI by DCS, a strategic move aimed at expanding…

Read More
the people business
The People Business: A Model For the Future? Land Rehabilitation & Workforce Training
November 4, 2024

In this episode of The Apple One Podcast’s The People Business series, host Brett Howroyd dives into Buffalo, New York’s revitalization efforts, highlighting transformative work in brownfield redevelopment and workforce training. With insights from Stephen Tucker, CEO of the Northland Workforce Training Center, and Peter Cammarata, former president of the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC),…

Read More
Ron Stefanski
The Bond Between Fatherhood and Education with Ron Stefanski
November 3, 2024

Setting the Stage for a Rich Educational Experience In a compelling discussion on the Grand Dads podcast, Ron Stefanski shares invaluable insights into the importance of embracing a well-rounded educational experience. As a seasoned Michigan man, Ron highlights the significance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, especially for students who migrate from familiar…

Read More
authentic connections
True Religion Sets the Bar for Legacy Brands Seeking Cultural Relevance and Authentic Connections
November 1, 2024

A striking 86% of consumers now prioritize authenticity when choosing which brands to support, emphasizing the value of transparency, authentic connections, and relevance in today’s market. True Religion, remains true to its roots in culture, sports, and music, through authentic partnerships and a modern approach to style. Leading this transformation, Chief Marketing Officer Kristen…

Read More