Here are a few tips to help you set goals that get you to the career of your dreams.
Try everything.
Setting long-term career goals first requires a general idea of what you want to do. And that means spending some of your first months and years trying new things until you find the areas of practice you’re passionate about.
Push yourself. Ask to work on different projects outside of your existing portfolio, even if it means working extra hours. “You have to see opportunities and jump into them,” advises Nancy Ludwig, FAIA, President and Senior Principal at Boston-based Icon Architecture. “Take a look around—at more than just the project you’re working on but to everything that’s going on—and offer your services.”
Learn from others.
Goal setting doesn’t need to be an independent task, nor should it be. Lean on the experience and insights of others in the field for ideas and support.
Look to firm leadership. Most firms have an annual review process; if goal setting and long-term career planning aren’t a part of that discussion, ask if they can be. This ensures your manager and other firm leaders understand your long-term aspirations so they can direct work and training accordingly. “We have a standard line [at our firm]: We’re not going to tell you what you have to do. We will help you get there, but we need to know where you want to go,” says Ludwig.
Connect with your local AIA chapter. There’s an amazing community of local architects and future mentors at your disposal, plus education events, lectures, volunteer projects, and other ways to get involved and gain exposure to different areas of practice. Not a member? See if you’re eligible for a free new grad membership!
Get started now.
Creating long-term objectives, and weighing the milestones required to achieve them, can feel overwhelming. Careful upfront planning can help keep you from getting tripped up.
Consider getting licensed, which is one of the first goals for many young designers. Kasdan set out to pass an ARE section every six to eight weeks to achieve his goal of getting licensed within three years of graduation. “There were definitely some setbacks along the way, but my yearning to be an actual architect kept me going.”
No matter what, don’t let the concept of goal setting overwhelm you. “Be flexible,” Kasdan advises. “Goals are important tools to help guide your professional growth, but life is full of surprises. Try to embrace the changes and enjoy the process.”
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