What is the definition of the “Millennial Generation”? Millennials are normally classified as the generation born between 1980 and 2000.
In the news and society you have probably heard the following assumptions about Millennials:
- Millennials are entitled and don’t want to pay their fair share
- Millennials need special hand-holding at work
- All millennials are adept at social media
- Millennials do not stay at one job for too long
How does this all tie into getting your dream job in Architecture?
Odds are the person hiring you is from an earlier generation. Although most of these tropes usually do not apply to the common applicant, this could help you spot a loaded question in an interview.
Be prepared for those questions that may have other connotations such as, why did you stay at your last employer for only a couple of months?» If you do not hesitate and have a clear and concise answer, you will be better prepared to tackle these questions.
These architecture career success tips will help any millennial stand out and get noticed.
1. Stop complaining
One of the largest complaints in the architecture community is salary. The argument always begins the same. I have invested so much time and energy and money into becoming a top architect and knowing all of the computer software, yet I only make so much.
As an architect, you need to focus on YOUR career, training, and qualifications. Comparison is the thief of joy and you will end up getting yourself down when you fail to compare yourself with YOURSELF!
So how are you being effective? What value are you bringing to the firm?
If you feel you are stuck don’t just sit there. Figure out where you want to be in ten years and make a plan to get there. If it is not in architecture, there is no shame in that.
Do your best to stay positive, this is an essential skill in the professional environment. If you don’t believe me just look at the most successful people in any industry.
2. Work ethic at work
Quality leaders and principals do not like treating their workers like children. So the best thing to do is not act like a child, but rather show the firm you are there to work and provide value independently and through collaboration.
A key hurdle can be your Smartphone, which have become a distraction on every person’s desk and it gives you access to anything anyway.
Millennials are a generation that has grown up with technology. The architecture profession is project based which means deadlines and long hours, especially for the younger generation within architecture studio culture.
You do NOT have to stay until 10 pm just because others are and your goal should be to be as productive as possible at the end of the day, so remember it is a marathon, not a race.
Make sure to create a clear list of goals to achieve throughout the day and work through it methodically. When you are able, knock out the work you can do on your own and zone out to focus.
3. Respect your employer’s time
You should make sure your expectations are clear on both sides and there is clear communication. You do not want to take away from the work with mistakes that can be avoided through proactive measures.
Never make your feedback and grievances with your employer public or complain about it on social media. You should be able to reach out to leadership without any concerns.
While legitimate emergencies come up in life try to plan around the ones you can control. Try to work with the schedule you have if possible.
If you are willing to do these things you will be rewarded. Over time you will be known as dependable and responsible. Leadership takes notes of these extra efforts and is more likely to give you raises and more responsibilities.
4. Every day you are learning
A clear area to always be learning is in the computer software area. Self-improvement is software knowledge and how you are able to keep the studio on the cutting edge with their processing and rendering capabilities, etc. This is particularly important in the architecture field.
No one is going to force you to adapt and learn new programs. You have to take the first step and then ask questions to the correct mentor.
You should aim for between 2.5-5% of your income on self-improvement. This includes software training, e-books, live and recorded seminars, online conferences, and even free courses. Take the initiative and be pro-active with the areas you improve in to provide more depth to your studio.
5. Take care of your finances
By preserving your budget you have more flexibility to be able to invest in yourself, as well as prepare for when you want to make your next career move. Try to avoid impulse buying on material things and focus on your craft and happiness overall.
Don’t overspend on rent! Save and invest.
These are your “compounding years”. Every dollar invested now will be worth ten or more at retirement.
Education never stops. You may have graduated, but every day there is something new to learn. Take classes or get licensed or create a personal project, LEED accreditation, etc.
Always stay improving your craft!
When considering your next career move, plan proactively and create Portfolios that include your best work. Consider looking into finding a mentor with Architect-US, and improving your Portfolios with our Portfolio Plans and Career Advice Program. We provide coaching and personalized mentorship, so you can have a professional and experienced take on your next steps in your career, as well as a great team to confide in.
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