Here are a few tips to help you set goals that get you to the career of your dreams.<\/p>\n
Try everything.<\/strong> Push yourself.<\/strong> Ask to work on different projects outside of your existing portfolio, even if it means working extra hours. \u201cYou have to see opportunities and jump into them,\u201d advises Nancy Ludwig, FAIA, President and Senior Principal at Boston-based Icon Architecture. \u201cTake a look around\u2014at more than just the project you\u2019re working on but to everything that\u2019s going on\u2014and offer your services.\u201d<\/p>\n Learn from others.<\/strong> Look to firm leadership.<\/strong> Most firms have an annual review process; if goal setting and long-term career planning aren\u2019t 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. \u201cWe have a standard line [at our firm]: We\u2019re 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,\u201d says Ludwig.<\/p>\n Connect with your local AIA chapter.<\/strong> There\u2019s 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\u2019re eligible for a free new grad membership!<\/p>\n Get started now.<\/strong> 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.\u00a0\u201cThere were definitely some setbacks along the way, but my yearning to be an actual architect kept me going.\u201d<\/p>\n No matter what, don\u2019t let the concept of goal setting overwhelm you. \u201cBe flexible,\u201d Kasdan advises.\u00a0\u201cGoals are important tools to help guide your professional growth, but life is full of surprises.\u00a0Try to embrace the changes and enjoy the process.\u201d<\/p>\n Make sure you keep up with us at\u00a0Architect-US<\/a>,\u00a0<\/b>and make full use of all of the\u00a0information and insight we have for you for free<\/strong>. Do NOT forget that we have\u00a0helpful services for you ranging from\u00a0Portfolio Plans to Career Advice<\/a><\/strong>.\ud83d\udc4c Our Selection Committee of architects and designers with 10+ years of experience\u00a0<\/strong>love to help architects and designers at any point of their career to push the industry forward together!<\/p>\n
\nSetting 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\u2019re passionate about.<\/p>\n
\nGoal setting doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\nCreating 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.<\/p>\n