hello, i'm looking for a little guidance. As a young intern architect in nyc, my first few work experiences have been in the realm of high end interior renovations, mostly residential and few retail. Due to my background, it seems I have carved myself into this niche and am having a hard time even being considered for jobs in any other field.
But I've always been interested in expanding into other areas such as education, cultural centers, libraries, or healthcare. What steps would you recommend I take to make the switch? I would very much like to learn ground up and exterior building components on the larger scale.
(oh, and let's put aside the fact that it is really hard to find a job in anything right now because I see how this discussion can provoke a whole different conversation about the current economy)
work personal connections...friends, ex-teachers, etc. if someone knows you personally, they're more likely to give you a chance at something new than if they just see your info on paper....
have you ever thought about moving to another location? part of the reason you have so much experience with interiors is that you're in nyc. move to austin, tx, and learn sf homes
Get involved with a pro bono community design group - there are quite a few in NYC. They usually work on community/institutional projects and, although it's a side job you won't get paid for, it's a great way to build up your design-thinking ability in these areas (not to mention adding to your portfolio AND making great industry contacts). Put yourself out there. If you can't find someone to pay you to do it, take some other job and do it on the side on your own.
TO CLARIFY: I do NOT mean "take an unpaid position to do this work." There is legitimate pro bono work out there, being done for 501c3 community organizations who cannot afford to pay a lot for design, and that's a great place to be altruistic. Find a different paying position for your 9-5 - even if it's processing applications down at the DMV, who cares.
Jan 24, 11 5:26 pm ·
·
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.
different projects
hello, i'm looking for a little guidance. As a young intern architect in nyc, my first few work experiences have been in the realm of high end interior renovations, mostly residential and few retail. Due to my background, it seems I have carved myself into this niche and am having a hard time even being considered for jobs in any other field.
But I've always been interested in expanding into other areas such as education, cultural centers, libraries, or healthcare. What steps would you recommend I take to make the switch? I would very much like to learn ground up and exterior building components on the larger scale.
(oh, and let's put aside the fact that it is really hard to find a job in anything right now because I see how this discussion can provoke a whole different conversation about the current economy)
thank you in advance!
work personal connections...friends, ex-teachers, etc. if someone knows you personally, they're more likely to give you a chance at something new than if they just see your info on paper....
have you ever thought about moving to another location? part of the reason you have so much experience with interiors is that you're in nyc. move to austin, tx, and learn sf homes
Get involved with a pro bono community design group - there are quite a few in NYC. They usually work on community/institutional projects and, although it's a side job you won't get paid for, it's a great way to build up your design-thinking ability in these areas (not to mention adding to your portfolio AND making great industry contacts). Put yourself out there. If you can't find someone to pay you to do it, take some other job and do it on the side on your own.
TO CLARIFY: I do NOT mean "take an unpaid position to do this work." There is legitimate pro bono work out there, being done for 501c3 community organizations who cannot afford to pay a lot for design, and that's a great place to be altruistic. Find a different paying position for your 9-5 - even if it's processing applications down at the DMV, who cares.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.