avideh, i have been thinking alot recently about the portfolio component of this profession and would like to share some thoughts.

i most likely have 10 years on you, and in my age (note: i did not say widsom) think that you need to focus on your education first and foremost. if you are challenging yourself and growing intellectually, the portfolio will follow. you need to make your decision about your education based on what you are learning and if you are passionate about your work. i don't think that anyone knows the answer to that except for you. this is your chance to relax and allow yourself to be educated; maximize your experience, at either school. good luck.

as far as the portfolio as you move forward in your career, i find myself constantly changing the work i show based on the jobs i seek. for example, i have made portfolios with models, details and cad work to meet certain job descriptions. the last interview i had, i was asked to show my personal sketches and artistic hobbies and interests outside of architecture. i have also been asked to bring only CDs.

in this current economy, i find that work experience will help you get the interview, but your portfolio can make or break the outcome. i think your best bet is to create a portfolio that 1-compliments your resume and 2-enhances your skills, whether that is modeling, detailing, sketching...etc...

again, good luck! hope this is helpful.

avideh

I dont understand what is available at other schools that is not available at your current location. I have had the priviledge to have been educated at 2 amazing schools one ivy league one not.
The institution never makes the project - The individual utlilizes their environment to create a product.

I believe you should focus your efforts into your primary interests and beliefs. Use this to develop a technique (how you can appropriate available tools to explore a subject). In the end a portfolio is a record of growth and indicates your apptitude in exploration. A great portfolio sparks a dialogue - that will get you a job.

As far as how portfolio helps get a job - some jobs are about the work some jobs are about the personality. You should be selfish and develop your beliefs and technique - use firms to give you exposure. In the end you only can offer any employer your ability to solve problems quickly and cost effectively - your portfolio is a record of attempts - failures, success, and in progress trials. It is less about school work vs professional work - its about relevancy and levels of exposure.

good luck

Kwest,

You are right in saying that the institution doesn't make the project. Theoretically I should be able to produce good work and advance in my projects no matter what. My portfolio is only as good as I am as a designer and as a student. But the school I'm at right now is in extreme shortage of a dedicated full-time staff; while that is good in that it provides opportunities to get a variety of professors from different backgrounds, it also has a huge downside in that we get instructors who are not fully dedicated and do not even care to show up to studio. Unfortunately it seems like no one cares; I have studied at the other school and compared to that school, my current institution is a piece of cake (in terms of difficulty...). Therefore what I don't have here, right now, is a stimulating environment and a group of students that actually care about their education.

echo what Kwest said.

Its your project, in the end. Your name is on it, not your professors.
I have told myself this many many times while in school, because it sounds like I share your situation. You'll get out what you put in. I refuse to believe EVERYONE at the talked about programs are working on a completely different level. They may have the opportunity to, which is nice, but that doesn't mean its taken.
Coming from your side of things and a similar educational background I've been offered a job in Vienna and at a quite progressive office. It was the portfolio - and had nothing to do with my school. They'd never heard of it.
Do your best work and you wont have any regrets.