I have a BFA in Art History and Studio Art. I am also currently enrolled in the YArch summer architecture program at UIC. Meanwhile, I am searching for a job at a firm in NYC. I want a year of work experience before I get my masters in architecture.
Do any firms in NYC hire people without an architecture degree? I have a lot of experience doing graphics, some model making and CAD experience. I am willing to work hard in any capacity. Even administrative stuff.
So far I have only found unpaid positions, which doesn't fly with my budget.
Do I have a chance of finding a paid job at an architecture firm?
What kind of firms would you recommend looking at?
I want to be in NYC but would it be easier to get hired in Chicago?
your best shot is to go for a marketing internship - most likely one at a firm large enough to have a decent-sized department. look at the big nyc corporate firms.
I worked without a degree for about two years as a 3d visualization specialist before grad school (arch) but that was at a time when the economy was booming and all you needed was a pulse to find a job.
It was at a time when there were like 10 new employees every week. Those were the days.... :)
"I have a lot of experience doing graphics, some model making and CAD experience. I am willing to work hard in any capacity."
Doesn't sound like you are willing to work hard. Sounds like you want to get over on the system. If you were willing to do anything, why not earn the degreee required to become an architect?
Is it worth it to work part-time unpaid at a firm and waitress to make money? Or get a full-time paid job but in an unrelated field?
On the Fence - in regards to your question, I am going to earn the required degree to become an architect, but, like I said, cannot start a masters program for another year. I'm seeking advise on getting valuable experience in the meantime. Not at all am I trying to "get over on the system." I just want to make the best use of my time before I'm back in school.
"If you were willing to do anything, why not earn the degreee required to become an architect?"
Face already stated s/he was in a summer program and was thinking of getting an MArch degree.I think you're doing the wisest thing face,it is necessary to check out the "real" side of the profession before investing thousands of dollars for an MArch.
Since you have graphics and model making experience I believe you can be somewhat useful.I'm sure you can contribute something to a firm with your photoshop,illustrator or indesign knowledge.Learn sketchup! Maybe you can offer to build a website for them to get a foot in the door.You may know CAD but without any construction knowledge nobody will give drafting work to you though.Don't expect to get a FT position but maybe you can get a PT position like a couple of hours a week .There are a lot of arch graduates out there who also have good graphic skills so expect a lot of competition.
Good luck with that, I have a 4 yr arch degree and have been using CAD since 1998 and no one will hire me because I don't have firm experience.
Unless you have a friend or family member that knows someone willing to hire you for minimum wage or something like that.
Or you could just go to your states next AIA convention and offer handjobs for work. Well, maybe blowjobs, it is a recession after all. No kissing though.
Just kidding on that last one. But seriously though, unless your mom or dad is an architect and will hire you, no principal in a firm is going to even give you the time of day without a degree and a minimum of 5-10 years firm experience.
Maybe be a waitress and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity or something.
Jun 30, 10 11:45 pm ·
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Help! Need advise about employment with little experience
I have a BFA in Art History and Studio Art. I am also currently enrolled in the YArch summer architecture program at UIC. Meanwhile, I am searching for a job at a firm in NYC. I want a year of work experience before I get my masters in architecture.
Do any firms in NYC hire people without an architecture degree? I have a lot of experience doing graphics, some model making and CAD experience. I am willing to work hard in any capacity. Even administrative stuff.
So far I have only found unpaid positions, which doesn't fly with my budget.
Do I have a chance of finding a paid job at an architecture firm?
What kind of firms would you recommend looking at?
I want to be in NYC but would it be easier to get hired in Chicago?
ah thats a nopers
your best shot is to go for a marketing internship - most likely one at a firm large enough to have a decent-sized department. look at the big nyc corporate firms.
Networking is your best shot.
You gotta remember you are competing with many people who at least have a degree in arch.
I worked without a degree for about two years as a 3d visualization specialist before grad school (arch) but that was at a time when the economy was booming and all you needed was a pulse to find a job.
It was at a time when there were like 10 new employees every week. Those were the days.... :)
"I have a lot of experience doing graphics, some model making and CAD experience. I am willing to work hard in any capacity."
Doesn't sound like you are willing to work hard. Sounds like you want to get over on the system. If you were willing to do anything, why not earn the degreee required to become an architect?
Thanks for all your thoughts!
Is it worth it to work part-time unpaid at a firm and waitress to make money? Or get a full-time paid job but in an unrelated field?
On the Fence - in regards to your question, I am going to earn the required degree to become an architect, but, like I said, cannot start a masters program for another year. I'm seeking advise on getting valuable experience in the meantime. Not at all am I trying to "get over on the system." I just want to make the best use of my time before I'm back in school.
"If you were willing to do anything, why not earn the degreee required to become an architect?"
Face already stated s/he was in a summer program and was thinking of getting an MArch degree.I think you're doing the wisest thing face,it is necessary to check out the "real" side of the profession before investing thousands of dollars for an MArch.
Since you have graphics and model making experience I believe you can be somewhat useful.I'm sure you can contribute something to a firm with your photoshop,illustrator or indesign knowledge.Learn sketchup! Maybe you can offer to build a website for them to get a foot in the door.You may know CAD but without any construction knowledge nobody will give drafting work to you though.Don't expect to get a FT position but maybe you can get a PT position like a couple of hours a week .There are a lot of arch graduates out there who also have good graphic skills so expect a lot of competition.
Good luck with that, I have a 4 yr arch degree and have been using CAD since 1998 and no one will hire me because I don't have firm experience.
Unless you have a friend or family member that knows someone willing to hire you for minimum wage or something like that.
Or you could just go to your states next AIA convention and offer handjobs for work. Well, maybe blowjobs, it is a recession after all. No kissing though.
Just kidding on that last one. But seriously though, unless your mom or dad is an architect and will hire you, no principal in a firm is going to even give you the time of day without a degree and a minimum of 5-10 years firm experience.
Maybe be a waitress and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity or something.
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