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Earlier this month, Cal Poly Pomona's College of Environmental Design (CPP ENV) appointed the department's first ENV Career Specialist in an effort to guide and address the looming questions students have during this time. Archinect was able to connect with CPP ENV's Career Specialist Alie Ivie to unpack the college's efforts to provide resources and support to their students.

Interview with CPP ENV's Career Specialist Alie Ivie

What are common misconceptions students think of when it comes to finding a job?

Ivie: At this time, as we deal with a global pandemic, a common misconception is that students think companies are no longer hiring. However, that is simply not true. Certain industries have been greatly affected, while other industries are booming. I encourage students to research the labor market trends of their industry of interest. Even though companies are still hiring, I encourage students to be patient, because the hiring process may take longer than before. 

Another misconception is that candidates with the most experience and highest levels of education get hired. It is not always about education levels and experience, as it is more about your ability to be relatable and clearly articulate your skill set. Also, students should demonstrate ways they bring value to the company. Lastly, use several job search techniques to increase the chances of securing your ideal opportunity. From networking to online job searching tools, I highly recommend students to use a variety of methods. Networking is the most effective way to find opportunities.

How has CPP ENV helped their students adjust during these challenging times?

The CPP ENV continues to support students in a variety of ways. We have our weekly newsletter, On the Grid, which provides students with up-to-date information and resources. ENV has a set of emergency funds for students in need. Students that are experiencing financial difficulties during this time are eligible for a $500 stipend. All student services are available online, including academic advising, career advising, graduation, and retention advising. ENV students can get free design software, like Adobe Creative cloud, AutoCAD, and ArcMap GIS. CPP has loaned out laptops to students during this time to help them continue their education virtually. 

As a Career Specialist, I have increased the amount of career readiness workshops and meetings. For the month of April, we've hosted workshops via Zoom on a variety of topics. Some of our recent topics are resume writing, job search strategies, and personal branding. Also, I started a series called Career Chats (via Zoom), where I bring industry professionals to share their experiences and give students recommendations on ways they can prepare for their future careers.

Ivie: My number one tip to give students when applying for a job or internship is to tailor their resume for the position to showcase they are the best candidate. Most job seekers do not take the time to ensure their resume clearly states their strengths and skills that are relevant to the position. The resume is an important piece to the job searching process. The resume is an introduction to entice the employer to learn more about you with the goal of securing an invite to the interview. It is imperative that your resume grabs the reader's attention and encourages them to view your portfolio. 

In a sense, your resume is a reflection of you, which illustrates your specific skills and related experience. But, more importantly, it demonstrates your value to the company and the assets you bring. To increase your chances of getting an invite to the interview, customize your resume to match the needs of the employer. This does not imply that you must recreate your resume for every position that you are applying for. I highly recommend that you take the time to view the job description and include keywords that are specific to the company and industry of interest. 

Check out some recent articles to help with your job search:

• Are you looking for a new architecture job? These four design studios are currently hiring
• Rookie Tip: Don't try to "prove yourself." Try to be effective.
• Portfolio tip: Show your work
• Tips on writing an effective cover letter
• Answering "So, tell me about yourself" in an interview