Any Architects on MFP? Any of you change careers?

MB_Positif

I guess this goes under Chit-chat because it has nothing to do with fitness! I recently lost my job (just before Christmas) working as a residential architect. I've known for the past couple of years that this field was going nowhere since I was in a job that I hated, but only stayed because it still existed,. Every time I've searched for a job locally, there haven't been any! Soooo...I am just writing to find out if there's any other working architects, unemployed architects or anyone who has switched from Architecture to a new career recently! I am trying to figure out what other fields might hire someone with an architectural background. I've managed projects and had customer service experience in the past. I am meeting with a friend soon who is in Career Development at a local university, so I am hoping she can also give me some suggestions! Thanks in advance!

melbaby925

I saw your post on my wall and had to read! I think that you should change your resume to emphasize your project management work. If you can successfully manage a project to budget, manage resources and outline tasks, it doesn't matter if you're building a house or running a software project. There aren't enough decent PMs out there!

Have you got any good software/CAD experience? Put that at the top of your list. If you have any industrial engineering type experience, make sure you highlight that as well - that's all about layout, using resources properly and maximizing assets spatially - benefit to any type of manufacturing company.

There are ways to work your architecture experience into something fabulous - there has to be! Also, have you ever heard of Dice.com? It's more high tech than Monster or any of the other job boards, and you might find something there that sounds decent!

Good luck, girlie - I know you'll shake something out soon!

ChappyEight

Melbaby is right on the money.

I'm a commercial architect (government, healthcare, corporate offices, higher education) and have been fortunate enough to hang onto my job so far. There are lots of graphic design opportunities for those like us out there in addition to the many things mel mentioned.

I know it's been a while so I hope you landed on your feet!

jadesign19

Bump for later

Turtlehurdle

I'm an Architect too! Architecture has suffered a lot lately! There have been many large firms making huge cuts in my area. Luckily I have kept my job so far (knocks on wood).

Like the other poster, have you thought about doing graphic design? Not sure how experienced you are using 3D programs but I think if I ever lost my job I could easily find work in Interior Design, Graphic Design or even gaming.

What about working for a construction company? I think the big problem a lot of Architects, who are looking for work, have is that they are determined to stay in the field of Architecture and don't want to venture into other areas!

I hope you find something!

Good luck!

Turtlehurdle

By the way, I should mention that if I ever lose my job, I am make a beeline towards gaming design!