ScottishArchitecture.com

Ah, the recession.  If we were all to take a drink every time the word or its many equivalents were mentioned, we’d all be permanently drunk.  Unable to be so blissfully ignorant however we cannot escape the fact that we are now officially in r*#~*@*#n and so along with many other professions, we are faced with the fear of unemployment.

Obviously some of us will take advantage of this ‘doom and gloom’ environment, turning it into an opportunity to travel to some far away land and generate some excellent life experience.  No one doubts that architecture and travelling go hand in hand, so it would not be detrimental to finding work upon your return (if you return...)

There are also many organisations set up to help you with the ‘gap year’ enabling one to work and travel throughout Australia for example (BUNAC), or alternatively, volunteer to provide temporary accommodation in areas of natural disasters (Architecture for Humanity).  If like me however, you will graduate this year with a ‘degree package’ complete with student loan, dangerously high overdraft, credit cards, and notification that the 0% interest free loan from ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is coming to an end; the most appealing idea of travelling is not possible.  With the prospect of the money tree failing to bloom this year, what in these times of crisis are our options?

There will undoubtedly be a small amount of jobs available but the competition to attain these will be significantly higher.  This year more than ever our CV’s will have to be eye-catching and impressive to stand out from the rest.  We are architects, not accountants, so our CV must convey this; an A4 word document will no longer cut it.  Include sketches, photographs and examples of our many creative talents – images can speak louder than words.  A more personal touch to the firm rather than a generic letter template may also go a long way.

When applying for jobs it is crucial to be flexible – we may not get the high flying practice we so desire but it is important to bear in mind that the smaller practice down the road may provide you with just as much experience.  Indeed, smaller practices not dependant on large commercial projects may actually have more work; the inability to gain a mortgage resulting in an influx of house extensions.  Experience is experience no matter where it is gained. Flexibility in the location of jobs is also important.  If at all possible, do not limit yourself to any one area.  Unfortunately jobs will not come to us; we will have to go to them.

If it is the case, however, that we do not manage to attain work, we will have to further exploit our creativity:
We will just need to convince our aunt and uncle that the extension they were contemplating is the way forward!  Not only will they get an incredible extension, but you will have a very impressive addition to the ever expanding CV.  It will also provide valuable work experience and a chance to get some of the inevitable mistakes out the way!  We’re only human after all.  Remember also that some of the most famous architects started out with family extensions... 

When we’ve run out of relatives, generated a large portfolio of architectural wonders, and grown a few grey hairs but still can’t find work, then we can look at the possibility of other design-related fields. Now relax, I'm not saying let’s all become engineers, I merely mean to temporarily exploit our talents.  Become a freelance model maker, work at a graphic design practice, become a sketch-up expert for firms, be a tutor at university, or a ‘cad monkey’ in any numerous types of profession...  Why not branch out into jewellery design, fashion, advertising, website design, sculpture, painting, etc., etc.

Now some of these may not provide full-time working positions but the point is that with any type of work, be it a check out assistant in Asda, sales assistant in John Lewis or a delivery driver for Pizza Hut; this time can provide a chance for you to focus on what interests you the most.

If it is still architecture however, remain in touch with the profession by entering design competitions and creating a name for yourself; make sure your voice is heard by writing blogs online or letters to your local newspaper.  Any effort to stay active will be looked upon favourably by prospective employers.

Lastly, and most importantly, remain positive; it is not all bad news, as Mark Dytham of Klein Dytham Architects reminds us “punk came out of a recession!”