News and Information

Despite some recent positive news about the economy, it is expected that the economic recession will last until the end of this year and perhaps into 2010 and beyond. Some economists believe that the unemployment rate will continue to rise and will not begin to decline until the end of 2011. The situation is most dire for recent college architecture graduates. It is common knowledge that employment in firms is generally not presently available and is a condition which could remain for some time. While it is true that some companies are hiring there are not enough opportunities for the thousands of graduates seeking jobs.

Despite the economic stimulus programs proposed by local, state and national governments, it may take few years before the AEC professions (architecture, engineering and construction) experience a substantial recovery and before we find professional offices staffed at previous levels. While no one can guarantee a job as an architectural intern or any other related occupations, there are numerous things you can do to lessen the amount of time you are unemployed or underemployed.

In the short run, you may be forced to take a job that is not ideal or one that does not include working directly in an architecture firm. No matter the course you take, it is critical to remain connected to the architecture profession. It is important to maintain your skills and knowledge so that you are fully employable in the future.

Keep in mind that there are numerous "alternative" professions in which you can be successful with an architecture degree.

Internship Issues

During good economic times almost all agree that interns should receive financial compensation for their work. While interns are learning on the job, it has been generally accepted that they are genuine employees who should share in the financial rewards of their work. Recently, this idea is being reconsidered by employers and young professionals. Due to stressful economic conditions, many recent graduates and other young professionals seeking employment opportunities have considered "volunteering" their time in order to receive experience and earn the necessary units/time for the Intern Development Program (IDP).

The reality is that in most circumstances this condition of employment (i.e., "volunteering" your time for a for-profit company) is illegal and unethical. Furthermore, without proper compensation you devalue yourself, your education and the architecture profession. Interns must be compensated as required by state and federal wage laws. If an employer makes money from your talents then you should too.

Beyond the legal issues, it is the policy of the AIAS, the American Institute of Architects and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture that interns receive compensation. Note that wage laws are generally not applicable when you are volunteer your time for a non-profit organization or when you earn academic credit as part of a school-sponsored program. Also keep in mind that if you are not properly employed by a firm your time may not be allowable for credit for the IDP.

You can earn experience, knowledge and IDP units in numerous ways outside of an architecture office. For example, on April 28, 2009 the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) announced changes to the Intern Development Program (IDP 2.0) that will make it easier for interns to receive training units in non-traditional settings (i.e., not in an office). The first phase of IDP 2.0, to be implemented on July 1, 2009, will allow interns--whether employed or not--to earn training units by completing LEED accreditation and by completing specified architecture-related certificate programs offered by the Construction Specifications Institute. They will also be able to earn training units by reading the NCARB Professional Conduct monograph and passing the related quiz. Please visit ncarb.org for complete information. Yo u can also earn IDP credit by utilizing the Emerging Professional's Companion.

On NCARB's Web site you will also find additional resources, including podcasts and webinars on successfully completing the IDP. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the training settings and how credit can be earned.

Developing Your Professional Skills

There are numerous things you can do to enhance your professional abilities even when unemployed:

• Join The American Institute of Architects, which offers complimentary membership for the first 18 months after graduation (NAAB accredited degree is required; state and local dues vary). Membership provides access to a wide range of services, including the Career Center, discounts on conferences and other valuable professional development opportunities.
• Register for the requisite Intern Development Program (only $100 to register while you are a student or recent graduate). While most training units must be earned by working in an office, you can progress through the program via the Emerging Professional Companion, community service and those activities mentioned above.
• Start taking the Architect Registration Exam (ARE). In most cases, you can take portions of the exam immediately upon graduation. Some sections can be completed without having any work experience, like the General Structures division.
• Consider earning another degree. You can also earn additional IDP supplementary education training units by earning a post-professional degree in architecture after earning a NAAB or CACB-accredited professional degree in architecture. Click here to search for a school.
• Improve your resume.
• Continue your education in a non-degree seeking program. Explore taking MArch courses as a non-degree seeking student; take courses at a community/two-year college to learn a new software or skill.
• Maintain your membership with the AIAS. The AIAS offers an Affiliate membership for any person not enrolled in an academic institution.
• Participate and complete certification programs like USGBC's LEED® and the URISA Certificate Program. You can also explore becoming a Realtor®.
• Visit ARCHcareers.org. Hosted by the AIAS and the AIA, this site offers essential information on how to become an architect in the United States.
• Seek out ARE study groups in your community (often time they are offered by the local AIA component) or start one of your own.
• Attend local events for professionals (these do not need to be limited to architecture). You never know what might come of it.
• Attend local and/or state conferences offered by the AIA components.
• Seek out job opportunities, including internships, in other countries.
• Stay connected to your school and alumni association. Schools often need jury members, mentors, assistance with recruitment and other academic and social activities.
• Visit architecture-related Web sites often for news and information to stay up to date on the profession and the economy. We suggest the following sites to start:

  AIAS.org
  AIA.org
  archrecord.com (subscribe to the free newsletter)
  Design Intelligence (subscribe to the free newsletter)
  architectmagazine.com (subscribe to the free newsletter)
  archinect.com
  archnewsnow.com
  housingeconomics.com

• Explore programs like ACE Mentorship (PDF), AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, etc. These programs provide an opportunity for you to utilize your design skills and some compensate you with a small stipend and/or the reduction of student loans.
• Seek out volunteer opportunities in your local community. Contact city and county social service agencies and organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, Architecture for Humanity, Public Architecture and general service groups like the United Way. In the U.S., the Web site serve.gov is a portal for to find ways to serve in your own communities; visit volunteer.ca for Canada.
• If your AIAS chapter (or a chapter near you) participates in the Freedom by Design&trade program, stay involved after graduation.

• Search for jobs in the allied professions like engineering and the construction industry.
• Search for jobs with local, state and federal agencies. These jobs are typically not posted in the usual places like Monster.com. You need to visit the Web sites for the local and state agencies. The U.S. Federal Government posts jobs at www.usajobs.gov. For Canada, visit jobs-emplois.gc.ca.
• If you have skills or knowledge about carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing, etc. you may consider working for a construction company.
• Consider participating in design competitions as they are a great way to keep your skills sharp and your portfolio diverse. You can find design competitions on the AIAS, AIA and ACSA Web sites and others such as www.deathbyarchitecture.com.

• Keep your resume and portfolio updated and ready to distribute.
• Do not be afraid to tell people that you are unemployed or underemployed and looking for a job. Others need to know this so that they can assist with your job search.
• Network, network, network. Get out of your house and attend as many professional networking events as possible. Do not limit yourself to events that are architecture-focused. Utilize sites like Facebook and LinkedIn to stay connected to your peers, your school's alumni, etc.
• Stay in contact with your professional and/or academic mentor(s).
• Attend job fairs in your local community even if they are not offering architecture-related job opportunities.
• Introduce yourself to your state's IDP Coordinator.

The following Web sites have helpful information on unemployment compensation, health care and keeping your emotional strength, among other helpful tips.

• careerplanning.about.com/od/jobloss/a/job_loss.htm
www.ehow.com/how_2367563_keep-health-insurance-lose-job.html
• www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255687005/5-1/5-1_Layout.htm?packedargs=Locale%3Den_US

Strategies for Unemployed Architects (published by Architectural Record)

Navigating the Economy (published by The American Institute of Architects)

Economic Forecasts (published by Reed Construction Data)

Grad Guide (published by the Washington Post)

Getting Your Bearings Post Layoff (published by The American Institute of Architects)

Do you have any ideas to add to our list? Please post them to the special blog on this subject matter.

*Tables courtesy of the AIA Architectural Billings Index. Reprinted with permission.