Activity

Good News! Let’s hope they’re right.

Changing the terminology of a profession wont change society’s perception of it (Just look at Radioshack’s “The Shack” campaign; it’s still the same crappy, overpriced electronics store). In fact, the entire issue with landscape architecture is that there it’s not even on the radar for the average member of society; hence why people first…[Read more]

To be sure, employers are getting used to seeing lots of resumes with “gaps” on them right now. Some may see it as a negative, but I think most realize that some really talented and hardworking LA’s have been laid off in the last year or two.

I think the only bad way to handle this on a resume is to try and hide it. Be upfront, list your career…[Read more]

Took the exam this morning and passed! Everything stated above is good to study, plus know your basic plant pathology (diseases). Good luck everyone!

Well I just graduated with my MLA from Clemson, and I concentrated on urban design in my terminal project. I think that with most programs you can make of it what you want. Clemson focuses on DESIGN, as opposed to a school like UGA which from what I understand is more technical or environmentally focused. Both great schools though. I know Harvard…[Read more]

Why is this anyone’s business beyond your own? As others point out, the recession is a given. But perhaps a candidate simply wanted some time off? As an employer I’m looking at the ability of the person to handle the work that I have.

Lacunae will be at least partially explained as you conduct the interview but are ultimately immaterial and…[Read more]

What you mean exactly by scheduling?

Paul,

Have you looked at Penn State? They don’t have an urban design program per se, but might have the flexibility you are looking for. Its worth a look.

That looks a lot like freecycle in concept http://www.freecycle.org/ except, obviously, that the stuff’s not free! Have you ever used that? One problem I’ve come across is that the cost of landfilling is often less than what the cost of transporting materials to a new site would be. In Las Vegas, we are so far from other markets that we are…[Read more]

I was only able to find LARE resources on the PPI2pass website. From what I hear, you need to just be fresh on all of the LARE multiple choice stuff, know you plants, water conservation, and bring lots of common sense. I hear that there are things you just can’t study for on the exam; you’ve either experienced it in practice or not. I hear there…[Read more]

I am an undergrad, but I am getting a BA in Urban Planning and Finance, so I would need to do the first professional program. I’ve been to NYC a handful of times and am quite familiar with the city, so culturally I don’t think I would have any problem adjusting. I will probably head out there to visit in which case I’ll let you know. I understand…[Read more]

Have you shopped the http://www.ppi2pass.com website?

Amy, I think the skills-based resume is a good way to go. I’ve done a little more reading on it this morning, and I think it’s worth a shot, can’t hurt. It does seem to de-emphasize gaps. My current resume is really a combination of a chrono and a skills based, but it’s almost a new year, so perhaps a fresh start is in order.

I also like the…[Read more]

Jay – happy to help! I might have been a little confusing in my reply and unfortunately I didn’t do a skills-based resume, though it’s something I’ve always considered because I have one of those somewhat “untraditional” career trajectories. I meant to say that I did the “current position” entries for my ASLA activities, etc. Send me your e-mail…[Read more]

Mike, I think that idea has some potential. I think it is possible to improve ones skills during a time like this in specific areas, but not necessarily realistic to stay current in a broader sense. In an ideal world, an employer would not look at a long time away from the profession as an automatic negative and set the resume aside. But I realize…[Read more]

Amy, thanks for your encouragement. I recall seeing some skill based resume samples on the net a while back, but I didn’t come across any from someone in our profession. I’ll send you a PM, I would be interested to see how you handled that.

I think you are right, in that employers who are overly concerned with employement gaps are probably not…[Read more]

after some review that actually looks like a good program at a very reasonable price. Did you get an MLA from there by any chance? I am wondering what kind of job prospects their grads have. I don’t have any frame of reference on how the industry views degrees from various schools other than the publicized DesignIntelligence rankings

Amy, I’ll agree with all you said. But a year behind a register or stacking products for display doesn’t say much for growth of professional skills. And as an employer I’d be looking for a progressive growth in skill, understanding and value to my office. Department store experience tells me that the prospective employee can meet basic employment…[Read more]

You might want to consider restructuring your resume into a skills-based format that highlights your strengths and achievements while honestly conveying, but de-emphasizing, the timeline of your work experience. Recruiters regularly recommend this for people with gaps or non-traditional career paths and you can find examples online. I agree with…[Read more]