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I recently took and passed the CSE and have several resources for those studying for the exam.  Some of the resources I found helpful I used when I studied the CSE for architecture exam (I’m also a licensed architect).

1. John Denson’s study guide, sample question e-book, and web site, http://www.cselandscapearchitect.com;  John’s e-books and web si…

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Thank you Andrew!

Don’t overlook the opportunities that regulation provides for consultants. It forces a need. You are in and around communities with lots of activist personalities that love to sit on boards and help write regulations.  This means that otherwise simple projects require detailed plans. Go to Conservation Commission and Planning Board hearings to…[Read more]

To your question about some other ways I may have found successful, that’s a tough one–especially if you’re working full time. I like to think for me it was a matter of, “chance favors the prepared mind” as Louis Pasteur said, but in reality it was probably closer to Woody Allen’s, “80% of life is showing up”. So I “showed up” by applying to a…[Read more]

Thanks for the advice!  That does make a lot of sense.  I will try a different, more focused job description.  Any advice on cover letter content? This seems to be one place many people get hung up on.  Do employers really read the cover letter, or do they simply skim over it and focus more on the resume and portfolio?

Thanks for the advice!  I am open to relocating, but the response I have received the most from out-of-state firms is, “we only are considering local candidates at this time”.  So I really pick and choose which out-of-state jobs to apply for.  Relocating out of the country, unless its Canada, is not an option for me. I will definitely look more in…[Read more]

I have been building a network through fellow alumni and coworkers.  I have not had much success networking through social media, only searching for open positions.  
I always try to send a follow up email asking how I could improve, but as to date only one firm actually replied back (they chose another person due to more relative experience).  …[Read more]

Willing to relocate to a different state or country would certainly increase your options. And moving to another country especially is risky, emotionally demanding, but you’ll get over the hump after a year.
After losing my job due to the 08 crash, I moved back with my parents, and kept going at my portfolio, improving old projects, trying new…[Read more]

Thanks Dennis, I’ll give it a look-see.

Go to the State of Ohio Board of Landscape Architects link.  Search their site for Continuing Education.  They have a listing of Free online CE courses. They aren’t specific to Ohio either.  You might find something there that will work for you.

Or low cost…seems $30. an hour is the going price….

Yes  Better Employment 

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Daniel—you don’t specify how you are trying to build a professional network–is it face-to-face or? Social media never got me anywhere. In my experience actually knowing or at least meeting potential employers is by far and away the best way especially if it’s in a casual non-employment related arena. And I’m inclined to believe these days tha…[Read more]

If you present yourself the same way everyone else with similar education and experience going for the same job does, you will be one of many. If you present yourself differently, you may become one of a few.
Your job description sounds to me like it is describing your values and what you want out of your career which may seem to pass over the…[Read more]

…. and if nothing else, the possibility of networking may lead to another job.

You said it better than I did…. I wondered a bit if it could be a limiting pigeonhole in the wrong firm but on the other hand, they know what her background is coming in and must be interested. It’s bound to occur to somebody there, now or later, this would be a built-in way around the hassle of hiring outside temporary contractors, or…[Read more]

Well, I know a woman (only relevant because her description at the time matches yours) with an MLA who started out doing administrative work in a small LA firm who has won ASLA national awards (at least two, but possibly more). I would not think twice about it.
My opinion is that this is a better position to be in for your long term goals than doi…[Read more]

I spent most of the day yesterday with the Landmark trial and a handful of the tutorials VW offers and as much as I WANT to love Landmark, I’m really having a hard time justifying spending more time with it. 
The button based commands are exhausting coming from command prompt driven CAD. The windows and palettes get out of control just drafting…[Read more]

Thanks so much Robert!
Like I said, we are still a very small upstart, but have invested in technology to give us an advantage over other larger firms and it has paid off–however slowly.
I would be interested in speaking with you further at some point about how you can help us transition. In the meantime, I may download a trial and tinker a bit.…[Read more]

Robert,

We are a small firm of two, both with over a decade of experience in AutoCAD. We are looking to transition to a BIM platform, but I am waffling between something like a Land f/x addon and VW Landmark.
Landfx of course has the advantage of being AutoCAD based, so the interface and commands are familiar. As I understand, the BIM component…[Read more]