Reply To: Fresh graduate stuck and need advice

[Anonymous]

Congratulations on graduating, unfortunately it is very tough out there. I graduated in 2010 and it took me about eight months to find a full time LA related job. The hardest part is just getting a foot in the door to interview. I applied to everything that popped up on the ASLA Joblink and eventually one of those listings landed me an interview and job. I have since switched jobs and that was only possible through networking and keeping those ties strong for many years.

I am not sure where you are located, but I think design-build is a good way to start — in a nursery. Many small companies seemed to start being receptive to calls and inquiries about this time, in preparation for the spring schedule. During my search, I started keeping an excel sheet that kept track of what the name of the firm was, when I sent an inquiry, when I received a reply (and if so, the name of the person). I did a mix of cold calls and cold emails, many times neither yielded anything. Sometimes I did get somewhere, which was encouraging. Most importantly, stay as busy as you can. Don’t let the “no’s” put you down. Keep sketching, exploring, and travelling if funds permit. Polish your resume and portfolio, and as an above poster said, make business cards and network like crazy. Attend local expos and trade shows. Volunteer work also is a good option to build experience. I designed a small garden for a church that ended up going into my portfolio and impressing my current employer during my interview. You just never know how things like that can help you out in the long run.

Land8 has a great group of people and resources that can help you out. Good luck.