[Brock Piglia]

Sorry for the late response. My best case scenario is to return back to landscape architecture when I finish the MBA program. I am a MBA student with a concentration in Marketing. I agree with you and feel that a concentration in Marketing will be a huge advantage in any firm (large or small) for the same reasons you mentioned. My two friends who went the same route are working for LA firms. One is actually a Principal (who conentrated in Finance) of a medium-sized design firm.

I am currently in the program and expect to graduate in 2012. Right now I am an intern with a small advertising and marketing firm. The experience is great and can easily transfer over back into LA… otherwise, a career change into Marketing is my other option (see my angle here??)

Let me know what you think.

[Brock Piglia]

Jay,

Don’t feel like your alone. I was laid off last March 2009 from a great job here in St. Louis with a large international firm. After about 6 months of searching all over again, I decided to go back to school to get my MBA in Marketing. I got a part-time job (which killed my already shattered ego), as well as an internship with a local marketing firm.

I have the same concern as you. I was told by someone I was close with at my former position that the longer you stay out of the profession (of landscape architecture), the harder it is to get back in. That just about crushed me. But, remember that this recession is hurting everyone… professionals and firms alike. I agree with the others. Do something positive and productive with the down time. Hopefully this should give you an advantage when things turn around.

I have two friends of mine who got there MBA and say it was a great addition to practicing as a landscape architect. I feel confident that when things turn around, my education will be beneficial, along with my portfolio and past work experience. It isn’t the right route for everyone, but one that I thought would suit me well. Find yours and try to stay positive.

[Author]

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