Heather Smith

I think it has to do with the depth of the recession and what economists forecast. There will not be a quick V shaped growth (rapid rise in employment) instead there will be fits and starts much like we see. We saw this during the Depression as well…we have a bit of a slog ahead of us, I think we are out of the worst of it, but since LA is…[Read more]

Architecture is worse off then LA. I know arch grads doing construction and that have had to work at Fred Meyers.
Some things that I think would be fun and require problem solving would be some of the scientific fields. There are things being researched like nanotechnology, developmental evolution, evolutionary biologists, genetics, etc…that…[Read more]

I know…I want to go out and take pictures of sidewalks and walkers now.

I worked for the City here…as the sustainability intern a few years and agree with the notion that the term “green” much like “sustainability” has negative connotations. Lets not forget that ANYONE can claim to be “green” or “sustainable”…much like we see the meaning of the term “organic” mean different things to someone interested in…[Read more]

These responses are all very helpful. Thanks.

I don’t think it will be useless…but many of the government cut backs directly affect us. LA is often seen as the icing and is the first to go. I am not sure anyone in my studio has a job in LA that hasn’t left the country, and I graduated in 2009.

I would pick another major. Check where you want to live for what health care jobs are available…there are nursing gluts. Also, law grads are struggling to find employment. I would look into science and medical fields…that is just me though. Of course you want to do something that makes you feel fulfilled as well…but if you are looking for a…[Read more]

You’re funny. You can design the most beautiful landscape and if you don’t have competent, intelligent landscapers your work will come out looking like trash. Don’t denigrate those that do manual labor. It appears you believe that your choice of font is more important then a laborer knowing how to properly lay-out and execute drawn documents.…[Read more]

I’m partial to hand graphics…specifically the type used to fill out checks to us. 🙂

Jon had a guy that responded to our employment ad completely in lower case letters. Maybe on his phone? It was weird.
As I typed this I wondered what I was messing up. haha.

I am not sure anyone would say starting a business right after school is the best idea. But for us we had two options…work for minimum wage or work for ourselves. We did not have the choice to work at a firm doing AutoCad…and I know that a lot of people haven’t either. It does take longer to learn things on your own, I just don’t see the point…[Read more]

I’m sorry if I misspoke Ellis. I absolutely think you ARE making opportunity for yourself. While trying to be encouraging to those that haven’t landed a job I inadvertently made it sound like doing AutoCad was less then owning your own business. I did not mean that, I wasn’t thinking how that would come across. Jon has applied for MANY AutoCad…[Read more]

Sorry I keep reading the thread and responding to individual. Come on here with questions. Locally, you will be competition. I have asked Andrew, Henry and Mark questions on here. All have much more experience then us and will give great advice.

Schmooze! Don’t underestimate beers and dinner parties. Accept all invitations and join your local Chamber of Commerce and go to Tips Lunches. We did that this year and it is making a difference.

I like to read what you write Andrew…you have good insight. 🙂 We have students apply with us for design work and I do laugh. There isn’t enough design work here…but I think this year we may have the 8-12 build projects. Hot dog! But yes, we get the whole enchilada.

Well if maui can explain how an unemployed grad will get their license…besides living in Idaho maybe that would be a real argument against self employment. Besides the fact that many people never get their license and do just fine if not better then those that have. How is doing AutoCad for years at a giant firm teaching you design? I see April…[Read more]

Unless your an LA working for the government. hahahhahaha.

I agree…Business!

hahah…I thought they had changed the standards and was rolling my eyes. haha. I think I should create my own standard. Thanks for the laugh.

Although you learn much quicker when it is your own dime. hahha. OUCH.
Give yourself some credit Craig…I have seen many seasoned designs and they are nothin’ to brag about. Did I say that out loud? The hardest thing we struggled with was cost estimating and detail. But straight out of school we did have general design concepts down pretty well.…[Read more]