[Ricardo da Cruz e Sousa]

May I suggest that you look at the official definition of the profession by IFLA approved in 2003? That gives you a generalized idea of the recognized description of our profession for the International Labour Office – Geneva.

This is how it sums up:
“Landscape Architects conduct research and advise on planning, design and stewardship of the outdoor
environment and spaces, both within and beyond the built environment, and its conservation and sustainability of development.”

Of course it goes on, including the several tasks. Maybe you can give it a little twist and make it more appealing and not so formal.

Take care

[Ricardo da Cruz e Sousa]

Hi, I’m a Portuguese LA and I spent a couple of months in the US last year (November and December). While I was there I tried to apply for a few positions in some offices in Seattle and San Francisco. I have some professional experience and a good portfolio and most people I talked to really seemed to like me and were very eager to hire… But…

I’m back to Portugal for two reasons… The main one was the spreading of economical and financial instability to the entire country and now, world, which dictated the turning, from hiring to laying off people, in the majority of LA offices.
The second one was the skeptical reaction of some companies regarding my foreigner condition. I even had a company to where I went saying right way, that they would hired me if I didn’t need a visa sponsorship.

So my experience wasn’t the best as the scenario couldn’t be worst! But I’ll try again in the future…

Regarding your question, I can mention my insight from Portugal. Hiring people involves a lot of different situations. But it pretty much comes down to one thing “timing”… If you’re lucky enough to have your resume on the top of the pile when that company needs someone you’re almost for sure the chosen one. Because most employers don’t even give themselves the effort of reading the applications! It’s sad but it’s true and I’ve witnessed a lot of it.

I hope this can be helpful for your presentation.

[Ricardo da Cruz e Sousa]

I read this statements very carefully as I am considering a move to the US for study purposes.
I’m a Portuguese Landscape Architect and I graduated from college 4 years ago. I’ve been practicing LA in different fields since I graduated, planning, design, management, already experienced it all. Of course the economic crisis isn’t only affecting the US. Here in Europe there’s been a lot of layoffs in these last few months, and the situation is getting pretty bad for a lot of companies.
There’s no construction and people are very suspicious about the near future. As long as things don’t change in the global economy, it will be very hard to find a designing job this year.

We definitely have to be prepared to work in different areas. I think we as Landscape Architects have a significant role starting now concerning other areas outside design. Development and environmental issues are more and more on the top of the table and we have the expertise and knowledge that has to be applied and discussed in a broader picture. We have to have a word in political and decision making strategies about land use, urban and regional planning.

Hopefully things will be better next year and all of us will have plenty of work to discuss instead the lack of it.

Cheers.

[Ricardo da Cruz e Sousa]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I think I narrow it down to:
1) University of California at Berkeley;
2) University of Michigan;
3) University of Massachusetts;
4) University of Washington;
5) PennState.

What do you think?

[Ricardo da Cruz e Sousa]

I know I can only apply for Fall 2010. That was my intention from the beginning. To have enough time to make the right choice… I’ve been searching for different programs in different colleges. I contacted the Ball State University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Virginia. A Master program of Landscape Architecture with a strong focus on environmental and land use planning is my objective. Does anyone know a better MLA program other than the ones I just mentioned?

[Ricardo da Cruz e Sousa]

The thing is I’m applying for the Fulbright grant here in Portugal, and I have to choose 4 different colleges. I’m keen on choosing Berkeley because I know a couple of people that teach there. But I still need three other options for my application. The economic situation is not the best so I would prefer less expensive options, because for what I’ve seen the costs of taking an MLA at Berkeley are around $45000 year, which is very expensive!

[Ricardo da Cruz e Sousa]

Thanks Claudia for your insight. Is there a rank for MLA programs in the US that I can check it out?

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