|
View previous topic :: View next topic
|
| Author |
Message |
nikusha
Joined: 26 Mar 2007
Posts: 2
|
 Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 8:10 pm Post subject: Seeking career advice |
    |
|
Hi everyone!
I really need some guidance on career in the interior design or architecture field. I’ve been sending resume to intern, junior and intermediate level positions but no one responds  (I wrote that I only have Bachelor or Master degree). I believe that I might be doing something wrong or maybe I am missing something in my education. To give you better understanding here are some details:
I have graduated from well-known institute (university) in Moscow, Russia and received degree that is equivalent to PhD degree here. I’ve recently moved here legally and have been trying to find a place to work since then. I have sent a lot of resumes (around 40 to be exact) and was invited only for one interview.  I have been told not to specify PhD degree since that makes me overqualified for intern and entry-level positions. But for intermediate or senior positions I don’t have enough experience. My English is practically perfect but I might not know some terminology here and there. I am attending some classes in Fashion Institute of Technology and School of Visual Arts (all in NYC).
I am really looking for few career directions. One would be to be a faculty member in a college, second – interior designer and third – architect. I have few years of experience in teaching (gave a lectures to a class of 50+ students) and designed a café that was built in real life.
So, I would really appreciate if someone could provide some guidance on what would be the best way to start my career. If someone feels better answering to specific question here they are:
1. Is there any place/company where I can go and talk to someone in person and discuss my options?
2. Are there any rules for portfolio layout when sending resume?
3. If someone can take a look at my resume and let me know what I am missing or what I am doing wrong? (I will send resume separately)
4. What do I need to know to be qualified for at least intern position?
5. If come up with more specific questions I’ll post them here
Thank you very much in advance 
PS: sorry for double posting; i have posted same message in different category also |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
shinaweh
Joined: 10 Nov 2007
Posts: 4
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 3:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'm looking to avoid some of the same issues. I'm locking up on how to write a cover letter.
This is my background:
I'm just starting the process of getting back to school for architecture. I've been in the graphic design profession for almost 20 years and, from 1993-1995 went to UMass for my M.S. Design - Architectural Studies.
Unfortunately, when I graduated, I found myself elbow to elbow with people with 20 years' experience at whatever interviews I *could* get at the time. My special interest then was sustainable design, which at the time got lots of rolling eyes and/or snickers during interviews as well.
I fell back into graphics about a half year after receiving the M.S., and didn't seriously look back until about a year ago, when I started to hear phrases I used to have to define for people - like "embodied energy", "carbon footprint" and "net zero energy building".
My big question right now is - my current job, teaching graphic arts at a small technical college - is putting the squeeze on adjuncts like me - more responsibilities in the unpaid part of the job and fewer paid hours in the classroom. I want to get out at the end of this next term in late January.
I'm writing cover letters for work in area architectural firms to last at least until I'm back in school (hopefully this next fall), if not while I'm there.
What kind of positions would I qualify for with the M.S. Design with no experience and 20 years of graphics/5 of teaching??
Is late January, early Feb a horrible time to try to find a position?
How the heck do I fit all this into a cover letter??
Thanks if anyone has any advice. (And good luck to you Nikusha!) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
blogger
del.icio.us
digg
slashdot
