Architecture Jobs in Raleigh, where do I find them? (home builders, find a job)

[Avalanche 3.0]

This is the most frustrating thing ever. Ever search I do for architecture(monster, jobs.com, etc) brings up IT jobs. Does anyone know where I can look for a job in architecture? I'm not license (my degree is from WI), but I have 4 years experience, am professional, learn quickly, etc. At this point I'm not even worry about getting the job, I can't even find them and I haven't found much on the AIA website either. Please help?!?! I'm moving to Raleigh probably within the next 6 to 8 months because of my fiance's job and I'd REALLY like to get a job in my field lined up before we move.

Thanks!!

[lazylulu]

you might check out interiordesignjobs.com
There were a few postings for the area there recently. Not every job on that board is strictly interior design.

[lottamoxie]

I'd start with a list of architectural firms in the area and try to get some names of people you can do informational interviews with. Ask them for their suggestions of who else you should talk to and what other companies in the area use people with skills like those you have, at the end of your discussion, and then followup with those companies and the people they refer you to. Always send a thank you note to each person you talk to after they spend their time with you.

Spend some time and think about what kinds of companies use architects... commercial property companies, home builders, renovation companies. Don't just look on Monster for jobs...do some research on types of companies and then look for those types of companies in the Triangle.

[dianeh]

Try American Institute of Architects North Carolina click on employment...Usually have updated postings on there but it's slim pickings in the area now for architecture jobs...The types of firms that are hiring now are those involved in Pharmaceutical reno's & higher education /university construction...

[Avalanche 3.0]

lazylulu - thanks, I wouldn't have thought of that. I'll go check it out!

lottamoxie - thanks for the suggestion, since I'm not in Raleigh yet, I started doing this by looking up architecture firms in Raleigh and emailing them. Hopefully I'll get some responses and can start networking that way. You're right about not relying on monster.com, etc... unless I want an IT job... ha ha ha Not sure about other type of companies that use architect, since I don't have my license I need to be working under a licensed architect.

dianeh - I'll have to keep checking back there, I looked once and didn't find anything, so I wasn't sure it was a good resource. Thanks for letting me know it was only because pickings are slim there too.

[Kim Wagner]

Avalanche,

Now is not the time for email. You'll need a personal connection or you'll get no response at all. Last I heard, unemployment rate for our profession was in the 30-40% range in this area. I have a number of friends with 10-30 years in the business out looking for a job after being laid off. The good news is that while it's terrible right now, there are signs that we may be starting to pull out of it. Could be awhile yet though.

Keep checking with the AIA. Watch Craigslist. Try a head hunter. If your degree is from WI, get in touch with old classmates and ask for referrals through the friend of a friend of a friend network. The last two entry level positions I was aware of as being open did not formally advertise b/c they didn't want the onslaught of resumes. The filled the positions through word of mouth.

Good luck! And quite frankly, get a fall back job until work picks up......

[Avalanche 3.0]

Originally Posted by Kim Wagner

The last two entry level positions I was aware of as being open did not formally advertise b/c they didn't want the onslaught of resumes. The filled the positions through word of mouth.

Good luck! And quite frankly, get a fall back job until work picks up......

Kim - That's what I was afraid of. I figured that's how those positions were being filled. We're probably not going to be up there for another 6 -8 months, so that's why I started looking now. I knew I'd need time to network. Of course I can transfer with the company I'm with now, but it's not in Architecture, so that is my fall back.

[Kim Wagner]

Avanlanche,

I wish you luck in whatever you choose, but if you feel you have something solid w/ your current company, I'd put in for the transfer. I just don't see a lot of hope for the next 6-8 months. Come on down, get familiar w/ the area with your current job, and give yourself and the economy time to get settled. You can be browsing over the next year to find a good fit, one that will further your career interests and help you get to the point where you can sit for the ARE.

Feel free to PM me.

[Athletic Supporter]

I would definitely attempt to transfer with your existing employer if possible. I work for a company that services architecture firms and they've been deccimated (sp?) by the construction bust. Nearly every firm in town has had major layoffs. Some firms that deal with government/civil work are a bit more stable, but private work is in terrible shape right now

[Avalanche 3.0]

Athletic Supporter - Yep, that's pretty much the story across the nation.

My major issue right now is where to be looking if a job does pop up. For most fields finding the job isn't the issue, being qualified for the available position is. For me, the "usual" routes bring up IT positions. Heck, even my job search on the AIA website brought up 4 IT positions! In a "normal" economy it can take up to 3 months to find a job in your field. So instead of sitting back, transfering with the company I'm with now, and then start the search, I'd figure I'd start searching NOW in hopes the 6 -8 month down the line I'd find something. Even if I do end out transfering in my current position, I'd be better off then if I just sit back and wait.