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Question about what position to apply for...

PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 8:31 am
by lule99
Guys;
Just finished my exams... and trying to look for a job now.
what level do you guys think would be the best fit for me?
I wonder if I would be considered a level 1 architect since I just got my license...
Before getting the license I had 10 years of experience as intern... really good at design but need some supervision in doing construction details. Never really been project manager but I worked on big schools w/no supervision all the way through construction documents phase. Also no experience in budgeting or planning...
I am trying to figure in what bracket should I place myself to be able to negotiate compensation with prospective employer...Do not want to sell myself too high or too short...
Any help would be really appreciated...

Re: Question about what position to apply for...

PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 10:44 am
by boops
The AIA has a great salary calculator that you can use to determine what you should be paid based on experience and geographic location. Once you select a position there is a description of responsibilities and typical compensation.

Salary calculator here: http://info.aia.org/salary/

Based on your short description of experience I would put you in an Architect 2 position. With your experience, I suggest applying to more design based firms. Also, don't be afraid to apply for a job that seems out of your reach just because you are missing experience. Firms like employees who want to learn and grow. If you can get an interview it allows you the opportunity to pitch the value that you will bring to the firm. Tell your story.

Hope this helps.

Re: Question about what position to apply for...

PostPosted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 10:46 am
by lule99
Thank you sooo much, that helps!!! :)

Re: Question about what position to apply for...

PostPosted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 2:17 pm
by Coach
Don't get hung up on titles. Every firm seems to have their own ideas about what they mean.
Also, unless you're really into the big corporate scene, I wouldn't consider working at any firm that advertises for an architect with a number behind it.

Re: Question about what position to apply for...

PostPosted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 8:21 am
by kerzzo
Coach wrote:Don't get hung up on titles. Every firm seems to have their own ideas about what they mean.
Also, unless you're really into the big corporate scene, I wouldn't consider working at any firm that advertises for an architect with a number behind it.

i strongly agree with Coach...a lot of the big firms promote hierarchies that mean nothing to the candidate except been passed around like draftsmen and your license most likely hold no bearing on salary and task/responsibility

Re: Question about what position to apply for...

PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 9:26 pm
by rwwon
Agree about the elaborate hierarchy of names and numbers. Watched a firm whose personnel didn't feel like they knew where they were at in terms of the ladder climbing, so the firm instituted all these positions. You ask me, it's a superficial way to make people feel like they are growing, but i guess you can't get mad if you don't get a raise because you didn't get bumped up from architect I to architect II.

Re: Question about what position to apply for...

PostPosted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 2:49 pm
by lynn2000
I passed all the exams, then passed exams to get LEED AP BD+C, still have a few hundred hours to finish IDP. Have been searching jobs for a few months, seems to be very hard. I am currently located in Honolulu, not sure if it is because the island doesn't have a big market, might have to located back to mainland. Which states have better architect job market?

Re: Question about what position to apply for...

PostPosted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 4:16 pm
by Coach
lynn2000 wrote:Which states have better architect job market?


https://www.buildingsolutions.com/indus ... te-and-msa

Re: Question about what position to apply for...

PostPosted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 3:50 am
by mollad
Coach wrote:Don't get hung up on titles. Every firm seems to have their own ideas about what they mean.
Also, unless you're really into the big corporate scene, I wouldn't consider working at any firm that advertises for an architect with a number behind it.

This says everything in few words.