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To stay or to go - that is the question?

I'm looking for some advice about my Part 1 position from someone with a little bit more experience... I graduated last summer and have been working now for almost a year as a Part 1 in a reasonably large office in central London and definitely want to work for another year before returning to university to do my Part 2. I took the job on the basis that I would only work on one project which means I've really been able to get into it, understand the complexities of a large mixed use redevelopment and often undertake work that Part 2 students would normally do.

Career wise, at my level, would one consider getting as much varied experience as possible more valuable than remaining on the same project for 2 years? i.e. in the long run, is it best that I stay put and work on more technical aspects of a project or call it a day and look for an alternative office to do the more varied work that most Part 1 students would do.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Add comment viewed 1,241 times Latest activity about 1 year ago

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7 answers

  • 0

jo

I agree with Archi_student above. As an architect with about 3 years post-Part 3 experience I have greatly benefited from working in both large scale and smaller offices. The trick is not to move too soon. Once you feel however that you have seen something through (or a large portion of it), it may be better to start looking elsewhere. You are still in the formative stages of your career and varied experience can only help you make up your mind, even if some of it is unpleasant!

I took 3 years out between parts 1 and 2... You may even want to consider working in another country for some part of this!

-Jo

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  • 0

aa_87 [ Editor ]

Hi.

I would stay were you are. Not only does it sound like you are getting exposed to some great experience, but it sounds like you have a secure position in a time where there are alot of part 1's out of work.

The 'normal' activities of a Part 1 usually don't engage as much in a project as you currently seem to do. Your experience seems invaluable in terms of future employment. As an employer I would tend towards taking someone who has tackled this type of detailed work, which is the hardest area of work to learn.

Beyond your Part 2 you could change to something completely different, to ensure you broaden your experience.

Sit tight.

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  • 0

malcolm

I would sit tight. I feel it takes at least a year to find your way round new office systems and become productive anyway. I don't think you can take too long in practical training (I took 10 years out between part 1 and 2, not all voluntary, but every bit useful). The periods required by ARB/RIBA are ridiculously short, and not long enough to learn the job in my opinion. All the time spent on technical, production and on site activity will stand you in good stead for work, and make the subsequent academic Part 2 and 3 much easier.

Malcolm Architect

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  • 0

archi_student

I'm a current 5th year student and worked in a small 3-person practice last year. In my opinion it would be great for you to move practice, not only to work on different types/ scales of projects but also to experience different office environments. I'm not sure how much other experience you've had but I finished my year out wondering how bigger projects are run/ organised etc in a larger practice. Although I would also add, don't underestimate the difficulty of finding a job in the current market(!)

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  • 0

bdresource_93

Hi.

I would stay were you are. Not only does it sound like you are getting exposed to some great experience, but it sounds like you have a secure position in a time where there are alot of part 1's out of work.

The 'normal' activities of a Part 1 usually don't engage as much in a project as you currently seem to do. Your experience seems invaluable in terms of future employment. As an employer I would tend towards taking someone who has tackled this type of detailed work, which is the hardest area of work to learn.

Beyond your Part 2 you could change to something completely different, to ensure you broaden your experience.

Sit tight.

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  • 0

bdresource_204

I disagree with much of what is being advised here but realise that the state of the economy may limit options. I would encourage all Part 1 students to get their Part II and full qualification as soon as they possibly can. There is no huge advantage to getting more than 12 months practical experience between Part I and Part II and already those who have delayed will be regretting they did so now that this Government of Philistines is making the cost of education extortionate. Similarly as soon as you have your Part II I would advise you to try for your professional practice exam as soon as you can too, although there is a stronger case for gaining more experience here perhaps. Employers of course will be happy to have lower paid but talented Part I students spending several years keeping their costs down and letting them win work for which in truth they are under resourced, rather than tackling the problem of low fees and undercutting that devalues all architects.

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  • 0

ian catherall

I would stay and see the job through as far as you can. This is invaluable experience which future employers would look for. Get out on site, attend the Design Team meetings, talk to contractors and sub-contractors, get involved in the production information and tender process (and possible value engineering), meet with the statutory authorities, suppliers, reps etc. Being an Architect is not just about the 'pretty' upfront stuff (ie scheme designs and planning applications) you need to know the technical aspects too. During your Part 2 at University, you would be expected to show an understanding of construction techniques, structural resolution and statutory requirements in your scheme designs.

Fill in the PEDR to encompass the entire RIBA Work Stage range. I spent my entire Part 1 year out working on feasibility studies for supermarkets and didn't get much experience after RIBA Stage C.

You have plenty of time to gain different experience when you come to do your Part 3 - and after.

Remaining with your current employer demonstrates commitment; again, this will be viewed favourably with your current employer now and at future job interviews. Also, please be aware it's exceptionally difficult to get other Part 1 positions in the current market.

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  • 0

wcfm

Thank you guys so much for taking some time out to reply. I feel like I hadn't provided enough information about my previous work experience. I've worked in a small studio before on healthcare and educational facilities, in a medium sized office overseas in America doing more conservation and 'sustainable' projects and the large practice I currently work for employ 50+ staff (mainly on mixed use and residential projects) so I feel I have generally covered most bases in terms of office size, project complexity and development type.

I guess what I'm ultimately concerned with is when it comes to applying for both my Part 2 and future jobs, do they favour someone who has a broader variety of day-to-day experience? As currently I spend most of my time detailing and generally working on the more technical sides of architecture. I am just becoming somewhat apprehensive that I'm missing out on all of the 'more normal' activities a Part 1 student normally undertakes (from discussing with my peers) which may get me a future job or into a course.

Although obviously each and every office and university course seek a different kind of person, are the fundamental qualities an employer and an academic institution look for totally dissimilar? I don't know, am I just worrying unduly and should just sit back and see what happens?!

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