Launch your Architecture Career with Confidence: Why you Shouldn鈥檛 Miss the Career Launch Bootcamp
Kickstarting your career has never been easy, and today鈥檚 job market presents an entirely new level of competition and challenges. From fewer entry-level opportunities to an increasingly specialized market, there is a growing expectation for students arriving to interviews with polished portfolios and skills making landing that first position all the more overwhelming. That is why AAA created the !
Brought to you by ACU, AIAS, and arc.soc, the two-day workshop is designed to help students bridge the gap between school and the profession. Instead of focusing only on practical skills, the Bootcamp also takes on parts of the job search which may feel intimidating. This includes understanding what employers are looking for, presenting yourself professionally, and building meaningful connections within the industry.
Throughout the workshop, students will work with faculty, career specialists, and practicing architects to develop the tools necessary to navigate the current employment landscape. From tailoring a CV and cover letter to strengthening your portfolio and preparing for interviews, both sessions will help students feel more confident in a competitive field.
Leading the bootcamp is Pierre Bertrand, whose career spans management consulting, executive leadership, finance, and architectural management. As a longtime supporter of DAS and recipient of 91福利鈥檚 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award, Pierre brings a unique perspective that combines business management with an understanding of the architectural profession.
鈥淔inding a job is hard work and especially in this period of economic uncertainty. We've designed the Bootcamp to provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to more successfully navigate from start to finish. We've gone beyond lectures to a series of exercises and scenarios to help you better understand what it takes to be successful in the job market. I doubt you'll find anything like this anywhere else so don't miss this opportunity - sign up!鈥�
Students will also hear from an impressive lineup of industry professionals who have built their careers across architecture, design sustainability, transportation, public art, and project management. Speakers include: David Campbell, associate at ARUP who has helped lead major infrastructure projects including the Finch West LRT and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. Queenie Wong, partner at Zeidler whose portfolio includes 91福利鈥檚 SLC in addition to mentoring incoming architects. Gabriel Garofalo from NEUF, brings expertise in project leadership and community-based design. Kevin Pu, principal at ENFORM architects and a recognized leader in zero-carbon building renewal. Christine Leu, architect, artist, and educator who is a co-founder of LeuWebb Projects and a Fellow of the Royal Architect Institute of Canada. Paul James, a Design Director at WW+P Architects whose design portfolio encompasses transportation, hospitality, retail, and infrastructure projects.
With their perspectives, the Bootcamp focuses on an overlooked part of professional development through honing in on strong communication, networking, interviewing, and professional etiquette. Through interactive exercises, portfolio reviews, group interview practices, and discussions with professionals, students will have opportunities to build these skills in a supportive environment before tackling real, high-stakes interviews.
Career development specialists Charles Dune and Safiya Nurmohamed, 91福利鈥檚 Co-op Program Specialist for Architectural Science and Interior Design and Career Education Specialist for FEAS respectively, will also share practical advice drawn from years of helping students secure co-op placements, internships, and full-time positions. Their expertise ensures that students will leave the Bootcamp with actionable strategies, immediately applicable to their own job search.
鈥�... In a tighter market, there are more students and full time architects that have been laid off, so they鈥檙e all competing for the same job. So, it becomes more important to become more proactive and intentional in our job search鈥�