How important is social connections in the Architecture field?

Question by ♪doremifasolatido♫: How important is social connections in the Architecture field?

I know in any field of study, having "connections" can be successful, but how important is it in the Architecture field?

What are some successful examples of having "social connections" in this field of study?





Best answer:

Answer by Leiko
Not sure if it is the same all around the globe, but here is what I have seen:

If you a construction/architecture firm posts an ad and you send your resume, say that 4 other people seem to have the same qualities that you have, except that they have working experience, they are more likely to get the job. Irony in this is: how are you supposed to gain experience if you don't get a job coz you don't have any experience? ... well, perhaps if someone who knows someone in the Human Resources department or the boss or something puts in a good word for you, you might get a chance.

But let's move on to a higher level. Say you are and independent Architect not working for a firm that always has on-going projects. How do you get people to hire you to make their projects? Would a business man who wants to build a new mall call a complete stranger just after seeing his ad somewhere? He is more likely to hire a well known firm OR he may call you if someone he knows recommends you for supervision or design or something (it's obvious that an Architect alone can't do all the work and would require a work team with Engineers etc).

I don't mean to sound ironic, but I am an Architect myself, graduated 2 years ago and the only success stories I've seen within the people I went to college with are those whose parents knew people in the construction business and gave them projects to be designed, or recommended them (us) for positions in places where they are not likely to hire newly grads due to the "no experience" thing.

And yes, there should be open contests for some projects (State sponsored projects) but even those "open" contests may be influenced by "connections".

But put simply: the more people you know the more you are known and thus the more chances to at least have the chance to show your abilities.

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