Case studies: Part 2 architectural assistant: Victoria Crozier

Victoria undertook her Part 1 degree at Queens University in Belfast and completed her Part 2 at Birmingham City University. She now works at Associated Architects.

I found the Part 1 course quite difficult and graduated with a third-class honours degree. I struggled to find a practice in which to complete my placement; however, I finally got a job with an architect who was staring his own practice. This gave me a lot of experience and I decided to apply to do my Part 2 at Birmingham City University as the course was recommended by a former student of Queens University.

Before the course came to an end in June 2011, I began to create a CV and investigate local practices where I would have liked to have worked in Birmingham.

I was provided with information on two local practices who were recruiting Part 2 architectural assistants, and with my tutor's recommendation, I applied for these roles. I secured interviews at both practices, compiled a portfolio and was offered a position at both practices in time to begin work just two weeks after getting my results.

I chose to join Associated Architects due to the type of work they do locally in the city, such as the new Birmingham City University campus building, for which I am now part of the design team. The company has a good reputation of encouraging students to complete Part 3 and supporting them throughout this process.

The practice is medium to large, employing 55 people, and we work within four teams, each lead by one partner and one to two associates.

A typical working day involves internal design reviews and meetings with the client and consultants. I attend briefing sessions, sketch design options (freehand and Revit modelling), update area schedules, and prepare presentations for meetings. Throughout the week, we may have office reviews of selected projects or occasional training/CPDs.

I like the design and layout of the office, which is open plan, modern and flexible, promoting an easygoing working environment. I also think this improves communication within the teams.

I would encourage students to create a clearly structured CV, highlighting as many aspects of professional experience as possible. I prepared my CV before the end of the academic year so that I could apply for jobs straight away. This resulted in me beating the competition and securing a job within days of my final portfolio submission.

When creating a portfolio for interviews, choose the content carefully and place your best work at the front. First impressions really do count.

AGCAS

Sourced by Jane McAllister, Birmingham City University

Date: 

March 2012

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