INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Creation is the lifeblood of the design process. Regardless of your specific design journey, putting theory into practice is a core feature of this pathway. Creative problem-solving and critical thinking are key features of the Architecture and Design Sectors. This will help you master the mindsets and approaches necessary to create highly interactive and future-proof solutions in every kind of context, industry or society regardless of your background.

MAIN PLAYERS

Architecture and design fields extend beyond traditional studios with architects, designers, and building consultants. The potential to bring creative and innovative ideas to other sectors—such as education, transportation, office spaces, healthcare, residential, science and technology, sports, civic and community, retail, and hospitality—can involve various stakeholders.

• Architecture and Design (MVRDV, Mormedi, Shop, UNStudio, Gensler, etc.)
• Cultural and Social (The Design Museum, AJ, UNESCO, Hong Kong Design Center, etc.)
• Real Estate (Aedas, VBare, JLL, CBRE, Savills, etc.)
• Finance and Consulting (PwC, Santander, KPMG, UBS, WELZ, etc.)
• Tech and Industry (IBM, Uber, Apple, Wikifactory, Amazon, etc.)

MAIN PATHWAYS

Depending on your interests and future goals, there are various roles you could pursue within the architecture and design fields. If you’re passionate about design, the built environment, and creating human experiences, you’ll find a pathway that suits your needs. Below is a list of potential options based on your background:

• Architecture (Architect, Interior Designer, Technician, Urban Planner, Model Maker, BIM Coordinator, Project Manager, etc.)
• Design (Service Designer, UX Designer, UI Designer, Product Designer, etc.)
• Information Technology (Technical Support, Systems Analyst, Web Designer, etc.)
• Human Resources (Attraction and Selection Specialist, Training and Development Specialist, Global HR, etc.)
• Legal (Land Use Lawyer, Environmental Lawyer, Urban Lawyer, etc.)
• Marketing and Communication (Community Manager, Public Relations Manager, etc.)
• Business Development (Business Analyst, Business Developer, Country Manager, etc.)
• Research and Development (Researcher - Materials Application, Researcher - Social Anthropology, Researcher - Urban Planning, etc.)
• Finance (Accountant Manager, Payroll Manager, Finance Director, etc.)

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DESIRED STUDENT PROFILE

The type of skills required within the A&D fields can differ a lot depending on the specific path you want to follow in your future professional life. Below you can find some initial thoughts on the type of profile you would need to have in order to pursue any of the suggested pathways:

• Architecture and Design (Creativity and technical skills, innovation and adaptability, ability to work with tight deadlines, teamwork, motivation)
• Information Technology (Analytical thinking, broad tech knowledge, good communication, persuasion and sensitivity, problem-solving, investigative thinking)
• Human Resources (Excellent communication skills, international experience, people orientation, tax and legal knowledge, business savy, language proficiency)
• Legal (Knowledge of local regulations, communication skills, client orientation, motivation, results-oriented, language proficiency)
• Marketing and Communication (Market knowledge, creativity and conceptual thinking, knowledge of web content tools, SEO and Google Analytics, interest in social media marketing campaigns)
• Business Development (Negotiation skills, creative thinking, communication skills, analytical and goal-focused, organizational skills, language proficiency)
• Research and Development (Analysis of various information sources, reasoning and problem-solving skills, critical thinking, report writing, data collection, market knowledge)
• Finance (Problem-solving, leadership and management, interpersonal and communication skills, accounting and mathematical skills, financial literacy, critical thinking)

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY: CV CUSTOMIZATION

This is your moment to apply the knowledge acquired in the previous sectionand boost your applications.

1. Tailor your CV using the keywords and key insights. You can use the IE CV Template as the base. Remember that if you are a student of the School of A&D using the IE CV Template is optional as we encourage you to use your creative skills in order to express yourself through your CV. In any case, you can use the template as a reference of the sections and information that it should cover.
2. Upload your CV in PDF version and one page to the Career Portal so you can use it in your applications.
3. Upload your CV here to be part of the CV Book when companies request CVs to Talent & Careers.

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WHERE TO APPLY

Create a “target list” of the companies you're interested in, check the requirements and if applicable apply directly through their websites or through referral.

Reach out to IE Alumni: who are currently working in the companies of your interest. Try to secure informal informative meetings for insights and advice. You can use the IE Alumni Directory and LinkedIn.

Other General Online Search Tools, like Dezeen, Archinet, Coroflot, etc... (please see additional resources for further reference).

Remember about Resources from Talent & Careers:

• Talent Forums and other specific events organized virtually or on campus
• E-mails sent by Talent & Careers with insights about events, competitions, internship opportunities, graduate programs, etc.
• Career Portal: Talent & Careers’ job platform where you upload your CV and apply to opportunities (www.careers.ie.edu)
• CV Books: compilation of CVs specifically prepared for a company/ position (your CV should be approved on the Career portal)

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

It is crucial to personalize each application and demonstrate that you have the motivation and skills required for the job. Identify the key words and requirements in the job description and incorporate them into your CV, cover letter, and interview speech.

Architecture studios seek self-driven and talented professionals with the necessary skills for the position. Therefore, research the company thoroughly and stay informed about their latest projects and news.

Application time frames:

• Small to Medium size firms 1 – 2 months before
• Large firms 2 – 4 months before
• Graduate Programs 6 – 12 months before

INTERVIEWS
Once you start applying to opportunities, you need to make sure you are ready to face a recruitment process as a recruiter can call you unexpectedly any time after receiving your CV or you might receive an email inviting you to any type of assessment. The number of steps during the interview process will depend on the size and type of the Studio/Company and on the type of position. The full scope is normally based on three main steps:

1. Online Assessments
2. Assessment Centers
3. Interviews (HR, Behavioral and Competency-based)

The full scope is more common in large companies and corporations but in small studios/companies they tend to focus on the third step (interview process) directly. For further details on each one of this steps please refer to the Career Development Training (CDT).

The type of stakeholders involved can have different levels of responsibility and approaches during the different recruitment stages:

• HR Team - Interest in the overall profile, match with the role requirements and behavioral aspects
• Team Leader - Interest in the technical aspects and team fit
• Partner/Director - Interest in the strategy approach to the role and long- term vision

They might interact with you during the same interview (all of them or just the required ones) or though different phases. The higher the position you are interviewing for the most likely to have Partner/Director levels involved at the final stages of the selection process.

APPLICATION TIPS

• Review the Career Portal and set-up alerts with your preferences
• Attend Talent Forums and other specific events organized virtually or on- campus
• Set-up alerts in Job Search Engines such as dezeen, archinet, world- architects, Coroflot, AIGA Design Jobs, Design Week Jobs, etc…and check them on a daily basis
• Suscribe to Studios/Companies Newsletters of your interest to be aware of updates and potential openings
• Share with your Career Advisor your job search list with your preferences and applications so you are aligned and you can receive advice

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
HR Interview Preparation Workshops every Tuesday 11.30-12.30/16.00-17.00. Registration will need to be done via IE Connects.

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PRACTICAL ACTIVITY: ENHANCE YOUR PROFILE!

Now, it's time for you to be more practical:

• Start (or continue) gaining experience. Curricular or Extra-curricular internships are a good way to start building your professional CV. Volunteering experiences (either remotely or on-site) will show as well your interest towards other initiatives, your level of proactivity and multitasking skills. Venture Labs could be another potential path to explore new ideas and develop your networking skills.
• Work with Professors as an Assistant or collaborate in specific Research Projects from the different departments as a potential way to start building your academic CV in case this pathway is of your interest.
• Speak with at least 3 alumni working in your area of interest (Firsthand, Linkedin). And write down the key insights.
• Follow 5 of your target firms on Linkedin

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