Landscape Architect graduates!! Looking for your Year Out placement? Here are some handy tips to get your started:
Why do a placement?
Some universities prefer you to have some work experience before continuing on to the Post Graduate or Masters. Each university differs with prerequisites for further study, look at the requirements for the institution you wish to attend; they tend to vary on time spent in practice and whether the Landscape Institute (L.I.) registers the company or architects supervising you.
Where do I look and how do I apply?
If you do need to or wish to take a year working the best first step is to think where you want to live and how far you would like to commute. Also, think about what kind of work you are interested in; if you wish to learn more about a certain aspect of Landscape look at the specialisms of the companies you are applying to. It is always useful to know about the organisation you are joining.
The Landscape Institute website displays up-to-date jobs advertised by companies (http://www.landscapeinstitute.org/jobs/). Here you can see what is actively available. Also, look on notice boards at universities; some companies post their information for placements directly to your department. Contact the company and find out their preferred method of applying, it could be sending your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and some examples of work or they will send you an application form to complete and return either by post or e-mail.
If you cannot find any placements advertised in the area you are interested in look at the list of registered practices in your area on the LI website (http://www.landscapeinstitute.org/find_landscape_architect/ ). There you can obtain contact information and a small description of the company including its specialisms. It is never a good idea to directly post or e-mail your CV and examples of work without speaking to the company first. Phone the company and find out who is most likely to organise a placement and discuss if they are looking for or considering a graduate placement. Some companies wait to be approached before they deem such a post liable.
How do I prepare for interview?
Should you be fortunate enough to receive an invitation to interview you will, more that likely, require a CV and portfolio to display your attributes. For information on CVs, you could speak to your lecturers or career advisors for structure and required information. It is always a good idea to keep a CV in your personal file and keep it well updated.
Your portfolio is the window to all your skills. Through this, you are highlighting your talents to make the employer want you on their team.
Useful skills that companies look for in portfolios (try to touch on the majority of them):
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign- any packages which you can use for presentations, also try to display some layout skills
- Drawing and Sketching abilities
- Artistic skills in general- experimentation with different media
- Photography
- Report writing
- Planting plans
- Masterplans
- Detail drawings
The Interview…
It is always a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to find where the interview is. Some find it better to do a practice trip to be sure they know the location. Multimap.com is an ideal tool for finding locations by using the postcode of the interview site.
Appearance is important; if you appear dishevelled, too casual or un-ironed you can give the wrong impression about your working abilities. Many Landscape Architect companies are run like businesses; office work skills and professional appearances are appreciated and tend to work in your favour.
Keep relaxed and concentrate on what they are asking you during the interview; it is important to look interested and alert. Your posture can speak volumes; do not slouch or let your eyes wander around the room. You are applying to this job to benefit both yourself and the company, if you do not look interested they probably will not be interested in you.
When it comes to your portfolio be confident in your work; they may ask questions about it so be prepared to answer them.
Also, in preparation to interview read the job description that sometimes comes with the job application; take you time looking over this as this is a useful tool for preparing for interview. Otherwise, see if the company has a website or booklet so you can read over their profile.
It will usually come to the point where they ask if you have any questions; it is always a good idea to ask something. Whether it is: have they had a placement student before? What were they involved in? Think about what you want out of you placement; it is likely that some people will get a placement they do not want; doing work they do not enjoy. Try to learn all you can about your contribution to the company will be, what they expect of you and then you can see if this is the job you want.
Salaries can vary from well paid to competitive, to some trying to spend as little as possible by employing the not quite qualified. Look around at what is available. Do not be afraid to ask about money in the interview.
Some graduates cannot pick and choose. If you are looking for a placement in a particular area, you may be limited to choice over pay and work content. Remember, this is only a year, try to get something out of the job should you be doing something a little less hands on.
Remember; keep positive and make yourself an ideal candidate. Good luck in finding your placement!
Kate Newton SLIC Chairperson BA(Hons)Year Out Student at Landscape Practice Group, Birmingham City Council.
Continuing study at Leeds Metropolitan University September 2006