My Friends, Independent Consultants

This is a re-post for me from August 2009 with a few minor updates, but I think it is still very good advice and wanted to bring it to the forefront for everyone again. Post comments if you have any other suggestions. Thanks for reading!

I may know as many unemployed architects as those that still have a job working for a firm. About a year ago I was nervously considering how the economy dips every ten years or so and as the older architects would tell me “We’ve been through this before, just hold on,” I tried to relax and feel fortunate for my job. Since then, I really feel fortunate InterDesign is still producing work and don’t believe any of the older architects who are still saying, “This is no different than last time, we’ll all get through it.”

How can we help our friends who are now “Independent Consultants,” but not by choice or preference? Many articles are devoted to helping your unemployed friends by being a shoulder to cry on, don’t berate them for being upset, and don’t lend money if you can’t afford to just gift it. But architects are different. Not that the aforementioned doesn’t apply, but architects need to practice. As the "independent consultants" are holding on till a job pops, here are a few suggestions I have came across to practice:

Autodesk Assistance Program

Visit Autodesk for the opportunity to obtain a free student version of 30 of their leading design software products. While you can’t use this software to do projects from home you can learn the newest tools to be in a better position to market yourself. Along with the license, you’ll get access to free online training and discounts on software certification.

Stay Involved (or Get Involved) in your Professional Groups

Are you a current member or have you recently not paid dues for AIA or CSI? I am aware of assistance programs being offered by both groups to help continue your membership through this time of unemployment. Along with maintaining the membership, be sure you’re attending all the meetings (CSI Indy events and AIA Indy events). When an office does get busy, who do you think they’ll call first to come in for an interview? The silent resume/portfolio sitting on the desk, or the eager architect they saw last week who took an interest in the firm and has shown leadership in a professional organization? Be sure you’re not just staying at home, get out there and network!

Update Your Web Presence

Now is the time to take the assets you’ve gathered (images and text) to update your portfolio and build you’re web presence. Create a professional Facebook account. Update your LinkedIn profile. Start a blog and write about past experience and bits of advice. Join Twitter to promote your blog and provide “micro-blogging” in 140 character posts. Link everything together so once someone stumbles upon one of your digital identities, they can easily find all of the other instances.

In conclusion, be sure you’ve done everything you can to “have your house in order” so when a prospective employer Google’s your name; they have good things to read and see about you. Good luck!