Architecture Social

Stephen Drew gives a guest lecture for Coventry University Architecture Society on finding a job in architecture, covering student anxieties, post-Covid realities, job searching, portfolios, applications and practical ways to start a career.

Show Notes

Finding a first job in architecture can feel vague and stressful, especially when university has not prepared students for the practical reality of applications.

Stephen Drew gives a guest lecture for Coventry University Architecture Society on finding a job in architecture, covering student anxieties, post-Covid realities, job searching, portfolios, applications and practical ways to start a career.

The conversation covers:

  • How students can start looking for architecture jobs
  • Why CVs and portfolios need to be clear and targeted
  • How to understand what practices are actually looking for
  • Why follow-up, persistence and preparation matter
  • How early-career candidates can build momentum after university

____

▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZYgge9rftw

📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/how-to-find-a-job-in-architecture/

Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:
https://architecturesocial.com/

The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:
https://archademia.com/architecture-social/

Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership.

____

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to finding a job in architecture
  • 04:52 Coventry University Architecture Society and the lecture context
  • 09:52 Student anxieties and post-Covid realities
  • 14:52 How to start looking for architecture roles
  • 19:52 Understanding what practices are looking for
  • 24:52 CVs, portfolios and presenting your work
  • 29:52 Applications, follow-up and persistence
  • 34:52 How to stand out without overcomplicating it
  • 39:52 Interviews, confidence and preparation
  • 44:52 Using Architecture Social in the job search
  • 49:52 Salary, location and realistic expectations
  • 54:52 Questions from students
  • 59:52 Building momentum after university
  • 01:04:52 Common mistakes and how to avoid them
  • 01:09:52 Practical next steps for job seekers
  • 01:14:52 Closing thoughts and advice

Creators and Guests

Host
Stephen Drew
Hello! I’m Stephen Drew, Founder of the Architecture Social—an online community and resource hub dedicated to helping professionals in Architecture, Design, Development, and Real Estate advance their careers. I’m here to connect you with insights, tools, and opportunities that lead to meaningful growth, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take that next big step.

What is Architecture Social?

Architecture has always been social. Careers should be too.

Hosted by Stephen Drew, the Architecture Social podcast brings you honest conversations from across the UK built environment. Architects, practice leaders and the people shaping the profession talk openly about their careers, their work and how practice really runs.

Expect straight talk on salaries, portfolios, hiring, progression and running a practice, from Part 1 students looking for their first role to directors building their teams.

Architecture Social is more than jobs and hiring. It's a place to share work, discover opportunities, hear honest conversations and build connections across the industry.

This is Architecture Social. Come and be part of it.