For many students, trying to get your first job in the field of Landscape Architecture or Design can be very difficult. The market for new talented landscape architects is demanding and many recent graduates are finding it difficult to get the attention of notable firms in order to start their career.
In this article, I will give you advice on how to make sure your portfolio and professional resume get noticed by design firms. Additionally, I will cover some actionable steps to ensure you succeed in the role once you’ve landed that first job. I have also enlisted the help of some seasoned professionals and asked them to provide their advice to students or emerging designers on these topics. Hopefully, these recommendations can help guide you to a successful and productive start to your career.
Tip #1: Think Professionally, Act Professionally
In my academic role, nothing bothers me more than a student emailing without any sense or formality or professionalism – the same is true for business owners. If you are trying to get the attention of a landscape design company or green-industry business, it is essential you tailor your communication in a professional format – using the proper job titles and clearly stating the intent of your outreach.
Barbara Yaeger, Landscape Architect and past President of the CT Chapter of the ASLA says, “Be professional on the phone or via electronic communication whenever you are representing yourself and your company.”
The professionalism should also extend to your design portfolio. An employer is unlikely to take a candidate seriously, if he/she does not approach their own work with a sense of integrity. When developing your portfolio for distribution, consider the following tips:
- Use A Standard Business-Oriented Layout : When sending portfolios to design firms, consider the audience you are distributing it to. Make sure you organize your materials in a logical sequence. Don’t be too “conceptual” or “artsy” with your approach – business owners do not have the time to navigate intricate details to figure out your skills.
- Demonstrate Professional Skills: Highlight your potential value to their company. While most new hires may think they will be granted design privileges, chances are you will be hired based on your ability to specify plants, use software programs, or draft professional correspondence. Be sure to ensure the employer sees you can do these hard-skills first, then showcase your artistic capabilities.
- Offer A Diversity of Projects & Mediums: Design companies are always looking for young, talented employees that can work on a variety of projects whether residential, institutional, public, or private. Don’t let yourself be considered a “one-trick pony”. Even if a company primarily focuses on one type of project, they may be looking to expand their services, but have not found the right person to lead that effort.
Another great approach is developing and showcasing your portfolio through your personal design website. There is often a misconception that professional websites are only reserved for registered landscape design companies – this is simply false. I have previously written about “How To Create A Stunning Website For Your Landscape Design Business”. The same principles apply to your own design portfolio website. You can not only showcase wonderful projects in great detail, but you can link your design site on all digital communications you may have with employers.
Finally, when making the initial inquiry, don’t be afraid to represent yourself in person either. Due to our reliance on digital communication, you might believe it is “rude” to deliver your materials to a design office; however, it can be a great way to garner the attention of the hiring manager. As long you are straightforward, professional, and honest about your visit, an in-person visit can truly make a lasting impression. .
Kyle & Lisa Turoczi, owners of Earthtones Plant Nursery, know this first-hand. They recommend, “Stop by, show your face and be prepared to communicate verbally with employees and management at the company and bring a typed resume. This shows your interest and will make an impression. Do some research before you go, especially if they are open to the public. Many people only communicate through e-mail, we remember the ones that come in!”
Tip #2: Market Your Other Skills
When I receive inquiries from design companies about students or alumni, they are often looking for the “complete designer” – an individual that does not just have the technical proficiencies in landscape architecture or horticulture, but who also has other experience in fields unrelated to design.
Applicants with experiences or skills in unrelated fields are often looked upon favorably as their side-interests highlight intellectual curiosity or community involvement.
Christine Darnell, Professional Landscape Designer and Adjunct Professor of Horticulture advise students – “Have interests. Sing in a choral group, play in a band, volunteer in a land trust program. What you do with your spare time speaks volumes about you.”
These types of interests can even open up new avenues for future career prospects. Professional Garden Designer and Speaker Renee Marsh says “You never know who knows who. This does not mean spreading flyers and business cards. It means finding venues where you meet and talk to other business people or people in the field. Donate your time and skills. Being a part of the community shows more than self-interest.”
Tip #3: Be Wary Of the Squeaky Wheel
Things are done much differently in the world of academia when compared to professional design industry and this can often be troublesome for high-achieving students looking to continue their success outside of the classroom.
One example I remember illustrates this point quite well. A very bright student, who had graduated with distinction in our program, had landed a highly coveted job at a well-known landscape design firm. Shortly after being hired, I would receive emails from her discouraged at the practices and standards of her team leaders. Having excelled within the classroom, she was not shy about speaking truth to power, and would consistently communicate to upper management on how team leaders could do better.
Well, much to her chagrin, the upper management quickly saw a potential labor issue as this well-meaning student might affect the overall morale of other workers and she was laid off by the start of her third month. Sadly, this was a necessary learning experience for her. She was being noticed, but in the wrong way. The squeaky wheel does not always get the oil, sometimes it gets replaced.
Around the same time as this student was being let go, I had reached out to another alumni of our program to inquire about her job prospects. She never excelled within the classroom, but was polite, hardworking, and responsible. To my delight, her work ethic had garnered the respect of her company and she quickly passed up the ranks to management.
The comparison between these two students illustrates an important point about the differences of industry and academia. If you want to be noticed by an employer, make sure it is for the right reasons – hard work and perseverance.
Tip #4: Be Involved in Your Local Trade Community
Many states and regions have very active trade associations and communities that provide wonderful events for learning and social engagement. These can range from official continuing education workshops to golf outings. If you want to get noticed by employers and members of your field, take the time to attend or volunteer at these events.
New professionals might be hesitant to become involved in their local industry groups if they haven’t worked very long within the field, but don’t let that deter you. These organizations thrive on dedicated volunteers and would love the help organizing, marketing, and running their events – even if you aren’t necessarily a “seasoned pro” yet.
The American Society of Landscape Architects has a list of local chapters that you can review, with contact information for getting involved.
Additionally, the trade groups provide wonderful opportunities to hear about employment opportunities in your area, or to network with individuals that have experience in the industry. The time commitment does not need to be large; even offering to assist a few times per month can go a long way.
Just make sure you are volunteering for the right reasons – helping to advance public awareness of your professional field.
As you can see, there are many ways in which you can market yourself to future landscape design employers. Whether you are looking for a new job, or simply advance in your existing position, there are definitely easy adapted actions you can take to increase your visibility and strengthen your professional reputation.
If you liked the content of this article and want to learn more about the profession and practice of Landscape Architecture or Design, please be sure to check out our Design resources and landscape Business articles.
____________________________________
Important Legal Disclaimer: This site is owned and operated by Draftscapes. We are a participant in affiliate marketing programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to participant vendors. Affiliations include Utrecht Art Supply and Amazon Associates. Draftscapes is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Recommendations for products or services on this site are not influenced through the affiliation.