11-08-2012
NOMA Crafting the Interview 3.0
On October 13th, the New York Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects [nycobaNOMA] held their 3rd annual Portfolio + Resume Review Day for professionals and graduating college students seeking feedback on their portfolios. This event, which was sponsored by FXFOWLE, provided information about the job hunting process and current market trends to help talented designers find employment.
This association comprises architects, designers and associated professionals committed to developing programs that support an inclusive design industry and foster diversity. While minority architects and designers have achieved some success in the industry, there is a still a long ways to go to ensure that our future design leaders are well represented.
Crafting the Interview 3.0 reflects NYCOBA's ongoing commitment to championing diversity within the design professions. The event provided attendees with the tools necessary to promote their individual talents while also connecting with established professionals.
The day-long Saturday session began with a mock interview of Jason Ivaliotis conducted by Mark Gardner, principal, Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects. During the interview Jason's resume and portfolio were projected on the wall so that attendees could evaluate his answers. We were able to ask questions and be a part of the actual interview process as well.
My favorite portion of the day occurred when we engaged in an extensive Q&A discussion. Certain questions we were all in agreement on. For instance, one question asked was: should one attach a photo of him/herself to their resume and/or portfolio? The whole room - in unison - roared a resounding "no!" Then the participants gave their respective opinions as to why they felt it would not be in one's best interest.
Another memorable question provoked a bigger discussion: Can one present a full rendering or image of a project that they worked on if their contribution was limited to one area only? It was explained that architecture is a profession of collaboration. Thus, depending on the scale of a project, it is only assumed that one, singular person didn't design a project by him/herself. The advice for this issue, therefore, was to show a general rendering or photograph to give the reviewer an overall sense of the project, while, at the same time, providing supplemental information, images and details of the area one designed.
The interview and Q&A session were followed by one-on-one interviews with working professionals from different firms and organizations. Each participant benefited from two interviews with professionals who gave them personal and tailored feedback for their skill set and their design package. According to the attendees, this was the best part of the event, not only for the feedback it provided, but also for the networking and mentoring possibilities as well.
The event ended with a portfolio presentation by Jason Ivaliotis who was featured in Portfolio Design by Harold Linton published by WW Norton and Company. He also gave advice and some rule-of-thumb suggestions for those who are still working on and updating their portfolio.
Since the event, various interviewers have received emails thanking them for their time and advice. As an executive board member of NYCOBA I am extremely proud of the event and overwhelmed by the number of participants. We definitely addressed an important issue and provided some aid that our design community needs.
To learn more about NYCOBA please visit: http://www.nycoba.org/
All photographs were taken by the author.
This association comprises architects, designers and associated professionals committed to developing programs that support an inclusive design industry and foster diversity. While minority architects and designers have achieved some success in the industry, there is a still a long ways to go to ensure that our future design leaders are well represented.
Crafting the Interview 3.0 reflects NYCOBA's ongoing commitment to championing diversity within the design professions. The event provided attendees with the tools necessary to promote their individual talents while also connecting with established professionals.
The day-long Saturday session began with a mock interview of Jason Ivaliotis conducted by Mark Gardner, principal, Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects. During the interview Jason's resume and portfolio were projected on the wall so that attendees could evaluate his answers. We were able to ask questions and be a part of the actual interview process as well.
My favorite portion of the day occurred when we engaged in an extensive Q&A discussion. Certain questions we were all in agreement on. For instance, one question asked was: should one attach a photo of him/herself to their resume and/or portfolio? The whole room - in unison - roared a resounding "no!" Then the participants gave their respective opinions as to why they felt it would not be in one's best interest.
Another memorable question provoked a bigger discussion: Can one present a full rendering or image of a project that they worked on if their contribution was limited to one area only? It was explained that architecture is a profession of collaboration. Thus, depending on the scale of a project, it is only assumed that one, singular person didn't design a project by him/herself. The advice for this issue, therefore, was to show a general rendering or photograph to give the reviewer an overall sense of the project, while, at the same time, providing supplemental information, images and details of the area one designed.
The interview and Q&A session were followed by one-on-one interviews with working professionals from different firms and organizations. Each participant benefited from two interviews with professionals who gave them personal and tailored feedback for their skill set and their design package. According to the attendees, this was the best part of the event, not only for the feedback it provided, but also for the networking and mentoring possibilities as well.
The event ended with a portfolio presentation by Jason Ivaliotis who was featured in Portfolio Design by Harold Linton published by WW Norton and Company. He also gave advice and some rule-of-thumb suggestions for those who are still working on and updating their portfolio.
Since the event, various interviewers have received emails thanking them for their time and advice. As an executive board member of NYCOBA I am extremely proud of the event and overwhelmed by the number of participants. We definitely addressed an important issue and provided some aid that our design community needs.
To learn more about NYCOBA please visit: http://www.nycoba.org/
All photographs were taken by the author.