Confused About Life After Architecture School? You're Not Alone

Seven years ago, on the 1st of August 2017, I took my first steps into the professional world of architecture & joined my first company. Today, I want to share my experiences with those of you about to graduate or who have just graduated. To help make your transition a little easier.

If you're about to graduate (or recently did), you're probably swimming in a sea of "what ifs" and "what nows." Trust me, I've been there. After five years of intense studio time, my mind was buzzing with questions: Which firm should I join? What's a good salary? Will I be stuck drafting for years? Should I be applying for master's programs like everyone else?

But as I stepped back from the noise—and took a very necessary two-month break—I realized those questions weren't really mine. They belonged to everyone else: my friends, family, professors, even society's expectations. That's when I decided to hit pause and figure out my path.

And that's what I want to share with you today...

Let's Talk About The Transition

Those five years at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi ? Intense. But worth it. I'm forever grateful for the foundation it gave me. But after graduation? First things first: I took a two-month break. After five long years, we deserve that, right? Those two months became a sort of bridge between the world of academics and the uncertainty of starting a career. It was a time for reflection, but also a time when my mind raced with questions. What kind of firm should I even apply to? How much should I expect to earn? Would I be stuck doing nothing but drafting for months on end? So many of my friends were applying to master's programs—should I be doing the same? And if so, what should I even specialize in? For a while, the idea of studying abroad seemed alluring… until the reality hit... (no money for that!).

When I started to reflect, I realized that all these questions in my head were merely a product of external influences (my friends, parents, faculty, society, relatives).

So I made the decision to free myself from the expectations others had of me. This is my life and I am the one who gets to shape it. Taking a two-month break allowed me to accomplish just that. I deliberately reduced my interactions with people, somewhat isolating myself, and began to find clarity. It was during this period that I first began to practice meditation and never stopped it.

Your Master's, Your Passion

My path didn't include a master's degree (at least not yet!), but that doesn't mean it's not the right choice for others. I've seen firsthand how tough that decision can be, so I want to share what I've learned from both my own journey and my friends' experiences.

So I would say that only pursue a master's degree if you are certain about the topic. The topic you choose should align with your passion or interest. You are pursuing a master's degree because you want to specialize in a particular field, and you can never truly specialize in a topic that does not align with your interests. So, make a wise decision. Don't follow your friends, and don't choose a topic just because it is trending or promises good job placement. Don't choose a topic simply because the college is famous. While college is important, it should come second to your priority, which should be the topic. Do not compromise on your special topic, for which you want to be known one day.

Finally, avoid seeking advice from too many people. You will likely end up confused. It's your life, and you are intelligent enough to decide what is best for you. What you need is introspection, not external advice.

How I Tuned Out the Noise and Found My Path

After careful consideration and allowing myself some time for reflection, I have reached the conclusion that pursuing a job is the right path for me. While I initially considered pursuing a master's degree, the idea of immersing myself in the study mode once again, constantly dealing with submissions and deadlines, left me feeling fatigued. Additionally, I found myself uncertain about which subject I should specialize in for my master's degree. Ultimately, the allure of a job became apparent, as it would allow me to engage in practical work rather than solely theoretical studies. Moreover, this decision enables me to earn a living and take care of my own expenses, while also affording me the opportunity to invest in some cool gadgets, you know, I love technology.

I told myself that I would take the time to make decisions without being influenced by others. I wanted to make my own choices and once I decided what to do, I would not look back or regret it. I wanted to take ownership of my decisions, whether they were good or bad. It's time to begin the journey, and all I need to do is stay true to my intentions, believe in my abilities, trust the people around me, and, most importantly, have faith in a force or energy greater than myself - to let it guide me what is best.

The Unexpected Lesson My First Job Taught Me (Hint: It Wasn't About Drafting)

I joined a firm that provided me with a solid foundation for my professional career. They not only have well-defined ethics, values, and principles, but they also prioritize them. While I may have earned less than my friends (who got a good start in big firms) during the first two years of my career, thanks to this strong foundation, I have been able to experience rapid growth in the past five years. I'll always be grateful for my first company!

Tips for Choosing Your First Job

Here are some helpful tips for picking your first job, straight from my own experience. I hope these suggestions can make this big decision a little easier for you!

1. Values Match

It is subjective; there is no "good" or "bad" company to work for. The most important thing is to ensure that your values align with those of the company. For example, if you value sustainability but the company does not prioritize sustainable practices, you will not enjoy working there, regardless of the compensation.

2. Work Culture

Few individuals will thrive in a corporate environment, while others will excel in a studio-type architecture firm; it truly varies from person to person. These two settings offer distinct working environments, so it's important to determine which aligns best with your preferences and work style. Some individuals prefer working within a structured hierarchy, while others thrive in more flexible, non-hierarchical settings.

3. Skillset Alignment

Don't compromise on your skillset; choose a company that aligns with your skills, where you can learn and improve, rather than regress. For example, if you have advanced your skills in BIM and Revit, do not join a firm that uses traditional, outdated processes, as your valuable skills will not be utilized. Value your skills and knowledge.

4. Focus on Learning, Not Earnings

When you start out, money should not be at the forefront of your mind. Instead, focus on continuously learning and enhancing your skills. If you come across an opportunity where a company might offer less pay but provide immense value, don't hesitate to consider it.

Want to know the secrets to a thriving professional life? I'm excited to share 12 principles that, in my experience, have paved the way to career success. Get ready to take some notes!

12 Principles to Have a Successful Professional Life

1. Give yourself time to think about what you want from this life; don't follow the herd.
2. Nothing is inherently right or wrong. If you give your best, the things people might think are wrong will be right for you.
3. Define your values and principles; they will point you in the right direction.
4. Don't complain, look for solutions. Be resourceful!
5. Be stubborn about your goal/vision but flexible with your approach (learned from Jeff Bezos).
6. Trust people around you. You can't be successful alone.
7. Learn from those who are better than you and teach people who need your help.
8. Have patience - patience with yourself and others. Things take time. (I got the kind of work I loved after five months of starting my job because, in those five months, I gave my best in everything I did, no matter if I liked it or not.)
9. Whatever you do, do it passionately. The way you do anything is the way you do everything.
10. Don't hide your skills or passion; show the world what you are capable of. (I've seen people hiding their skills just so they don't get an extra burden.)
11. You don't get what you want; you get what you deserve - Jim Rohn (Many people want things, but unless they become deserving, they don't get them. It is a journey from wanting something to becoming deserving)
12. Deliberate learning is the key, keep learning new things every single day about skills you want to be known for. If you are not learning new things, you are going backward.