<p>I am a part time arch student (first year of arch classes) and a full time CAD draftsman at a structural firm. My load is plenty but i deff am not complaining. Ive been drafting for about 5-6 years now and school is a nice change of pace. I am surprised at how well things are going. </p>
<p>I do, however, wish I was working at a architectural firm. I guess my reason for this post is this: when should I start looking for a job in the architectural field? I know as soon as possible is ideal, but what are the minimum requirements most architecture firms are looking for? I feel like working in a small firm would be ideal for me but what are advantages, other than pay, of these huge firms? </p>
<p>Besides the CAD skills you already have, you really need a good attitude and willing to work on whatever projects come along. Many architects, at least the ones that I work with, are taking work they would not have taken during times of plentiful commissions.</p>
<p>I think you should also consider a firm that has a reputation for mentoring employees who are beginning their career in architecture - especially important when it comes to IDP and taking the exams. </p>
<p>You might get a more varied experience at a small firm where you will wear many hats.</p>
<p>because youve only started first year of classes you might not find anything but ideally senior or like 4,5 th year of architecture is when firms are willing to hire otherwise they aren’t too inclined even with program skill and draftman. stick with what you have and just look out for jobs are u go along in the years. if you can compose and excellent portfolio you could find a job, things liek that would be sketching hand skills and model making is a big thing firms want to see. hope this helps</p>