work

ASET Mentoring program

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I have decided to sign up for ASET’s Mentoring program to fine-tune my skills in my search for employment.  I’ve applied for 41 positions and had 8 interviews.  I’ve reworked my resume a few times and have drafter countless cover letters, some of which I have not sent (like to ISL Engineering, as they adamantly require APEGA membership).  I have been close in a few.  Still, in the six months since convocation, nothing solid.  Getting a little concerned.  So I’m hoping a little guidance from a Mentor will offer some insight.

interview for PA at architectural firm

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I had an interview yesterday for a position as Personal Assistant to the Director at a local architectural firm.  It’s a part-time position that pays somewhat similar to Flex.  Although I would be ideal for this position (my opinion), it would not be much money.  It could turn into full-time later if things should pan out.  As it turns out, I know two people already there – K and KP.  KP is working as a Technologist in Training.  I don’t know if K is a full Technologist (C.Tech) yet.  I’ll know by Mon. or Tues. next week.

metal works technologist interview

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I had my interview today for the technologist position.  It is for a metal works company in town.  I think it went well.  I stumbled a bit in identifying GD&T symbols like concentricity.  They need someone who is proficient at AutoCAD and is in it for the long haul.  Sometimes lots of overtime and weekends.  They’ll call the one they choose the end of next week.

holiday outside the box (or inside the box)

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Now here’s an idea that, upon first look, seems kooky.  Vacation in prison.  But, having lived in South Korea for many years, I know that work can take its toll on a person.  The busy busy busy, go go go, workaholic lifestyle wears a person thin.  Enter: Prison.  Well, a place that apparently resembles prison.

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min. 3 years experience

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I’ve been searching non-stop for employment since convocation in April.  I have had a few interviews and spoke with several employers, but pretty much all positions posted online require minimum 3 years’ experience.  There are repeat job listings rewritten with “This is not an entry-level position” included in the job description.

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ISL

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I went to ISL Engineering today and saw a manager.  They do roadways (urban & rural), bridges (eight different bridge sites in Lethbridge alone), city water infrastructures (fresh, waste, storm), landscape architecture, and any structure that connects people and place in which we live.

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7 applications

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Today I put out seven applications for employment, some in Calgary, one in Edmonton, a couple in Lethbridge.

I was discussing this with M&F today – about taking work in Calgary.  1. There are more architectural positions there, and 2. the pay is higher there than in Lethbridge.  However, what I would pay in rent, utilities, food, fuel for longer commutes, fuel back and forth from Calgary to Lethbridge, and a few more things, it seems not worth it at all.

Bottom line – my Mom is in Lethbridge and needs help being looked after, so I’ll likely stay in Lethbridge.  Even if there is no work in architecture, there will be work in civil.

no experience, necessary

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Well, SA didn’t work out.  I got a phone call yesterday stating that they need someone with experience as they’re heading into a project that I gather will be a challenge.  They don’t want a newbie at the helm.

I’m continuing to work on the architectural drawings from the college (corrections from the instructors) and my own “work” to put into a portfolio.  What I showed them at SA was basically me trying to show them that I’m serious about learning, fixing mistakes, becoming more fluid with using Revit.  What they want to see, I take it, is more of a finished product.  I get that.  So back to work I go.

TB, on the other hand, is now working.  CY found employment in Calgary right away, as did K.