Seeking a mid-career change or new path? Tips from an AEC recruiter.

The pandemic has inspired millions of employees to reevaluate careers–including women in architecture. For women reexamining priorities and looking for growth opportunities, today’s dynamic job market may provide just the opening they need to land their dream job.  

AEC recruiter Nancy Horne has been on both sides of the hiring table. As the founder of NDH Search, Horne works with some of the most talented architecture candidates and firms, matching candidates to dream jobs that help them meet their professional aspirations.

In this AIAU webinar, Horne shared tips for women seeking a mid-career change in the architecture profession.

Here’s her top recommendations:

Inventing new paths

Mid-career is a time to reinvent yourself. Gather your strength and determination, and use your imagination to find a new path that leads to more satisfaction, better income, and the coveted work-life balance. This is your life and career; you are either continuing to follow your dream or have been reminded of your hopes and dreams.

Women’s leadership is not optional. It’s not a game of collecting power and leverage, just to do the same things that are no longer working for us. Women’s leadership is about opening up entirely new ways of seeing and being. In many ways, it’s not new at all–it’s just been perpetually overlooked. Nevertheless, we are called to do more than what comes easily and naturally. We must invent something new as well.

Imagining a change  

Use what you are good at and love to do to make choices that lean on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Tie your strengths to the job requirements of whatever new or next-step job you are seeking. Consider changing market sectors, which could open opportunities not available in your current specialty.

But the job is not just about you. Always ask yourself: “How can I help this person or firm? What can I do for them?” Unless you can find a genuine benefit, your quest will be missing a vital component.

Involvement in industry organizations keeps you relevant and updated on trends, but strive to create new opportunities by networking in imaginative ways. Study a company or person you admire and write a thank you letter (via LinkedIn) for their contribution to your life and imagination.

Implementing a change

It can’t be said often enough: Create a great resume that not only displays all your talents and experience, but is visually–graphically–representative of who you are. If there are gaps in your work history, use it to show that gap time as part of your transition and re-education. Above all, be aware of who will be reading the resume and how it affects their perception of you.

Businesses are more eager than ever to recruit and retain great employees and help them transition to new positions.

In the following WLS webinar–Seeking a Mid-Career Change or New Path? Strategies from an AEC Recruiter – Horne and career coach Mia Scharphie will discuss:

• action steps to seek new opportunities or change career paths
• what hiring managers look for in a candidate beyond resume
• resume tips
• interview strategies
• how to engage with people you admire and do not know
• how to leverage social media

Login in to AIAU to see both webinars.