Praxis in Landscape Architecture

What advice do recent graduates (1-4 years out) in landscape architecture have for students who are graduating now?

First, some optimism. In the spring of 2011, there were more job openings in landscape architecture than in the previous 2 years, according to job watchers on the East and West Coasts. For example, Archa Malhotra Kalla, employed since 2008 in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area said:

Yes, the economy has had a major impact on the profession, but I do feel that things are picking up now. I’ve seen more job listings in the past 2-3 weeks than I had in the past 2 years. I personally have been involved with construction administration and some landscape inspection for a highway project. [Editor’s note: diversification.] Also, I used this time to learn more about green building practices (get and maintain professional credentials) and the sustainable sites initiative.

And, in California, K.M. (MLA 2007) had the following reaction to the question about “green shoots”:

I do see some openings now as compared to the last couple of years. So even I am actively looking for one these days. I guess the market is improving slowly and firms are hiring. There aren’t that many big projects, but some amount of work or maintenance work is always there.

Also, there are many experienced landscape architects out there, looking for work right now. So it’s a fierce competition. And people are willing to work for low salaries as well as unpaid internships as well. The important thing is to learn new things, gain experience and be in touch
with the market.

Diversification of skills and networking are common themes for those who have successfully navigated difficult times. M.D. graduated in what looks like the worst year, 2009, with a BLA, and did manage to find employment as a landscape architect when only 10-12% of his classmates did. M.D. emphasizes the importance of networking.

I think the biggest thing I would personally recommend to people is networking. My father always told me “It’s not always what you know, but who you know.” The other big thing is to be diverse. You cannot limit yourself to just one aspect of the field, and you really do have to be open to everything to get a foot in the door from design build to a traditional firm. Nowadays, companies are looking for someone who can do it all because they don’t have the money to hire specialists.

I would add to the networking advice by saying that face time with potential employers is critical. Sending off resumes by email really does not work these days, especially if you are in one region of the country and the job is in another. Traveling to the place where you want to work and finding ways to speak directly with potential employers is a better strategy, in my opinion. If you lack “connections,” you can always hand-deliver resumes and portfolio samples, ask if it is possible to speak briefly with the person who would review it, or ask if you can make an appointment to get advice or recommendations while you are in town. In the digital age, old-fashioned shoe leather is making a return as a job search strategy. I once did an exhaustive, multi-state job search in this in-person way and got interviews with people whom I would not have met otherwise. Be bold! Shake off your fears and seek face time!