I am pleased to say that, after studying for 9 years, I am now a fully qualified Architect.
I am often asked if all the studying was worth it, how I managed to juggle working full time and studying part time, and whether I would tell my 18-year-old self not to do it if I could go back in time. Those who know me well know that I can’t sit still for too long – I like to be active, hands-on and outdoors. Sitting at a computer is not quite the correct fit. With all that being said, I love my job and I would absolutely tell my 18-year-old self to do it again. Most days I don’t mind sitting down or indoors all day (the sit/stand desks at work certainly help), and I really think that this is testament to my love for the job I have spent so long studying for.
The process to becoming an Architect wasn’t completely smooth sailing, and there were several times at university when I felt like quitting. I have been quite open with those who ask that I was never a huge fan of the university system because I learn much better by getting stuck in with a practical task; I always felt like the system did not suite my learning style. I also believed that I hadn’t learned much at university and everything I knew was due to work in practice. But then I taught first year students during the final year of my Master’s and I was reminded that we were all clueless once!
Despite the challenges of studying at university, it has certainly taught me the foundations and I have learned from the whole process - the good and the bad experiences. I feel truly grateful to be in a job that I love.
I do like to challenge myself; whilst I was studying for my chartership I also undertook a digital marketing course so that I could support the team as we develop our own in-house marketing strategy. This meant I was then studying for 2 courses and working full time which was far from easy! Many evenings my brain was frazzled and whatever I read or listened to would go in one ear and straight out the other! But I passed both of them and have enjoyed applying the newly acquired knowledge. I am, however, looking forward to giving myself some time off as lockdown restrictions begin to ease.
