PATHWAYS CASE STUDY: WILL
Will joined PLACED Pathways, our programme for 18-25 year olds who are new to PLACED Academy and looking to take their next steps into built environment careers. Through practical opportunities including peer mentorship, volunteering, speaking roles and industry events, Pathways supports young people to build their skills, confidence and understanding of the sector while working towards a Professional Development Certificate.
Will, PLACED Academy Pathways Participant
I heard about PLACED Academy while studying Architecture at the University of Liverpool and was recommended to sign up as an ambassador in my first year by a lecturer. Throughout my time at university, I helped with a range of different workshops and community engagements. These were great opportunities that helped build my confidence and provided me with relevant experience in the built environment which I could include on my CV and in cover letters.
After completing my degree, I saw that PLACED Academy were offering the opportunity to sign up for the PLACED Pathways Programme, which supports young people at the start of their careers in the built environment. Based on my previous positive experience with PLACED, I thought this would be a great way to help me start my career, and I was right.
While on the programme, I had an industry mentor, mentored students, and attended networking events, all of which I found very beneficial. However, the industry mentor I had was invaluable. With my mentor, we looked at everything I needed to do to secure a professional role. I received feedback and support with my portfolio, CV, and cover letter, bringing them all to a high standard. In addition, we worked on interview preparation and discussed the best ways to approach job applications and reach out to companies. All of this was incredibly helpful.
I developed a clear direction and approach to applying for roles, which significantly improved my confidence. This ultimately allowed me to secure my current role as a Design Assistant at a company that specialises in retrofit and decarbonisation. I submitted a strong application and went into the interview knowing what to expect, because of the work I had done guided by my mentor. The help I received from my mentor definitely played a role in my success in securing the role.
After finishing university, I felt slightly lost and overwhelmed with how to approach finding a job in the built environment, especially with all the discussion on platforms such as LinkedIn and the amount of conflicting advice available. Having a professional in the industry I want to enter provide guidance on what I needed to do was tremendously helpful. It gave me a level of structure that I was missing, preventing me from aimlessly applying to jobs with little success.
Having someone I could trust, who knew what they were talking about, gave me confidence to help navigate this challenging job market. The advice I was given on the layout and presentation of my CV, portfolio and cover letter and the interpersonal skills I developed for interviews and reaching out to companies were not only useful for my job search but will apply to the whole of my career.
I would highly recommend getting involved with PLACED Academyand its Pathways Programme to anyone considering a career in the built environment. It is the perfect opportunity to receive support and guidance on your next steps.