I am glad that I have a chance to talk about the best in my career. It gives me the opportunity to share with you some information which might be helpful in your career. Well, let me explain what I understand as a My Best. When we immigrated to the USA, I had more then 10 years of work experience in the architecture in the Former Soviet Union. I like my profession and my goal was to be able to do constructions, to be familiar with structural material, and to do architectural design. All of these things I can receive just thought experience. That means: 1. to get a job, 2. to keep a job. I have to fit position that I"d like to apply. Well, I completed AutoCAD intensive course, evaluated my diploma, wrote a resume and a cover letter and put it on a Monster.com, Builder.com, and on other web sites.
Nothing was happening. I just had a few interviews with recruiters, so I decided to change a tactic. From Yahoo yellow pages I printed out names and telephone numbers of all architectural companies that located in the Northwest suburbs (about 500), and started to call directly to the owners. I spoke with them and explained my interests. Some of them told me that they are not hiring right now. In this case I asked them to give me a fax number to send a resume. They might need it later. Some of them called me for an interview on the next day. After two weeks I receive an offer.
Another important think is keeping a job, in this slow time to be in business.
I tried to work on progress. In my case continue education will help. At first - English. I should improve my language. Second- I need more information about requirements for licensure, how to work independently, etc, but I was not sure, where to get this information. I became a member of Association of Licensed Architects and now I receive all member benefits such as Professional Design Awards program, Assistance program. An addition to that I receive invitation on Annual Architecture Conference and Product show, and Seminars. But the main benefit is that I receive professional support which is necessary for me at this time.
These five years were the hardest years in my life but they were also my best years. Now, after five years that I have been in America, I work as an independent architect for two companies. An addition to my goal I have interesting life. I enjoy my work team environment. They are successful architects, professional, creative, they are interesting people.
In conclusion I1d like to say; now I am on the same level of professional career that I had in my country. But here, In America I have more opportunity to develop my professionalism, to build my own style. This is my next goal.