Hey y’all 👋🏼 I hope you’ve been enjoying Sana’s Notes so far, if there is anything you’d like to hear about from me, just hit the Reply button and let me know! I hope you enjoy this week’s catch-up.

— Sana Tabassum

🍎 food for thought

You guys already know I get bored of a repetitive routine pretty quickly. Aside from January feeling like a couple of months long, I’ve somehow found myself settling into a new routine yet again. I think the secret is out, I’ve found a job! I am really really lucky to have found a flexible, freelance role at an architecture practice that I really admire and who seem to be pretty supportive of all of the other work I do.

Monday morning was a tough one, but I know in the long term, waking up earlier is going to benefit me. Having a new commute is also a big change but I think I can get used to it. I never imagined myself in this position because I felt like it was a long shot to expect a flexible role within architecture.

But it gives me the chance to rest mid-week, work on my other projects and write this newsletter from the comfort of my sofa. I’ve been thinking a lot about freelancing as a whole and finding myself attracting more of these incredible opportunities. Back when I had finished my undergrad, I spent an entire year looking for a 9-5 only to realise that I value my time and other interests way more. Don’t get me wrong, I wholeheartedly know the level of privilege and luck that’s played into this but I’m pretty excited.

It’s been kind of intimidating working in practice as a Part 2 after about 2 and a half years since my first ever job. Obviously, the first couple of weeks are all about finding your bearings and settling into new workflows and meeting new team members. But I’m glad that I am pursuing what I studied for. I’ll keep you guys updated on how I’m balancing everything too.

What I’ve learned 👇🏼

• Don’t dismiss the idea of there being an option that fits you. It may take a while, and a lot of effort on your part, but there might be an opportunity just around the corner.

• Document everything! When you start working (any job btw), try and document what you do on a daily basis, the kind of feedback you receive, weekly wins and workflows that can save you time. This will help later when negotiating a pay rise or to bring up in quarterly reviews.

• Find what works for you. Sure, there may be an expected path for you to take after your studies, but it doesn’t mean it’s the only one.

🍗 content nuggets

I came across this architecture student who makes vlogs the other day and since there aren’t many people doing this, I thought I’d share with you all so you can get a glimpse of what it’s like to study in the US.

I’ve included the following video for an entirely different reason than you may think (but I’ll try not to spoil it too much). Ashley’s boyfriend, Kelly - who also has his own channel and motto ‘Do What Excites’ features in this video alongside his family. Although it might just seem like a typical vacation video, I really admired the fact that their family goes on all sorts of adventures and does the craziest of things that I personally wouldn’t even think of. I guess it’s a reminder that you’re never too old to do fun stuff, and that sometimes you might only get one chance at doing it.

🌶️ spicy tips

My tip for you this week would be to apply for all jobs, but be selective about your options. It kind of sound a bit backwards, I know. The instinct for most graduates is to apply to every and any job advert that’s out there. Guess what? the 249 other architecture students around the country also had the same idea. That’s when you need to either start marketing your USP and build your personal brand.

Or, you need to be selective about your options and treat each job application like it’s the only job you’ve ever wanted. That means doing the research, networking, getting infront of that employer so that they notice you. Even better, applying to practices who aren’t even advertising roles. Some might surprise you.

🔥 on the back burner

The first event of Open Studio is now LIVE. In collaboration with Karakusevic Carson Architects, we’re hosting a Pitching Your Portfolio session for Part 1 students and graduates based in London and need some advice on how to successful present their portfolios during an interview.

Spaces are limited so please sign up as soon as you know you can make it!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pitching-your-portfolio-tickets-804042160747

— Sana x