2020 Graduate Highlight: Thalia Jimenez
University of Maryland, College Park
Major: Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Minor: Sustainability Studies
COVID-19 affected graduation plans for all of us who looked forward to walking across the stage. As a first-generation graduate, not being able to share this milestone traditionally was somewhat heartbreaking, but I have a great support system who made this moment as special as possible for me…even without the stage.
Were you able to secure an internship (traditional and/or non-traditional) during your studies? If so, what is a lesson learned that you still carry with you today? How will it shape your career pursuit moving forward?
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve. Yes, I was able to secure an internship with Coakley Williams Construction in Bethesda, MD during my studies. Although I was offered a summer-long internship, the opportunity has been postponed due to the current global pandemic. Although I thought I would find an internship directly through my school and its career search services, I secured this position on my own. Not only is the internship “nontraditional” in a sense (not being an Architecture internship), but the way I got the position was as well! After studying abroad in Florence, Italy last spring, I was offered a fun part-time job at the event venue AMP Powered by Strathmore Performing Arts.
I have always loved performing arts and thought the job would be a fun and flexible way to make money – something I really needed as a full-time architecture student. Although the job was not Architecture related, I knew that it would be a great networking opportunity since the venue hosts both public events (i.e.: concerts and comedy shows) and private events (i.e. corporate holiday parties or networking events). During a private event that I managed for Associated Builders and Contractors, I decided to network. I saw no harm in exposing myself to the construction industry, although my focus is on Architecture. I secured an interview and was offered a paid, summer-long internship shortly after.
I applied to several Architecture internships prior to this and felt very insecure about not getting the results I wanted. I was putting in the work, so I had no idea what to do next…especially with graduation approaching. I took a chance to put myself out there, even though I was very unsure as to where it would take me. I believe that when we face adversity, we should only fight harder and continuously work on refining our skills. Remaining true to myself and realizing my worth is what motivated me to keep applying for jobs and internships. I believe that we have been exposed to a very rigid pathway towards architecture and licensure as students. This has often made me doubt my own intuition. Taking a chance to explore architecture through construction made me realize that I am in charge of my own path, and no one’s path towards success is the same. Although the internship is postponed, I have another important addition to my network, and the opportunities are limitless from here. In the future, I will make sure to stay open to all opportunities and keep exposing myself to new industries.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I plan to start my internship, keep my part-time job, and reconstruct my portfolio. I am excited to take this time to plan a renovation project for my home and use it as a highlighted feature in my portfolio in the future. I would like to take 1-2 years to master my design skills. I will look into extra software courses at a community college since I work better in a classroom setting. This time off from school will be a time for me to really reflect on what I have learned thus far and get a new, real-world perspective from it all. I also think it is important to take this time to focus on my mental and physical health. After this time to renew myself, I plan to seek my Master’s in Architecture.
Has COVID-19 affected your plans?
Due to COVID-19, my internship is postponed and I have been temporarily laid off from my part-time job at AMP, but I plan to make the most out of this time off to focus on rejuvenating myself and writing out my goals and a solid 5-year plan. COVID-19 was a wake-up call, forcing us who work tirelessly to pause and reflect. This is something I never felt like I could do while juggling five classes a semester (including studio) and a part-time job.
COVID-19 threw things off, but it was also very eye-opening for me to be a part of this world-wide crisis at the peak of my educational career. Regarding my education, COVID-19 affected graduation plans everyone who looked forward to walking across the stage. As a first-generation graduate, not being able to share this milestone traditionally was somewhat heartbreaking, but I have a great support system who made this moment as special as possible for me…even without the stage.
What advice would you give to other graduates on career/job pursuit?
Never let anyone tell you what path you need to take. As an architecture student, it is hard to see through an “untraditional” lens when we are taught to do things in a specific way to get specific results. I say, “It is your life; therefore, it is your journey. This journey is created by all the things you aspire to be and the way you decide to get there. Do not be afraid of failure or rejection. Those opportunities were for someone else because there are other opportunities specifically designed for you and your path. Never compare yourself to others or become intimidated by someone else’s success or failures. Draw inspiration from them and learn to collaborate with your counterparts.”
When looking for a job or pursuing a career, stay true to yourself and your own values, or else you will end up somewhere that is not right for you. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses so that you are more inclined to focus on where you need more practice rather than putting yourself in a position that you cannot handle. Lastly, do not be afraid to use your degree or life experience to explore a completely different industry or field.
Your exposure to another discipline can bring a fresh perspective that a company may not have known they needed. This can be the start of a lucrative operational transformation for both industries involved. The best way for us to grow is through exposure and this means expanding our network. The more diverse our network becomes; the more opportunities are presented to us. As young leaders, we must understand as much as possible about the world around us so that we can create innovative solutions for future generations.
