How to get ahead of your peers this summer: Planning Ahead While on Break

Hey, future architect.

Yes, you, the one halfway through a summer break that’s slowly morphing into a “should-I-be-doing-more?” crisis.

Let me guess: your SketchUp files are untouched, your Revit hasn’t been opened since June, and every time someone says “What’s your plan after graduation?” you mysteriously need to refill your iced coffee.

I get it. I was you.

Now, I’m a Project Architect™ (with the eye bags and emotional range of a rollercoaster to prove it), and let me tell you: the smartest thing I ever did in school wasn’t a studio project. It was using summer to quietly plan for the career I actually wanted. No hustle culture. No 5 a.m. alarms. Just small, strategic moves that gave me a serious edge once term kicked back in.

So, here’s the deal. You don’t need to “grind” all break. But if you’ve got a few chill afternoons or guilt-fueled evenings, here’s what to focus on to future-proof your career—without ruining your summer.

Goal-Setting

(Without the Vision Board Vibes)

First up: what do you even want?

Not in a “where do you see yourself in 10 years” kind of way (ew). More like:

• Do you want to intern next summer?

• Do you want to apply for a Master’s?

• Do you want to freelance, start a design collective, work in Europe, or maybe get licensed someday?

  
  

This isn’t about having the answer—it’s about getting curious.

Open a Google Doc and brain-dump:

• Things you enjoy in architecture (model-making? writing? facades?)

• Skills you wish you had

• Firms, cities, or architects you admire

  
  

Now look at that list and ask: What’s one thing I could do this summer that would move me 1% closer to that vibe?

That’s your goal. It could be small (read one book on urbanism) or practical (revise your CV). Either way: you’ve started.

Secret from the field: The best designers I know didn’t wait until final year to “figure it out.” They just took small steps—often in random directions—that eventually made a very cool, very weird career path. Yours will be too.

Researching Master’s Programs

(a.k.a. Rabbit Hole, But Make It Useful)

Thinking of uni ?

Amazing. Confused by what all the acronyms mean? Same.

Your break is the perfect time to start casually lurking on program websites, forums, and alumni profiles. Look for:

• Programs that fit your niche (sustainability, housing, design tech, etc.)

• Course structure (studio-heavy? theory-focused? internship included?)

• Application timelines and requirements (so you're not frantically writing a personal statement mid-crit season)

  
  

Unlocked secret: Most students pick programs based on rankings. The smart ones? They pick based on faculty, curriculum style, studio culture, and what the grads are doing now.

Some power moves:

• DM a current student or alum (LinkedIn is fair game)

• Watch recorded thesis presentations (YouTube or uni websites)

• Compare program briefs and portfolios

  
  

Bonus tip: Start a little spreadsheet. You’ll thank me later.

Building a LinkedIn Presence

(Cringe-Free Edition)

Before you roll your eyes, hear me out.

LinkedIn is not just for office people who say things like “synergy.” It’s also for you: an architecture student with cool projects, spicy opinions about Brutalism, and a portfolio that deserves to be seen.

Over break, take an hour to:

• Upload a clear profile photo (black turtleneck optional)

• Write a one-sentence summary of who you are ("BA Architecture student passionate about housing justice + diagramming to death.")

• Add studio projects under the “Projects” section (screenshots + a line or two is enough!)

• Connect with 10 people: alumni, tutors, architects you admire

  
  

Pro tip from experience: People are way more open to chatting over summer. Everyone’s less busy, slightly sunburnt, and more generous with their time.

Oh—and don’t stress about posting. If you do want to share something, try:

• A carousel of one of your recent projects

• A reflection on a competition you entered (even if you didn’t win)

• A resource or workshop you loved

Connecting with Alumni

(a.k.a. Secret Architecture Hack)

Want to know what your degree actually leads to? 

Talk to someone who lived it.

Alumni are the ultimate unlock. They:

• Remember the struggle

• Are usually flattered to be asked

• Can give real talk on jobs, studios, life after crits

  
  

Start with:

• Your school’s LinkedIn alumni list (filter by degree)

• Any firm you’re interested in—look for people who went to your uni

• Mutual connections from your tutors or classmates

  
  

Send a chill DM like:

Hey [Name], I’m currently studying architecture at [Uni] and came across your profile. Would love to hear how you navigated the transition into practice / your current role. Would you be open to a quick chat?

You’re not asking for a job. You’re asking for wisdom. (And yes, some of these chats might lead to internships, mentorships, or freelance gigs. But don’t force it.)

Gold nugget advice I got from an alum once:

“Your degree teaches you architecture. Alumni teach you how to be an architect.”

Your Summer Blueprint

If you're still reading (bless you), here’s the quick-hit version of what you can do this summer:

✅ Set one clear, chill goal 

✅ Research 2-3 master’s programs (and maybe stalk a few students) 

✅ Clean up your LinkedIn and connect with 10 new people 

✅ Message an alum and start a convo 

✅ Maybe (just maybe) start that portfolio refresh you’ve been putting off since May

Remember: you’re not behind. You’re just starting smart. And your future self—the one who lands the internship, gets into their dream program, or finally understands how LinkedIn actually works—is going to be so proud.

👋 Final Pep Talk

You don’t need a 10-year plan. You just need to stay curious, take small steps, and use this weird little post-studio summer zone to explore.

You’re already an architect-in-progress. Own it.

And hey—if you’ve got a question about career paths, portfolios, or whether anyone actually uses Rhino in the real world (spoiler: yes, but sparingly)—my inbox is open.

Now go enjoy the rest of break.

Future You is cheering you on (probably from a cafe with good Wi-Fi and even better lighting).