What do you do if you want to turn contract work in building design into a long-term career?

I left a full-time engineering job when I had my children. For 12 years I did contract work for small engineering firms. It worked great for both parties because I could work when I had time, and they had flexibility in sending me work only when they needed the extra help. I had also worked really hard to get my PE license before I took a break from full-time work. When I was ready to return to work as an employee, it helped that I had my PE. I networked through contacts and our local ASHRAE chapter by attending meetings. Luckily found a great company ready to hire. I worked part-time for nine years gradually increasing my hours. 10 years later I am still with the same company and am now part of the ownership team.

Continuously improve your technical skills and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in building design. This will not only make you more competent but also more marketable. Take courses, attend workshops, and gain certifications that are relevant to your field.

1-Be always responsible and responsive 2-Improve your knowledge and learn all accurate detail on field 3- Have a clear communication with client .

Networking is crucial. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals in the field. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to engage with industry leaders and peers. The relationships you build can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.

We tend to see so many projects that there's no time to stop and update the portfolio. This is a huge mistake. A well presented and up to date portfolio is worth its weight in gold. This is the one thing you can set in front of a prospect that proves that you already have used your talents to produce amazing work.

Sabemos que o currículo é a principal porta de entrada para o mercado de trabalho, isso porque ele será a primeira impressão da empresa sobre você. Mas para algumas áreas, apenas esse documento não é suficiente. Um portfólio é uma seleção das melhores contribuições de um profissional. Contudo, é muito mais do que uma simples apresentação curricular, pois permite que os outros visualizem os resultados práticos de seu trabalho. É a maneira mais descomplicada de as pessoas terem acesso ao que você entrega.

Especially in Design, personality and charisma are important part of the design skill set and can mean the difference between hiring or not; however, you still have to show ‘em what you got, so to speak. Any opportunity to showcase skill and talent should be jumped upon!

Contract positions usually are tied to specific projects that are too large or in too short of a timeframe for a company's current staffing levels. You should have a good idea going into the position what you're in for, and can pick and choose contract positions that only line up with your long term career goals. It's a great way to get a lot of work experience relatively quickly.