Harry Kirkham
Master of Architecture graduate Harry Kirkham talks summer working for Google Earth and the value of looking beyond bar work with the help of the University Careers Service.
| Name | Harry Kirkham |
| Degree Course | Master of Architecture (M.Arch) |
| Year of Graduation | 2011 |
Your time at the University
I’d studied at Bath for my undergraduate and after four years there fancied a change of scenery and a new challenge.
The M.Arch course at Edinburgh produces some really innovative and exciting design work, and I’ve always liked the city, so it wasn’t too hard to make a decision when I received the offer.
without specific experience there’s very little to distinguish yourself from the hundreds of other people applying for the same position.
There’s always loads of competition for casual work in bars or shops outside of term time- and without specific experience there’s very little to distinguish yourself from the hundreds of other people applying for the same position.
Through the University however I found jobs that were much better suited to my skills and experience - over the Summer of 2010 I surveyed and modelled university buildings for Google Earth, curated an architecture exhibition for the Arts Festival and produced drawings and animations for a History of Architecture conference. All were a lot more interesting than pulling pints, and ultimately looked a lot better on my CV once I’d graduated.
Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University
I really wanted to stay in Scotland, specifically Edinburgh, after graduating, but with the job market as it is it was more a case of going where the work was.
Fortunately after 6 months of sending out applications with little success, I was offered a job with 7N Architects, a small design practice in the West End of Edinburgh. A year on I’m still there, getting ready to start my professional qualification to register as an Architect.
Alumni wisdom
I don’t want to sound too pessimistic but enjoy it because the real world is much tougher! It’s a bit of a shock when your last loan runs out and you realise you’re looking after yourself from there on. Unless you want to end up back at home with the parents be prepared to diversify and turn your hand to anything.
Whilst job hunting I managed to keep up with some freelance architectural work, but I also ended up doing some pretty tough jobs washing up and as a delivery man to make ends meet.
