Entry-Level Employees: Classroom to Industry | EVstudio
It’s no secret that industry experience, especially in the architecture and engineering world, is irreplaceable. Employers look for valuable experience over all else, and many universities prioritize project-based learning to give their students a boost. In many disciplines, university education is a non-negotiable prerequisite. However, the classroom and workforce have several key differences, and companies can do a few things to help entry-level employees ease the transition.
Classroom Experience Alone Isn’t Enough
University education is great for gaining an in-depth understanding of a topic, but the real value in classroom experience is learning how to learn. A design class doesn’t necessarily teach a student how their future company will achieve a good design. Instead, it teaches a student the reasoning behind a variety of design methods. The key to being a good student and team member is identifying these lessons and applying them to new topics. Adapting and applying previous experiences is a great skill, but the transition from student to team member takes adjustment.
Transitioning to Industry: A Difficult Adjustment
Starting a new role means that there is no way to avoid asking tons of questions. In a classroom setting, design questions are hypothetical and built to teach. In the workforce, the real-world, complicated nature of design questions adds pressure and difficulty. The combination of the vulnerability of a new position and the pressure of designing for the real world can make for a hard adjustment. However, when a team treats helping new team members adapt as an essential step, diversity of experience is a huge strength.
How EVstudio Supports Entry-Level Employees
EVstudio helps interns and entry-level employees to adjust in a few ways. The company environment is close-knit and friendly without excluding newcomers, which creates an environment where anyone can freely ask questions. Because EVstudio is a full-service studio, departments collaborate with each other freely. As a result, new employees understand the design process from many perspectives, widening their understanding of connected fields.
Takeaways for Entry-Level Employees and Their Teams
While switching from student life to the workforce will never be seamless, a welcoming and collaborative environment certainly makes the transition quicker. Learning to be a good team member is a never ending process, and a positive learning environment boosts professional development at all levels. EVstudio’s focus on culture and collaboration makes a great setting for entry-level employees. However, it also creates a place where people can grow into senior roles.
