Quality Engineering to Green Architecture
From Quality Engineering to Green Architecture
February 2013
Dear Anthony,
It’s been a while since I last wrote to you.
I took the Pathfinders Careerfinder test back in May 2008, we discussed my natural talents, abilities and personality. The whole experience was life changing to me.
To provide some background, I was going through a hard time back then. I was going through a divorce while raising a young child, all which put a serious strain on my life and financial situation. Also, I live in Puerto Rico and the colleges here do not have many options for working professionals like me. I was not able to really put my career changing plans into motion due to these constraints. But, I never gave up on the idea of obtaining my degree in Architecture. I just had to put it in the back burner for a while.
I’ve just recently reached a turning point. I met a wonderful women, my daughter is growing up (which frees up time to study), and well, it just so happens that a local college just opened up a Masters Degree in Architecture for people who currently hold a degree in a different field. Not only that, they will offer the degree in the evenings which works perfectly for me. Because of these events, I’m happy to report that I’m in the process of enrolling in Architecture School and will begin in August this year 2013!
Also, I recently obtained a regular position as a Quality Engineer, which happens to be 10 minutes from the School of Architecture. What more can I ask?
During our session, we discussed that based on my career testing results and personality (Introverted / Maestro / Spatial / Intuitive-Feeler / INFJ), that Architecture was the recommended career direction for me. To me it was a confirmation that all those years I spent thinking about enrolling in Architecture School were actually driven unconsciously by my natural abilities. Actually, Architecture was what I really wanted to study in college in the first place, but I ended up getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I remember you pointed out that Green Architecure and New Urbanism are especially good fits for me. The consultation with you was such a great experience and like I mentioned above, a life changing one.
I just wanted to share this great news with you! I want to let you know the importance of the decision I made back in 2008, when I decided to take the Pathfinders program and start this journey. You and the Pathfinders team are key to steering the course of my life in the right direction. I know that I’m just beginning my journey and that there are many challenges ahead, but I know now, more than ever, what I need to do and how to get there.
Thank you for your time in discussing the results of the testing and for your career advice back then. I wish you guys the best! I will definitively keep you posted on my progress.
Jose’
30-something
Mechanical/Quality Engineer, Puerto Rico
Update January 2014
Anthony:
Hi! Jose here from Puerto Rico again.
I just wanted to share with you my final grades from my first semester at the School of Architecture. This semester I took 2 classes: Visual Thinking for Architects and Introduction to the History of Architecture. It pleases me to inform that I got an A in the History class and a B in the Visual Thinking class.
You know, one of the things that I first noticed from this journey is how easy it is for me to absorb the material given in class at the Architecture School versus my past experiences at other colleges. It is like my brain is already wired to the stuff I’m learning at architecture school. I don’t need to spend so much time studying for a subject as compared to when I was at engineering school. I’m not saying I’m a genius, but as I was taking the classes and the exams, I reflected on the results from the Careerfinder program and I can validate the recommendations that the program proposed to me as a career choice for my future. I thank you for being out there making a difference and helping people find a career they will love. This semester I’m taking three (3) classes so the challenge is even bigger.
I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Regards.
Jose’
Update June 2014
Anthony,
I’m glad to let you know that I got another A in my Masters in Architecture program. I only took one class this semester (History of Architecture I) due to work commitments and I got another A!
Next semester will be a little tougher since I’ll be taking two classes; one of them will be my first design course (which I’m really looking forward to) and the other one will be the third part of my History of Architecture Classes.
Jose’
