Activity 1.2.1

1.    What is your age?

I am 26 years old.

2.    Where do you live?

I live in Manhattan, New York City.

3.    What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy extended periods of meditation and computer-related projects.

4.    What is your job title?

Drafter

5.    When and why did you choose your career path?

Shortly after High School, I chose the architecture path when trying to decide my Major.

6.    What is the name of your company or employer?

I work at Sideris Kefalas Engineers P.C.

7.    Describe your primary duties and skills. [Cite your source(s)]

I use a CAD program to draft representations of the head architect's designs. Occasionally, I am on site with the construction workers, helping the architects to oversee construction. (Source)

8.    Describe your physical work environment.

I generally work at a computer, sometimes from home, and more often from the office. Sometimes, I spend a work day on a construction site.

9.    What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is actually seeing the building I worked on completed.

10. What is your salary? [Cite your source(s)]

My annual salary is $45,500 (Source)

11. Which accredited school did you first attend, and what was your degree? [Cite your source(s)]

I attended Ball State University in Muncie, IN. My degree was: Bachelor of arts in Architecture. (Source)

12. Describe in detail three of the courses that you took which are closely related to your current career. [Cite your source(s)]
The three most important classes I took were Architectural Design 4, 5, and 6. They encompassed both the structural design and the aesthetic design of Architecture. (Source)

13. Describe the two courses that you considered most challenging. [Cite your source(s) and include a course listing from the appropriate degree program] The two courses that I found most challenging were Structural systems 1 and 2. (Source)

14. What resources did your school have available to help you get through the most difficult courses? [Cite your source(s)] While the Digital Simulation and Fabrication labs were incredibly helpful, I found that just studying in the school's extensive library proved to be most helpful. (Source)

15. Regarding the two most challenging courses, how did you persevere?  

Honestly, it was as easy as studying extensively. I figured out what I was having trouble with, read a lot of books on the topic, and stayed attentive in class. Now, I find that SS 3 is even easier than the first course.

16. From what school(s) did you receive graduate degrees? [Cite your source(s)]

I received my graduate degree from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. (Source)

17. What was the title or titles of the degree(s)? [Cite your source(s)]

I obtained my Master's degree in Architecture. (Source)

18.  What licenses do you have and what were the exams required to receive those licenses? [Cite your
source(s)]

I completed my three-year internship in the field, then, after completing that, took my Architect Registration Examination and passed on my second attempt, which licensed me as a professional. (Source)

19. How would your clients and co-workers describe you?
They would likely speak of me highly, likely describing me as a diligent worker with an eye for detail.

20. What do you hope to accomplish at the conclusion of your career?

I would like to own my own architecture firm that specializes in both residential and commercial modern architecture.

21.  Why should a high school student consider a career in your field?  What important contribution(s) can they make?
High school students that have a vivid imagination and a knack for mathematics might consider a future in architecture. They can provide a means of imagination outlet, a necessity for anyone, and can also provide for the general public, a necessity for society. Frankly, architecture can and does provide for anyone and everyone, and that is why a high school student might want to consider a career in architecture. 

Conclusion

1.    You described a career related to civil engineering and/or architecture. Is this the career field that you are currently most interested in at this stage in your life?

Honestly, no.

2.    Rank and describe the three most important characteristics that you value in choosing a post-secondary school.
1. Quality of education
2. Prestige
3. Quality of party scene (I couldn't think of anything else) 

3.    Rank the following in the order of importance to you regarding a career: job satisfaction; salary; making a difference; level of responsibility; titles; benefits; hours; co-workers; supervisors.  How will a career in civil engineering or architecture satisfy the factor that you ranked highest?
1. Job satisfaction
2. Salary
3. Level of responsibility
4. Making a difference
5. Benefits
6. Hours
7. Co-workers
8. Supervisors
9. Titles
I suppose that it would satisfy my highest-ranking factor, but not nearly as much as my other career plans.