Robert John, alumnus, BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
From CAD Technician to qualified Architectural Technologist: Robert reflects on his professional development and the challenges of the industryAfter working as a CAD Technician in a London-based architectural firm, Robert John found his career at something of a crossroads. “I’d really enjoyed working and gaining experience on the job,” he explains, “but the time had come that I really needed academic qualifications to back my experience up.”
Robert had heard about LSBU’s first-class facilities from friends who had studied here in the past, and upon investigating for himself, he was impressed by what he found. “There are lots of learning resources available, and the university puts a lot of effort into helping students to find jobs too. The tutors and lecturers are always available to help, and the fact that it is located in the middle of London and easy to get to made it the obvious choice for me.”
Immediately useful
Robert was even more pleased to discover he could study his course, BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology, part-time while continuing in his job. “It wasn’t always easy to balance my studies with work, but whenever there were issues, I found LSBU to be very supportive,” he says.
Learning skills such as practice management, architectural design and technology, and architectural design procedures was immediately useful to my job, and I could put my new skills straight into practice.
Robert John
Quick progress
Those new skills have already demonstrated their worth to Robert. “I’ve been able to make progress at my company very quickly as a result of my new skills,” he says. “My role has changed, and I’m now an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).”
Professional development
Robert is proud of his new skills and status, and has enjoyed the process of professional development. “I’ve really enjoyed researching the technology currently on the market, and learning new software packages,” he says. “I’m really proud to be a qualified Architectural Technologist, and it’s made me much more confident in my practice. I’m really looking forward to the future.”
Read more about studying BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology at LSBU.