Cal Poly SLO Career Fair

We each carried a box through the tight, low entry that pinched the crowd before releasing it into the spacious Chumash Auditorium, where massive concrete columns support the high ceiling that covered the bustling preparations for the Cal Poly Career Fair. We had different reactions; Katrina had never been inside and I perhaps too many times, most recently for my Thesis show. Bittersweet memories fluttered, but the entry sequence calmed my nervousness, reminded me to breathe – the tightness in my chest releasing into a great, composed space. I looked at my wife beside Katrina and smiled. It was nice to be back. I knew then that tonight would be successful. A loud, jarring thud pulled me from my wife’s eyes, while Katrina sighed with relief in reaching our destination – she had carried the heavy box. What? I offered! Seriously. She said the other was too awkward to carry. Plus, she has muscles and I…ya know…I work out. We set up the table, poster, swag and saw my wife off to San Luis Obispo’s famed Farmers’ Market. Then we stood ready.

“Tonight, I want all of you to not only represent your company, but to also represent the students, be their mentors, be their professors,” announced the mild-mannered Dean of Architecture. I reflected on how we might accomplish this, and thought of chances I had taken, and those who had risked and invested in me as a student and recent graduate. I looked up and drew another breath. Then they came. None of the students were reminded to breathe – the auditorium was choked with people. They milled around in uncertain circles until they worked up the courage. Seeing our firm’s fantastic display and that we were not too far removed from college ourselves, students headed our way.

First the risks, with cleared throats, cracked voices, and copious “Umms…” “What’s it like to work at WHA?” “What advice do you have for my resume?” “What do you think of my portfolio?” “What did you take away from school?” “What makes a good boss?” “Why are you so bald?”

Then the investment, taking time for each, telling them about WHA, laughing, joking, thumbing through their work, reviewing their projects. Conversation flowed more fluidly from there. “It’s great; we are a full-service firm that does quality work with good people, plus there’s food.” “Use InDesign.” “It’s good, but sketch more.” “Learn by doing.” “It’s someone you respect.” “That’s probably not a great question to ask in your interview.”

Lastly the reward, which was more than a stack of resumes from a very talented pool of students from an exceptional school. The opportunity to represent WHA as one of our SLO grads, return to my alma mater, talk about architecture, and encourage students, who walked away a little taller, was gratifying indeed, and I would name that success.