Accenture this week released the results of a study that highlights what makes women happy (in the workplace, at least), just in time for International Women’s Day 2013, which happens to be this Friday, March 8. The study concluded that women are more interested in flexibility than in money and that work-life balance (we’ll have to save trying to define what that means for another time) is the number one quality women find in the workplace.

The report goes on to say that, for most women, happiness in the workforce is measured by flexibility, workplace relationships, and job stability.  The top ways that women define personal success?  Having a family and happiness.

The question, dear reader, is what do you think about this?  Why is flexibility so important to women?  We see more and more women continue to achieve professional success and, at the same time, we also see that work-life balance is extremely important.  Are these two goals in conflict with each other, or do they go hand-in-hand?  What does “having it all” – i.e. professional success and a personal life – look like?

Read the Accenture report here.

Another interesting read about “having it all” on PandoDaily and how it looks different for different people.

In the United States, HOK offices on the West Coast, East Coast and everywhere in between hired the nation’s top college students to intern in a variety of disciplines such as architecture, engineering, finance, interior design, marketing, sustainability and landscape architecture.  Internationally, HOK offices in Canada and India hired local students as well. Each student jumped right into their assigned roles to help out team members and produce high-quality services to clients. When asked, not one intern reported being forced to perform coffee runs or mundane tasks such as copying, filing or picking up dry cleaning.

HOK thanks each intern for their hard work, positive attitude and choosing to spend their summer with us. We wish you all the best of luck back at school this fall – you will be greatly missed! Below are a few quotes about the highlights of the summer from the interns.

“One of my favorite projects would be the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory in Washington D.C. The part which intrigued me the most was the synergies between technologies that were being implemented throughout the project in order to reduce its energy consumption and achieve LEED gold certification. It was a great experience being able to interact with other trades and build relationships within a team. Being able to see that the people we work with have such positive can do attitudes, not to mention a great sense of humor.”
– Bruno Carlin: Washington, DC

“Getting to work on a couple planning projects, I got to see what happens behind the scenes of why a city works the way it does, and how many pieces there are that go into a great planning project.  I was exposed to and learned the most in my internship since I was able to participate in a variety of project types that are located in different parts of the country, and I felt that I was able to contribute a to the work done in our office. ”
– Cameron Rouze: Dallas, TX

“Most currently, I am working on Porsche’s North American Headquarters and Experience Center, which is very exciting. From modeling to coordination, I have been welcomed into the design team and construction documents team. There are several walls, doors, and design details that I will forever know that I had a part in their placement and creation.”
– Ralph Raymond: Atlanta, GA

We just hosted a great group of Penn State design students who participate in a group called SEED.  One of the participants reached out to me afterwards to ask for job advice and how to stand out in a crowd.  I get asked this sort of thing a lot so I figured I would share here too. Please add any words of advice I forgot!

1. Highlight real job experience if you’ve got it. Student projects are nice but real experience will set you apart.
2. Take the LEED GA exam if you have the time to prepare and the money to pay for the exam.  Everyone says they are into sustainability, but the credential shows you know what you’re doing. Take the BD+C if you have experience working on a LEED registered project and have already taken the GA.  I took the LEED AP exam before I graduated and it said a lot to prospective employers about my commitment to sustainability.
3. Highlight specific skills – software, professional writing, etc. that might not be universal to all graduates.
4. Participate on committees in professional organizations like AIA COTE, USGBC, etc. so you can build relationships with the professionals you want to hire you upon graduation.
5. If you get an opportunity to do an internship while in school TAKE IT – every second of real job experience will help.
6. Use a simple and easy to read font on your resume and cover letter, this is not the time to be “unique”.
7. Make sure your portfolio is large and clear to read/see when you print it – no teeny tiny little books. We can’t read them.
8. Make sure you research the firm, the job opportunities at the firm and their body of work before you speak with someone. Ask to whom your cover letter should be addressed and send a cover letter explaining why you are the best fit.
9. If you email a resume or portfolio, REDUCE THE FILE SIZE. We all have inbox limits at work and will have to delete your email w/ attachments if the files are too large.
10. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Most firms can train you where you need it but they need to know you can meet expectations when they hire you.
11. Be willing to take a ‘regular’ design job and become a sustainable leader within your firm by educating your colleagues, organizing green events and even trying to green firm operations. Also be willing to step up and champion sustainability on your project teams.  Most firms won’t hire you to be a sustainable expert right out of school, they need to see your track record.
12. Ask for an Informational Interview if the firm isn’t hiring. It lets them know you’re serious about working at the firm and not just taking any job.
13. Don’t be afraid to ask if the professionals you speak with can recommend any other firms you should approach. Ask, “who should I contact?” and “may I use your name when I request a call or meeting?”.
14. Constantly participate in education events and read, read, read so you can improve your knowledge and skills. As a student you can usually ask for free or reduced conference registration fees if you are willing to volunteer at the event. It’s a great networking opportunity!
15. Send a thank you note. Email is ok, but a hand-written note is even better.
16. Don’t ask the firm to be responsible for letting you know when a new job opportunity appears. Go on their website often and stay in communication with the firm you want to hire you!

The reason I say Oprah is smart today is (once again) due to an article I ran across on CNN: “The New Rules for Succeeding at Your First Job.”  There are some great ones in here (like “never stop taking notes”), but there were a couple that REALLY stuck out to me:

“Think About Presentation” – Oprah suggests that you format everything beautifully.  I agree.  For starters, do not EVER give your boss something that hasn’t been spell checked and read to make sure you didn’t say “panty” instead of “pantry.”  She doesn’t want to see it, and she wants to have confidence that you will not send something like that to a client. The rest, is always appreciated – it shows you put some thought into the work.  That said, beautiful format does not mask lack of content, so don’t waste your time if you didn’t put the effort in to making a good piece in the first place.

“No. Tiny. Tanktops.” – Amen, sista!  To this day, we still talk about the intern from summer of 2005 that used to dress in tiny tanktops, short shorts, and high, high heels.  No, we do not remember her in the way she would probably like (i.e., “darn, that girl was really smart, talented, hard working, whatever.”). 

“Remember Your Boss’s Plate.” Oprah is 100% right.  If I give one of my teammates something to do, I want her to take full responsibility for it (yes, I still want to see it before it goes to the client), but I do not want to nag her about it. That makes me feel like a pest, and also makes me feel like she’s not up to the task.  So, if your boss gives you something to do, own it. Make her confident that you’re going to get it done on time. If you have questions, ask them.  If you don’t understand, let her know.  The sooner the better.  Not five minutes before the final is due. If you think you need more time, let her know.  The sooner the better.

What other advice would you give to newbies in the office?

This conference was attended by representatives from the HOK Atlanta, DC, Chicago and Houston offices. The conference theme centered on civic service. As October marked the opening of the MLK memorial, located on the Washington mall, the NOMA conference was fortunate to have Dr. Ed Jackson who served as the project’s Chief Architect. Additionally, the conference seminars focused on minority architects who are both pursuing and executing public and civic work. Event workshops and seminars were cosponsored and enthusiastically attended by GSA representatives.

Furthermore, several HOKer’s participated in the annual NOMA service project early in the week. The service project, a brain child of a former HOK Impact member, was added to the NOMA conference several years ago.

NOMA Attendees visit the HOK Atlanta office

The service project component of the conference and the attendee participation has rapidly grown over the years. This year, the service project provided a much needed helping hand to the Greater Vine City Opportunities Program, a public-private partnership in Atlanta. GVCOP recently purchase a 100 year old elementary school with plans to convert the building into a green technology global community center. Jason Pugh, Marc Johnson, Erica Gamble, Oswaldo Ortega and Nishu Sinha, all from various HOK offices, braved the unseasonably cold weather to participate and guide other volunteers.

Conference attendees were challenged to become active members of their communities. This was highlighted by the community focused student and professionals competition entries and winners work. HOK, a conference sponsor, also managed an information booth at the conference. Our Human resources representatives Pia Hill (DC) and Erica Gamble (ATL) answered questions and offered HOK organization insight. In general, the theme of civic service resonated strongly with many of the HOK participants who are also active in HOK Impact and HOK Diversity Networks across the firm.

Someone recently asked me, “What would you tell me if you had just five minutes to mentor me?”  

This got me thinking about how important it is to slow down for a few minutes every now and again to share a few things you’ve learned along the way with others.  Here are a few things I will share with you in our five minutes together:

• Mentors don’t just have to be people.  I have learned a lot from “The Donald” and his Apprentice show and from Cathie Black’s book “Basic Black” about how she climbed to the top of Hearst Magazines.
• Surround yourself with good influences…friends, colleagues, leaders outside HOK.  Soon you’ll take on their traits and become a better professional. 
• Ladies, wear lip gloss.  It helps people focus on all the wonderful things you have to say.
• Know who would go to bat for you if/when the time comes.
• When you need a relationship it’s too late.  Learn how to work a room like your life depended on it.
• Being in a car traveling with a colleague is a great opportunity to ask your captive audience member if there is anything you could tune up.    
• Don’t giggle as a nervous reaction when having a challenging conversation.
• Dress for the position you want, not the one you have.
• If you have kids and you travel, always buy two copies of your kids favorite books, one for you and one for them so that you can read to them when away.  Even better, Skype and read out loud to your kiddos.
• When in doubt about a situation, be conservative in your approach, in your presentation, in your dress.
• Work/life balance is overrated.  Just make sure you love what you do and it will skew the whole work vs. play thing.
• Be nice to people on your way up or you may see them on your way down.

Now, what say you if you had five minutes to mentor another?  

There are many different ways to find a job opening these days.  Websites such as Monster or Career Builder are a available . Checking the company’s website is a must and don’t forget word of mouth.   Well how about this… new job via blog!

Dallas is looking for a Marketing Professional with 5 years experience in marketing for architects, engineers, or contractors(preferred).

Responsibilities include:

• Gathers, inputs and formats information and graphics, proofreads text, assembles and binds proposals and other documents to support the Marketing department and office-wide needs.
• Assembles, writes and coordinates proposals and qualifying statements.
• Prepares materials for client presentations and interviews.
• Maintains and updates existing marketing materials and files.
• Maintains marketing/client databases and visual library.
• Coordinates work with outside vendors, consultants, and members of other HOK offices (electronic transfer of data, reprographics, binding, etc).

Also, must compliment me in front of the “higher up’s”.

Example – “Wow Kurt, that PDF looks marvelous!”

To find out more  see here and enter job number 02367

We have entered the digital era and the use of Virtual Technology has become more acceptable and readily available.  As we entered the new decade – 2010, HOK FL has been immersed in the virtual world.

Upon returning to the office after the holidays, we were finally able to experience the new ACR (Advanced Collaboration Room) also known as the “Thunder” room.  The ACR is used for virtual meetings between varous locations and other HOK offices.  It is a sustainable option to business travel and  easily facilitates collaboration throughout the design process with the added ability to view the smiling faces of the meeting participants.

 We also had our first virtual Lunch – n- Learn presentation. Usually, the rep travels in from where ever, sets up, and provides lunch – very routine. The difference with this presentation was that the product rep simply presented over the web and ordered in lunch for the audience. This was suggested by the Hycrete rep and I thought it was an awesome idea to save time, energy, and money all while cutting back on CO2 emissions (plane + car travel).

These are welcomed advances to our quaint Tampa office and brings us one step closer to the “Star Trek” lifestyle. However, I can’t speak Klingon.

The one and only Jan Harmon

I recently had the opportunity to meet Jan Harmon from HOK Los Angeles.  I was immediately struck by her thoughtful demeanor and kindness.  She has a fantastic sense of humor and an amazing smile to match it.  I’d love to kidnap her and have her around all the time!  Needless to say, she has a place to stay/visit any time she’s in DC!

Here is your opportunity to learn about Jan Harmon, beautiful, inspiring woman of HOK:

1. What is your role at HOK?

I am Human Resource Manager of the LA office and a member of the LA Management Committee.

2. How did you come to HOK and why have you stayed?

I answered an ad from the LA TIMES—that’s back in the days when all job ads were posted in newspapers and people actually read them.  I needed to support my husband while he was at UCLA working on a PhD.  Grad school went on longer than I thought, we had a kid, and before I knew it I realized what an incredible place HOK is.  Now it’s over 24 years later and I have loved how I’ve been able to do my core job and do other things I love.  I told HOK I wanted to start a university recruiting program—no problem; I told HOK that in order to recruit at more senior levels, I needed to get involved in professional boards—sure, go do it; I told HOK that in order to raise the level of awareness of HOK in the community, I needed to get involved in community groups and events—done; I told HOK I really wanted to emphasize staff development and even teach Lunch + Learns—no limits there; I told HOK that I thought we should give away a car to reward and retain good staff—the Prius raffle took place last year.   I just haven’t had anyone put on the brakes.  This is so much more than a job.  I can’t wait to hit my 25 year mark next summer.  Although just a milestone it will represent the 25 best years of my work life; ever.

3.  Was there ever a time you wanted to leave?

Oh, I’ve had my days.  My best tip for those days when you want to scream…I spend a few minutes after work updating my resume.  I list all the “wonderful“ things I’ve done that others may not have noticed.  By the time I’m done, I have it off my chest and start laughing, ready to deal with the next challenge that comes my way.  I probably have one of the most polished resumes in the world; but it’s been a great release and has helped me keep things in perspective; and I’ve never had to send it out!

4. What are some of the funniest HR moments you’ve had?

For the longest time, I couldn’t bring myself to watch “The Office” on TV.  I felt like I live that life every day, fortunately not to the extreme of the show.  I think I could write an episode based on summer interns—over the years it’s been interesting to see them make the transition from school to work—appropriate dress, learning that we do actually start work before noon, and watching episodes of TV shows at our desks or making out with another intern in the copy room aren’t the biggest career boosters in the world; but I love working with young people and helping them work out a career path for themselves.  They are a huge boost to us—they come in with fresh ideas and contagious energy and work very hard—they make us better and keep us all young.

5. What is the best personal or professional trip you’ve ever taken – where and why?

Summer of 2008—my husband and I met up with our son who was in South Africa finishing up a semester abroad from Berkeley.  Ben played tour guide for us as we travelled all over South Africa together.  The country is an interesting mix of geographic beauty, political and social history, great music/food/wine, and amazing people who were so friendly and welcoming.  I’ve been reading about the place ever since–Mother to Mother by Sindiwe Magona, Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, and works of Desmond Tutu.

Jan & family

The big elephants protect the little elephants - how cool!

Fabulous colors!

Zebra (Zeeba Neighba for those of you Pearls Before Swine fans out there)

This interview was part of our ongoing series on Women Across HOK. For more inspirational stories, click here.

Last week, HOK participated in the National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA) 37th annual international conference and exhibition.  As a part of the firm’s diversity initiative, HOK is partnering with organizations like NOMA to break through barriers by expanding the academic and professional horizons to a more diverse pool of individuals pursuing the field of architecture.

Attendees experienced an exciting and energizing line-up of speakers, including keynote presenter Gyo Obata, who recounted his personal journey confronting discrimination as a Japanese-American during World War II.

HOK hosted a special interactive planning and design charette benefiting South Side Day Nursery (SSDN). The exercise included visioning for a new, modern and “green” facility to house early childhood education and family support programs. “Thank you for hearing us so clearly and crafting solutions that address our challenges and capture our hopes for the future,” said Ann Lowell, SSDN Director.

HOK had a strong presence at the conference through speakers, volunteers and participants from several locations, including St. Louis, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Chicago.

Congratulations to Herman Howard and Nekia Strong, both from HOK Atlanta, and Dawn Trimble, Instructor at Georgia Tech, for earning First Place in the student design competition. In addition the Georgia Tech students were awarded the Outstanding NOMA Student Chapter of the Year.