The annual FIU School of Architecture Career Fair took place on Monday, March 2, at the FIU Graham Center Ballroom, bringing together more than 185 soon-to-be graduates, 40 School of Architecture undergraduates and leading South Florida firms in Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture. This year, 30 firms participated, offering students insights into career opportunities and professional pathways.
Every year, in preparation for the Career Fair, students receive resources to strengthen their professional readiness and ensure a smooth transition into the profession. On the academic side, Professional Office Practice courses, including ARC 6280 (Architecture), LAA 6215 (Landscape Architecture), and IND 5508 (Interior Architecture), provide instruction on the ethical, legal, financial, and managerial aspects of practice. Complementing this, Clotilde Laguer, CARTA Career Specialist, and the Career Development Team provided additional support by designating February 25 as Career Prep Day, giving students a full day to practice professional etiquette, finalize attire, and build confidence to make a strong impression
The event began with welcoming remarks from SOA department chairs Ebru Ozer (Landscape + Environmental Urban Design), Nik Nedev (Interior Architecture), and newly appointed Architecture Department Chair Jason Chandler. Following the introductions, firm representatives, many of them SOA alumni, presented their work and shared insights into their organizations, available opportunities, and professional experiences.
The afternoon featured one-on-one conversations where students presented portfolios and explored potential career paths. Yasmine Arango, a Master of Architecture student graduating in Spring 2026, reflected on her experience:
“I attended the SOA Career Fair on March 2nd. I had gone once before as an undergrad and didn’t have enough time to network with as many firms as I would have liked. This time, I had more time and was able to connect with several impressive companies. I practiced my conversational skills and shared a preview of my experience and work as a student. Being among my talented classmates added a sense of competitiveness but …experiences like this show how important networking is—conversations with others can establish connections that benefit the future of my career.”
Alumni also returned to support students. Kelli-Rae Ashley, Class of 2025 and now a Designer at Bermello Ajamil, shared:
“I am truly grateful to have been included in the 2026 Career Fair. As a recent graduate, it was incredibly rewarding to share my current experiences in practice while helping create opportunities for new graduates entering the profession. Being able to connect with students and offer guidance was both amazing and truly inspiring.”
Firms highlighted the high level of engagement they experienced with students. Sergio S. Bakas, Principal and Practice Manager at Gurrimatute, noted:
“We have attended many student career forums over the years, but our experience with the FIU School of Architecture stood out in a meaningful way. Separating students by class year allowed us to tailor conversations to their professional development. Upper-level students demonstrated a strong understanding of the profession, and many followed up immediately afterward to continue the conversation. Students earlier in their academic journey brought thoughtful questions and enthusiasm. The level of engagement we encountered motivated us to stay connected and explore how these relationships may evolve.”
This year’s Career Fair was an outstanding success. We congratulate every student on their journey toward graduation and extend our sincere thanks to all participating firms for making the event meaningful. From firm presentations to one-on-one portfolio sessions, students demonstrated their readiness to the ranks of FIU School of Architecture alumni excelling across their chosen professional fields.
A special thank you goes to Dean Brian Schriner and Associate Dean Marilys Nepomechie for their continued support, as well as to our department chairs—Ebru, Jason, and Nik—for opening the event. We also recognize Charlotte Raynaud, our dedicated Events Manager, whose efforts helped bring this exceptional experience to life.
At the FIU School of Architecture, we are excited to see our students thrive as they transition from academic excellence to professional success. Through our annual Career Fair, we look forward to celebrating, each year, the companies that will soon become the professional homes of our graduates.
