Teacher Greg Ward retrained as an architectural technician
After seven years as a teacher and then school principal, Greg Ward realised he wasn't inspired by his work, and knew he wanted more out of his career. He talks about how he returned to a childhood passion for architecture, and the realities of making a major career change.
Why did you decide to make a career change?
"I didn't enjoy the teaching as much as I thought I would, because it was a pressure industry and there was a lot of extra work involved. I knew it was time to try something new.
"Because I wasn't entirely sure what to do next, I went to the Career Services Dunedin office, and spent a couple of sessions working with a career counsellor. I also used a software program to assess my skills and interests, which gave me a bull's-eye with lots of different options. Pretty close to the middle was being an architect or architectural draughtsperson, which is what I was interested in when I was young.
"I decided to retrain, and enrolled in the Otago Polytechnic Diploma in Architectural Draughting and Architectural Technology programme. It was three years, full time."
How did you find the study experience as a mature student?
"I had the first all-nighter of my life! Learning draughting and computer-aided design wasn't that difficult, it was just a big workload. I was out to do well, because I wanted to be in a position where I was sought after.
"When I graduated, I had a couple of job offers, and ended up working for one of my lecturers for a few months. Then I got an architectural technician role at a medium-sized architectural practice in Dunedin where I've been working for two years."
What's been difficult about making a career change?
"Although some people have said, 'Wow, that's amazing that you've had a go. It's really impressive and incredibly brave', the reality is, it's a good challenge.
"Even though the three years of training went by pretty quickly, you do need to put some aspects of your life on hold. I've got a wife and two children, so balancing your commitments with your family, study, and work requirements – whatever you are going to be doing – takes work."
Do you have any regrets?
"One of the most noticeable things with my job now is that you can see what you've completed during the day. Whereas when you are working with children, you can see development in steps the children might make, but there's nothing solid to look at. It's not like you can flip through papers and look at things you've drawn, or see whatever you've produced. Draughting is more visible and more satisfying in that sense.
"It wasn't an easy step to make, but I definitely think this change has been worth it. It's taken me from where I was at high school, has fulfilled my intention to work in architecture, and has put me back on the right path."
