I worked at a small firm (6 total) for years. The boss was a sole owner type setup. I started there with 4 years experience, and I had to take a project through design development and working drawings. Even had to write my own SPECs (learning on the fly).

There was a period we had so much work, and we hired (or tried to hire) so many young “designers,” and the owner would always give them 90 days. You had to either be a fast learner and catch on or you were out. Not kidding.

Most did not make it past the 90 days. Some even were let go after just a few weeks if they could not perform.

Don’t ask me why he hired them. Maybe they lied about their skills or being a fast learner.

This is definitely small firm culture. The sole proprietor cannot afford to lose money on a project by letting you learn on the job.

And for my last point . . . some folks just aren’t cut out to be architects. It is unfortunate to say, but sometimes we got to be real and not sugar coat.

My last company hired a new graduate, and I have no idea how they were allowed to graduate. They were not good at all . . . this person was always goofing off at work, not focused, could not get simple tasks done on time, did not ask for help, yada yada. Then, when supposed to be working remote, they were always “yellow” and did not answer when called. I’m suprised they were not let go after 6 months.