7 answers
Henry
Student
Newark, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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What are questions I should ask an alum who graduated in the same major (Architecture) as I am enrolled in?
I am current undergraduate student who's majoring in Architecture with my current goal of working in corporate architecture. Though architecture is a large field, I am trying to find some type of connection of career paths from others.
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7 answers
Johnson Tran
Tutor
73
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Johnson’s Answer
Talking with an alum is the best way to get real insights that professors or course handbooks won't provide. Since you're interested in corporate architecture, use this opportunity to learn what the job is like and how to transition from student to professional.
Here are some questions to ask:
- What was your first job after college, and how did you get it?
- Which skills from school do you use daily?
- Is there anything you wish you'd learned more before graduating?
- Did your internships help you find your career path?
- What is a typical day like for you?
- What’s the hardest part about being a new grad in this field?
- How did you choose to specialize in this area?
- What software should I focus on now?
- How important is networking when job hunting?
- If you could go back to your undergrad years, what would you do differently?
For corporate architecture, also ask:
- What kind of projects do you work on?
- How much of the job is designing versus client interaction and project management?
- What helped you feel ready to work with big corporate clients?
- Are there specific certifications or internships that stand out on a resume in this field?
Finally, ask: "What one piece of advice would you give a student who wants to be where you are in five or ten years?"
This usually gets the most honest and helpful answers. Good luck!
Here are some questions to ask:
- What was your first job after college, and how did you get it?
- Which skills from school do you use daily?
- Is there anything you wish you'd learned more before graduating?
- Did your internships help you find your career path?
- What is a typical day like for you?
- What’s the hardest part about being a new grad in this field?
- How did you choose to specialize in this area?
- What software should I focus on now?
- How important is networking when job hunting?
- If you could go back to your undergrad years, what would you do differently?
For corporate architecture, also ask:
- What kind of projects do you work on?
- How much of the job is designing versus client interaction and project management?
- What helped you feel ready to work with big corporate clients?
- Are there specific certifications or internships that stand out on a resume in this field?
Finally, ask: "What one piece of advice would you give a student who wants to be where you are in five or ten years?"
This usually gets the most honest and helpful answers. Good luck!
Ilan Marouani, Esq., LL.M.
Tax Attorney
32
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ilan’s Answer
Hi Henry,
Not being in this field I do not have specific insight into specific questions to ask about Architecture, but in general, the goal would not be to just ask questions, but should be to foster a connection to be able to utilize it later for potential opportunities. Of course you should ask what classes they took that they believe could be beneficial, maybe professors, internships, in school clubs... anything that they have done at school, that is available to you, that you might not know going into the major but that a recent senior could know from experience.
Additionally, I would ask to connect, again fostering a mentorship, maybe even a friendship with some of the people you are reaching out to, not just to ask questions, but to also have a relationship with that person, learn from them, listen to them, and try to emulate those advices when you look for a job, internship, during interviews...
Your goal should be focused on what is the best path to get a job upon graduation. Anything, and everything that cna help you get there, that it is a class, a coffee, a meeting, an application, even a non paid internship, everything that can help you position yourself the best way possible should be on the forefront of your mind.
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Not being in this field I do not have specific insight into specific questions to ask about Architecture, but in general, the goal would not be to just ask questions, but should be to foster a connection to be able to utilize it later for potential opportunities. Of course you should ask what classes they took that they believe could be beneficial, maybe professors, internships, in school clubs... anything that they have done at school, that is available to you, that you might not know going into the major but that a recent senior could know from experience.
Additionally, I would ask to connect, again fostering a mentorship, maybe even a friendship with some of the people you are reaching out to, not just to ask questions, but to also have a relationship with that person, learn from them, listen to them, and try to emulate those advices when you look for a job, internship, during interviews...
Your goal should be focused on what is the best path to get a job upon graduation. Anything, and everything that cna help you get there, that it is a class, a coffee, a meeting, an application, even a non paid internship, everything that can help you position yourself the best way possible should be on the forefront of your mind.
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1442
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Henry,
Speaking with an alum who studied Architecture is a great way to understand the different directions your degree can take you. Since you're interested in corporate architecture, I'd focus your questions on how they moved from university into the workplace rather than simply asking whether they like their career.
You should start with their transition from college. Ask, “What did your first job after graduation look like, and how did you get it?” You could follow that with, “What experiences, internships, projects, or relationships helped you most when you were looking for your first position?” This can reveal opportunities you may not hear about in a classroom.
Since you're interested in corporate architecture, ask about the actual work. “What does a typical week look like in your role?” and “How much of your time is spent designing compared with client meetings, project management, documentation, or other responsibilities?” These questions can help you compare what you imagine corporate architecture to be with what the work is actually like.
You should also ask, “Which technical and professional skills do employers value most in new architecture graduates?” You might learn that software proficiency, communication, project coordination, presentation skills, or knowledge of building systems matters more than you expected.
Don't be afraid to ask about mistakes, too. “What do you wish you had known while you were still in college?” is often one of the most valuable questions you can ask an alum.
Lastly, ask about their career path. “Have you changed specialties or roles since graduating, and what caused those changes?” Architecture has many paths, including design, project management, planning, interiors, sustainability, development, and more.
You don't need to ask every question. Choose five or six that genuinely interest you, listen carefully to the answers, and ask follow-up questions. The goal isn't to copy someone else's career path. It's to learn what possibilities exist and make better decisions about your own.
Best wishes!
Speaking with an alum who studied Architecture is a great way to understand the different directions your degree can take you. Since you're interested in corporate architecture, I'd focus your questions on how they moved from university into the workplace rather than simply asking whether they like their career.
You should start with their transition from college. Ask, “What did your first job after graduation look like, and how did you get it?” You could follow that with, “What experiences, internships, projects, or relationships helped you most when you were looking for your first position?” This can reveal opportunities you may not hear about in a classroom.
Since you're interested in corporate architecture, ask about the actual work. “What does a typical week look like in your role?” and “How much of your time is spent designing compared with client meetings, project management, documentation, or other responsibilities?” These questions can help you compare what you imagine corporate architecture to be with what the work is actually like.
You should also ask, “Which technical and professional skills do employers value most in new architecture graduates?” You might learn that software proficiency, communication, project coordination, presentation skills, or knowledge of building systems matters more than you expected.
Don't be afraid to ask about mistakes, too. “What do you wish you had known while you were still in college?” is often one of the most valuable questions you can ask an alum.
Lastly, ask about their career path. “Have you changed specialties or roles since graduating, and what caused those changes?” Architecture has many paths, including design, project management, planning, interiors, sustainability, development, and more.
You don't need to ask every question. Choose five or six that genuinely interest you, listen carefully to the answers, and ask follow-up questions. The goal isn't to copy someone else's career path. It's to learn what possibilities exist and make better decisions about your own.
Best wishes!
Henry Ling
Architect
62
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Henry’s Answer
Hi Henry,
It sounds like you're job hunting right now. Make sure your questions are clear and direct to connect with a hiring manager. Since you're interested in corporate architecture, support your questions with your design work or the trends you're exploring. Companies want to hear from someone who understands their field. If you can't get a follow-up quickly because the answer is unclear or too lengthy, it might be best to try elsewhere. Good luck!
It sounds like you're job hunting right now. Make sure your questions are clear and direct to connect with a hiring manager. Since you're interested in corporate architecture, support your questions with your design work or the trends you're exploring. Companies want to hear from someone who understands their field. If you can't get a follow-up quickly because the answer is unclear or too lengthy, it might be best to try elsewhere. Good luck!
Swasti Agarwal
Consultant
8
Answers
Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Updated
Swasti’s Answer
Hi Henry,
Gaining insights from an alumni is actually great!
If I were in your shoes, I would ask questions like:
1. What was your biggest mistake and achievement while in this college? What made you land up in both scenarios? Any lessons learned?
2. How did they land up their first job?
3. Which skill set came in handy during the college and even today?
4. Where would you like your younger self to lay focus on now?
Best,
Swasti
Gaining insights from an alumni is actually great!
If I were in your shoes, I would ask questions like:
1. What was your biggest mistake and achievement while in this college? What made you land up in both scenarios? Any lessons learned?
2. How did they land up their first job?
3. Which skill set came in handy during the college and even today?
4. Where would you like your younger self to lay focus on now?
Best,
Swasti
Behn F
Instructional Design/Ed and Career Counseling
9
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Behn’s Answer
I grew up in an architecture household. I never had the talents myself to become one, but my parents killed me with imposing it on me.
Since you are interested in corporate architecture, I would explore check the intersection of architecture and workplace strategy. Careers in corporate real estate, workplace design, facilities planning, sustainability, and project management can all build naturally from an architecture degree (Or even strategic planning within architectural teams)
A good next step is to look at 10 to 15 people on LinkedIn who started in architecture and now work in corporate settings. Pay attention to the skills, internships, and job titles that helped them make that transition. That can give you a much clearer picture of the different paths available.
Since you are interested in corporate architecture, I would explore check the intersection of architecture and workplace strategy. Careers in corporate real estate, workplace design, facilities planning, sustainability, and project management can all build naturally from an architecture degree (Or even strategic planning within architectural teams)
A good next step is to look at 10 to 15 people on LinkedIn who started in architecture and now work in corporate settings. Pay attention to the skills, internships, and job titles that helped them make that transition. That can give you a much clearer picture of the different paths available.
Jezlea Ortega
Tech Architecture
86
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jezlea’s Answer
Hi Henry! Speaking with an alum gives you access to honest, firsthand experience that you simply can't get from a syllabus or a career center pamphlet. Since you're drawn to corporate architecture, take full advantage of this conversation to understand what the profession actually demands and how to set yourself up for a strong start.
Here are some questions worth asking:
What does your career path look like from graduation to where you are now?
Which parts of your education turned out to be the most relevant in your day-to-day work?
Looking back, what do you feel underprepared for when you first entered the field?
What's the biggest challenge young professionals face when they're just breaking into the industry?
What drew you toward your particular area of focus within architecture?
Which tools or software do you think students should be getting comfortable with now?
If you were back in school knowing everything you know now, what would you approach differently?
What types of projects make up the majority of your work?
How do you balance the creative side of design with client meetings and project management responsibilities?
What experiences or skills gave you the confidence to work at a corporate scale?
Are there any licenses, certifications, or internship types that really make a candidate stand out in this space?
Here are some questions worth asking:
What does your career path look like from graduation to where you are now?
Which parts of your education turned out to be the most relevant in your day-to-day work?
Looking back, what do you feel underprepared for when you first entered the field?
What's the biggest challenge young professionals face when they're just breaking into the industry?
What drew you toward your particular area of focus within architecture?
Which tools or software do you think students should be getting comfortable with now?
If you were back in school knowing everything you know now, what would you approach differently?
What types of projects make up the majority of your work?
How do you balance the creative side of design with client meetings and project management responsibilities?
What experiences or skills gave you the confidence to work at a corporate scale?
Are there any licenses, certifications, or internship types that really make a candidate stand out in this space?