4 answers
joseph
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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architect career?
what can I do to prepare for a career as an architect?
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4 answers
Aric Gitomer
Architect
28
Answers
Morris Plains, New Jersey
Updated
Aric’s Answer
Hi Joseph, It would help to know what year you are in school. But you need to have terrific grades and advanced classes to be considered typically for the competitive admissions process into architecture school.
Approximately 3,550 students enroll annually in the United States into an accredited Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) program according to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and about 70% of that enrollment eventually graduate with a degree in architecture. There are 51 Accredited BArch programs in the United States compared to over 2,000 architecture programs worldwide. The United States has such a minimum amount of architecture schools relative to the world. An interesting fact is there are twice as many Master of Architecture programs in the U.S., but the initial quantity of student enrollment into each program is very similar.
Each school and country has different expectations of their candidates - expectations not always made clear in application forms or promotional material. Through speaking to admissions officers and school administrators from a number of schools, I gained a great deal of insight into what is expected from the applicant. There are varying perspectives on admissions and how an ideal applicant is selected. Expectations range from concrete requirements to loose suggestions; impersonal to deeply intimate. No two are the same, which is why it can be helpful to understand what they are looking for. If you want to discover what I learned go to this link: https://www.archdaily.com/907252/getting-in-admissions-advice-from-architecture-programs-around-the-world
Good Luck Joseph, it is a great and rewarding career if you decide to take the plunge!!
Approximately 3,550 students enroll annually in the United States into an accredited Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) program according to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and about 70% of that enrollment eventually graduate with a degree in architecture. There are 51 Accredited BArch programs in the United States compared to over 2,000 architecture programs worldwide. The United States has such a minimum amount of architecture schools relative to the world. An interesting fact is there are twice as many Master of Architecture programs in the U.S., but the initial quantity of student enrollment into each program is very similar.
Each school and country has different expectations of their candidates - expectations not always made clear in application forms or promotional material. Through speaking to admissions officers and school administrators from a number of schools, I gained a great deal of insight into what is expected from the applicant. There are varying perspectives on admissions and how an ideal applicant is selected. Expectations range from concrete requirements to loose suggestions; impersonal to deeply intimate. No two are the same, which is why it can be helpful to understand what they are looking for. If you want to discover what I learned go to this link: https://www.archdaily.com/907252/getting-in-admissions-advice-from-architecture-programs-around-the-world
Good Luck Joseph, it is a great and rewarding career if you decide to take the plunge!!
Clay Johnson
Product Design Technician
1
Answer
Wake Forest
Updated
Clay’s Answer
Joseph,
You may already be aware, but Autodesk products lean heavily towards the architectural and civil engineering fields. If you don't have the opportunity to explore these products in your curriculum, you can always do a free trial with most if not all of the various programs when you feel you are ready and have the time to get the most benefit from the trial period.
Best of luck in your future goals!
You may already be aware, but Autodesk products lean heavily towards the architectural and civil engineering fields. If you don't have the opportunity to explore these products in your curriculum, you can always do a free trial with most if not all of the various programs when you feel you are ready and have the time to get the most benefit from the trial period.
Best of luck in your future goals!
Jennifer Bari
Career Coach / Business Analyst
21
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hello Joseph,
A career in Architecture sounds amazing! Good for you on making the intent to enter this field. That is always the first step: Mindset.
The first thing I would do is Market Research. The internet has a plethora of information - thank goodness for the Digital Era!
Narrow down the term "Architecture" to find out the career path / titles that are in-demand in your town of Rock Hill.
Secondly, find out what institutions offer programs in Architecture or the Career Paths / Titles. Do you prefer on-campus or an online program? How much are you willing to invest in a program to meet your budget needs?
Research is your first step before you can make an informed decision on whether this is the right career path for you.
Good luck!
- Jennifer Bari
Career Coach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bari-6b162185
A career in Architecture sounds amazing! Good for you on making the intent to enter this field. That is always the first step: Mindset.
The first thing I would do is Market Research. The internet has a plethora of information - thank goodness for the Digital Era!
Narrow down the term "Architecture" to find out the career path / titles that are in-demand in your town of Rock Hill.
Secondly, find out what institutions offer programs in Architecture or the Career Paths / Titles. Do you prefer on-campus or an online program? How much are you willing to invest in a program to meet your budget needs?
Research is your first step before you can make an informed decision on whether this is the right career path for you.
Good luck!
- Jennifer Bari
Career Coach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bari-6b162185
Jimmy Shi
Architect
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jimmy’s Answer
I see you are a student and are exploring a career in architecture. For now, study well in school and pursue your hobbies. Talk to other adults around you and learn about sales, communications, management, design, art, construction, logistics, and real estate. When applying to colleges, look for one that is NAAB certified, has a good architectural program, and is affordable. Be curious!
Speak to a few architects (in your life, on this website, or in social media)
Learn about adjacent professions
Write down why you are interested in architecture
Keep talking to others!
Jimmy recommends the following next steps: