What Can I Do With An Architecture Degree?
Pursuing a career in Architecture can be very promising. In fact, there is a wide range of job opportunities once you complete your studies at university. Career opportunities abound both in the private and public sector of the economy. A career in Architecture can lead you to prolific job opportunities.
If you’re thinking of studying Architecture or you’re a graduate of Architecture, I think you should take your time to read this post. However, before we go fully in career prospects for Architecture, let’s first of all, understand what Architecture is all about.
Contents
What is Architecture?
Architecture has a broad definition, however, for the context of this article, we’ll define Architecture as the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures.
A wider definition often includes the design of the total built environment from the macro level of town planning, urban design, and landscape architecture to the micro-level of construction details and, sometimes, furniture.
Branches of Architecture
Architecture has so many branches. As an undergraduate, you can only do the general Architecture. However, if you want to further, you can specialize in any of the branches of Architecture.
- Residential Architect
- Commercial Architect
- Interior Designer
- Green Design Architect
- Landscape Architect
- Urban Designer
- Industrial Architect
Besides the above-mentioned branches of Architecture, other different branches are emerging by the day as Architecture is very broad.
Skills and Competencies Needed in Architecture
While studying architecture, you’ll develop specific skills plus a range of transferable core skills that include:
- design and drawing skills.
- a methodical, logical approach.
- analytical skills.
- excellent maths skills.
- communication and negotiating skills.
- imaginative and creative thinking skills
- ability to analyse and critically assess problems
- numeracy, design and drawing;
- IT skills, e.g. computer-aided design (CAD);
- project management skills;
- the ability to solve problems in an analytical, logical way;
- the ability to work as part of a team;
- written and oral communication in various settings;
- research skills;
- decision-making ability;
- adaptability and flexibility for dealing with unexpected situations where necessary;
- the ability to reflect on, and improve your professional performance.
- ability to see the big picture as well as giving attention to the smallest detail
- ability to communicate effectively
- understanding of history, and cultural and environmental concerns
Career Opportunities and Job Prospects in Architecture
As an Architect, you can work both in government or private industry. The main industries that employ Architecture graduates in the public sector are:
- Asset manager
- Construction manager
- Disaster reliever
- Furniture designer
- Industrial designer
- Interior designer
- Project manager
- Property developer
- Researcher
- Theatre designer
- Urban designer
- Urban planner
- Architect
- Architectural technologist
- Interior and spatial designer
- Building surveyor
- Commercial/residential surveyor
- Construction manager
- Higher education lecturer
- Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer
- Landscape architect
- Planning and development surveyor
- Production designer, theatre/television/film
- Structural engineer
- Town planner
Work Experience with Architecture Jobs
You can gain some work experience by seeking volunteering job opportunities with organizations and businesses that you’re interested in working for. This will help you develop the relevant skills for your career interest.
Volunteering helps you to build your contacts in the industry and build your confidence as well as your skillset. Completing work experience also demonstrates to potential employers that you’re hardworking, reliable and motivated.
Alternatively, you can practise your architectural skills in other areas such as the built environment, construction, landscape design, and other design practices. Remember that all work experience is valuable.
Thank you very much for these tips