CAREER PROSPECT

Nature of the Work

Architecture Engineers find efficient, economical and effective ways of solving problems. As an architect, you can work in a range of establishments, from small firms with fewer than ten employees to larger practices that incorporate other areas such as planning, urban design or construction.

Public sector employers, such as local authorities and housing associations, employ a significant proportion of the profession in their planning departments, while some large organisations, such as banks and supermarkets, may have in-house architectural teams.

Find information on employers in property and construction, engineering and manufacturing, and other job sectors.

Training

Obtaining work experience or an industrial placement will be advantageous. Opportunities like these allow you to gain a first-hand understanding of architectural practises and the industry. They also allow you to make important contacts while also increasing your confidence and skill set. Completing relevant work experience also shows potential employers that you're serious about a career in this field.

If you want to become an architect, go directly to practises and ask for work experience. Consider architectural, design, and construction firms. Many companies offer summer internships.

Related fields such as landscape design, the built environment, and other design practises offer excellent opportunities to expand your knowledge. Maintain your drawing and model-making skills while staying current with industry trends.

Lifelong Learning

Most architecture graduates eventually go on to complete the final stages of the qualifications recognised internationally in order to progress towards qualifying and practising as registered architects.

Apart from further qualifications in architecture, you could choose postgraduate study in other technical subjects, such as engineering, design or computer science, or in subjects outside the technical and construction fields.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Master’s degrees and search postgraduate courses in architecture.

Skills for your CV

Studying architecture equips you with specific skills in design and architectural practice and knowledge of the building and construction sector. You'll also develop a range of transferable skills, including:

• 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.