Career Prospects in Architecture
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The strenuous but exciting five years of architecture school not only trains a young mind to make buildings but also helps them acquire immense problem-solving skills, the capacity to think out of the box and narrate stories through buildings and more. Studying architecture is not only limited to understanding the rudiments of creating structures, but also opens one’s eyes to varied domains of art and design. It is a gateway to endless possibilities. Interestingly, an architect has the option to venture into various fields— from designing a movie set to creating animated video games— the opportunities are countless. Moreover, architecture graduates can also explore sectors independent of design thinking, like writing and photography!
Higher education and academia:
For fresh graduates looking to master a particular field, subject or design in general, opting for higher education in design-based disciplines such as architecture, interiors, product, industrial, urban, etc., provides excellent options to pivot one’s portfolio to that specific field. Popular areas in design that are emerging now include lighting, healthcare, retail design and more. Besides design-based degrees, an architecture graduate can pursue higher studies in management-based domains such as an MBA in real estate, project management, or building engineering.
Higher education enables one to expand and broaden their expertise and share this knowledge with students and young professionals.
As an architect, teaching aspiring architects enables me to share my knowledge and helps me look at newer perspectives and approaches towards design, thereby broadening my horizon. After pursuing a master’s or PhD degree, many architects choose to give back to the student community by venturing into the academic domain, either by teaching or even indulging in research-based programs. Many architects also take up the role of protecting the already existing built environment by gaining knowledge in architectural and heritage conservation.
Design beyond architecture:
An architect with a good sense of design and visualization can pursue a career in 3D visualization of architecture and interior projects, UI UX design, set design, automobile design and even filmmaking. Students are exposed to creating unique concepts, critical thinking, and visualization throughout architecture school, which makes them well-equipped to venture into these varied domains. In addition, good knowledge of software and design thinking can form the basis for young architects to explore beyond the field of “architectural design”.
Domains independent of design:
Although “designing” is an integral part of architecture, many fields an architect can venture into do not require one to design. Architectural writing that includes understanding design and talking about it is a great career path for architects with a flair for editorial. Many design publications and PR agencies work with architects for content, project write-ups and writing-based activities. Architects interested in history also venture into research, working with the archaeological survey of India or opting for a professorship in this domain. Architecture photography is also an extremely popular field nowadays, as every project needs to be documented for one’s portfolio, company profiles and websites.
Architecture is one of the few courses that amazingly shapes a person’s overall personality. Architects are creators who can create anything from a furniture piece to the tallest building in the world to a film’s extravagant set to even a water bottle. Although the options are many, understanding one’s niche and genuine interest is the first step toward taking the next best step after graduation. That said, one of the best ways to understand that is to explore and work with experienced professionals, be it internships, part-time or full-time roles. Working in a professional environment empowers one to understand fundamental tasks and deadlines, work with a team and enhance one’s decision-making skills, confidence and skills.