Architecture can be a grindingly difficult career to break
into, sometimes as difficult as film or art. In fact, unless you are
fortunate enough to come from a wealthy family, from a family that is
involved in construction, or are a complete and undeniable genius, you
will probably have difficulty finding a position in architecture, even
with a degree from the most respected school. So how do you break in?
The best way is to work your way into the trade. You can start by
working as a drafter with an architectural firm. A drafting degree is
sort of the secretary of the architecture world, but it’s a good way
in. If you break in this way, don’t be timid about your work; design
your own answers to client contracts, try to befriend some of the
architects, and show yourself off. Don’t just stop with technical
skills, either; learn as much as you can about all the other things
that influence humans: history, sociology, psychology, art. In a good
architectural design, all these things are taken into account. A
beautiful building is as much an expression of a society’s beliefs and
art as it is a functional shelter.
Try computer design for video games and virtual worlds as well. If you
obtain skills here, you can build your amazing buildings in cyberspace
without committing anyone’s money to building it in actuality. It’s
great practice for what you really want to do.
The last thing is to not give up. Volunteer for anything in the firm
that will give you more experience. Let your bosses know what your
ambitions are; and if a mentor presents himself, don’t turn it down!
Maintain your education while you’re working; keep up with new things
offered at architectural schools, and take every new class that piques
your interest. And if it becomes clear that you’re going nowhere in
your current firm, be ready to move on to the next position.
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