Architects: What Do They Do?
According to Jackie Craven, an architect “is a licensed professional who organizes space. Architects design houses, office buildings, skyscrapers, landscapes, and even entire cities.” They are the ones who know a building under construction inside out. They basically provide a design for a structure that is stable and secure.
Qualifications and Experience
To pursue a career in architecture, one has to have the required qualifications. Like any other professionals, architects need to have a degree in their field from a recognized university in most parts of the world. This is enhanced with an internship in most cases. Additionally, aspiring architects can also gain information from organizations like the American Institute of Architects or any other established society that deals with resources on architecture.
Licensing
In order for an architect to start working in the US, a license is needed to work on buildings and designs. The examination that must be passed to obtain this license is called the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards provides useful information and tutorials to help candidates prepare for the exam. Some other resources, including private tutorials, lists of published materials that have sample questions, and architectural exam review courses, can help with preparation at home.
Architecture Jobs
According to statistics provided by the US Department of Labor, employment in the field of architecture will increase by an estimated 16% between 2006 and 2016. In today’s tech-savvy world, the Internet is one of the most useful resources when it comes to finding jobs. Most companies these days post their job openings online and prefer that prospective employees apply for jobs online. This is not to say that more traditional ways of seeking employment are no longer in vogue. One can still find numerous job listings in newspaper supplements and magazines. Then there is the option of getting in touch with a job consultant who can help you find the “right” job.
When hunting for a first job, it might be useful to start applying to local firms first. They are more likely to employ a graduate who has just received his or her degree. Similarly, working your way through small companies can sometimes take you a long way.
Conclusion
In this article, I’ve covered some very basic information that one might find useful if one is interested in pursuing a career in architecture. If the Department of Labor is to be believed, architecture might end up becoming one of the favorite career options amongst members of the next generation.
