Overview on Jobs in Architecture: Qualifications, Prospects, Responsibilities and Earnings
Civilizations are judged on the merits of their physical infrastructures left behind for future generations to study in detail, to wander in as tourists and to just simply wonder at the magnificence of it all. We have the Acropolis in Athens, the Colosseum in Rome and the Pyramids in Cairo for a few examples of the way physical structures have influenced our way of thinking of past civilizations. And if ancient structures built with relatively primitive methods can inspire awe in us, then we can expect modern-day architectural wonders to evoke the same in future generations. For individuals who desire to be part of such a timeless tradition, jobs in architecture are one of the best, if not the best, routes to do so.
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However, the duties, responsibilities and functions of work in architecture can be very challenging. An individual must possess all the right qualifications in both the personal and professional aspects before one can be considered highly competitive where jobs as an architect are concerned.
Qualifications
The steps towards becoming a licensed architect can be summarized into three basic steps. First, a 5-year professional degree in architecture must be completed, said degree of which may be secured from one of the 117 National Architectural Accrediting Board-accredited schools. Take note that a few states do accept a professional degree from a non-accredited program provided that certain educational requirements are complied with. It is also possible to embark on a master's degree in architecture if a previous degree was in a related field.
Second, an internship period must be completed, often spanning at least 3 years under the supervision of a licensed architect or other professionals in related fields like an engineering office. Basically, the aim of internship is to acquire practical field experience in all the areas of architecture.
Third, after completion of internship, the individual can then take the Architect Registration Examination to secure the license. The licensing examination has nine divisions, all of which the individual must garner passing scores. The license is the initial ticket to salaried jobs in architecture. However, work in architecture is not just about education and licenses since personal traits also affect employment opportunities. Prospective employers look for architects with excellent oral and communication skills, ability to work creatively and independently, a wide range of good computer skills and a good capacity for effective financial management.
Prospects
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of architecture offers very good employment opportunities for many reasons. However, competition for jobs is very keen especially for entry-level positions in prestigious firms and even in the public sector. To improve on the job prospects, many architects will focus on the increasingly popular area of green design. As the name implies, it is building with the environment in mind, thus, efficient use of manmade and natural resources is emphasized.
Responsibilities
Architects have the main responsibility of creating the overall appearance of the structures. They must also design safe, economical and functional buildings, said structures of which should also address the needs of the occupants. Indeed, work in architecture is a balance between form and function or beauty and practicality. Also, jobs in architecture are a mix of communication with clients, suppliers and supervisors, construction of the building itself and complementation of tasks with other professionals. Architects must deal with related professionals like engineers, contractors, electricians, plumbers and interior designers to bring their designs to reality via the building itself. This is where an architect's communication and design skills are most needed. Financial management skills, on the other hand, are necessary in the formulation, evaluation and compliance of the budget requirements.
Earnings
As of May 2008, there were an estimated 141,200 jobs held by licensed architects. These were found in many areas including architectural firms, engineering and construction companies, and other related service industries in the public and private sectors. About 20 percent of architects are self-employed. The salaries of jobs in architecture vary considerably depending on the geographical location, the professional experience, the state of the economy and the specialization. The median annual salary for architects as of May 2008 was at $70, 320 although the highest earners raked in more than $119,220 for the same period.
Finding work in architecture is very fulfilling in terms of personal gain and professional advancement. Add in the fact that architects are able to meet new people, push new ideas and gain new knowledge and you have a profession worth looking into.
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