What can be a good career for me?

What are some good careers (small jobs) I can take on along my career path into Architecture?

• I am currently at a 2-year school. I plan to transfer into a 5-year bachelor's program in architecture, then eventually pursue my master's degree in the profession. What are some other careers or jobs I can take on while I am in school that are related to the profession? What are some careers I can take on along my career path into architecture? I already know getting a good construction job and working at "The Home Depot" are excellent experiences for me. Thanks

• Answer:

  It would be primarily based upon your level of experience (in terms of what you know how to do). Depending on the types of programs you know how to use would determine the job. For example, if you know how to use Revit, or AutoCAD and have a basic understanding of how things are built then you could possibly work as a draftsmen for a small firm. I am an Architect who works for a large architecture firm doing mainly commercial and healthcare projects and I can tell you that with only a two year degree it would be difficult to be hired even as a draftsmen. That being said...until you further your education in architecture I would look mostly for small individual firms, working as a draftsmen or even an admin assistant (still great exposure). Firms that specialize in Residential Architecture would be a great place to start looking as they tend to be smaller and have slightly less liability. However, with a 5th year degree and/or Masters degree in Architecture, you would qualify to work in any type of firm. So in summary, KNOW THE CURRENT TECHNOLOGY, and START SMALL. Any type of exposure even if its an admin position will expose you to the field. For the record, I bartended my way through school and I used it as a tool for networking, I met so many people related to the field in one way or another and developed a nice little stack of business cards! Just a thought... I wish you the best of luck!