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First, some facts. Of the Architecture graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 1682 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 81%, Architecture graduates have a much higher likelihood (+14%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 46% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Architecture graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 56% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) in Architecture. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssociate Project Coordinator Moody Nolan 2015 - May 2023 Senior Associate  Lamar Johnson Collaborative May 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
In analyzing the job trajectories of individuals who have pursued a degree in Architecture, it's clear that many have found themselves in roles closely aligned with architectural principles, while others have ventured into fields that are significantly less connected to their studies. The analysis of the job positions reveals a few key themes regarding relevance and job types.
The most common job types among these graduates are in the realm of architectural design and project management. Many graduates hold positions such as Architectural Designer or Project Manager, which directly utilize the knowledge and skills gained during their architecture education. These roles demand a thorough understanding of design principles, technical drawing, and project execution, making them highly relevant to the educational background. Examples of jobs in this category include Architectural Designers at firms like Perkins Eastman and Gensler, Project Architects at various esteemed architectural organizations, and even university teaching positions where former graduates pass on their knowledge to the next generation. These roles strongly reaffirm the foundational skills nurtured through their academic programs.
However, there is a noticeable trend towards positions that are less related to traditional architecture. Many graduates find themselves in roles such as Project Coordinators or even in customer service and sales positions. Jobs like those at consumer goods companies or in administrative roles do not require the specialized training in architectural design and principles. While these roles might benefit from skills like project management or design thinking, they often lack the core architectural expertise that is emphasized in an architecture degree. Positions such as those in real estate management, marketing, or sales reveal a significant disparity between the skills gained in an architecture program and the demands of these jobs.
It's also important to recognize that some individuals have successfully transitioned into roles that, while tangentially related to architecture, leverage skills that can be beneficial in associated fields, such as landscaping, urban planning, or even product design. These transitions can still utilize the creative problem-solving and visual communication skills honed during architecture studies, but they generally reflect a broader interpretation of what an architecture degree can prepare graduates for.
In summary, architecture graduates predominantly land jobs that are well tied to their education—especially in design and project management roles. However, many also find themselves in positions that do not fully leverage their architectural training, venturing into fields ranging from customer service to engineering. This indicates a diversified landscape where architecture graduates can apply their skills in various sectors, albeit sometimes in roles that may not directly reflect their specialized training.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Architecture graduates:
Graduates from architecture programs seem to have quite varied career trajectories. If we look at the first jobs many of them land after graduation, we see a common theme: internships and entry-level positions in architectural firms. These first roles often involve a lot of learning on the job, focusing on practical skills like drafting, CAD design, and basic project assistance. For instance, many fresh graduates take on internships at well-known firms or smaller studios that allow them to develop their skills and build their portfolios. It's clear that getting your foot in the door often involves starting in these foundational roles that are closely linked to architecture.
However, the longer-term career paths of these graduates reveal a more mixed bag. About five to ten years after graduation, we see a split: some individuals progress successfully into roles like project managers, senior architects, or specialized designers, working on significant projects and leading teams. Others, not so much. Many graduates find themselves in roles that are tangentially related to architecture or even in fields completely disconnected from what they studied, such as operations management or sales. This indicates that while there are those who harness their architectural education to enjoy fruitful careers, there are also significant numbers who either struggle to remain in the field or pivot to other industries altogether. This reality can be disheartening but is a fair reflection of the workforce demands and economic conditions that affect architecture graduates post-graduation.
Overall, while many architecture graduates do secure relevant and solid positions in their field, a notable percentage seem to face challenges in finding stable, architecture-related employment. The journey from school to a fulfilling career is not always straightforward, and many layers contribute to the trajectories of these individuals. Their experiences highlight both the promise of an architecture degree and the unpredictable nature of the job market.
A Bachelor's degree in Architecture is generally considered pretty challenging, often more so than your average degree. You're not just dealing with typical lectures and textbooks; there's a lot of hands-on work, like designing, drawing, and creating models, which can be time-consuming and stressful. Plus, you'll usually have to tackle a hefty workload of projects and critiques that can feel overwhelming at times. If you enjoy creativity and problem-solving, it can be rewarding, but be ready to put in some serious hours and effort to keep up with everything. So, if you're looking for something a bit easier, you might want to think twice about going down the architecture path!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 5 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Architecture.
Alright, so looking at these architecture graduates and their career paths, it seems like some have landed pretty good gigs, especially those who started their careers with internships at reputable firms like Gensler or Perkins & Will. They’ve been able to transition into designer roles, project management, and even some upper managerial positions. Those who have been in the game longer definitely seem to command higher salaries, especially those with titles like “Senior Architect” or “Project Manager.” So if you’re eyeing a career in architecture, it could be a lucrative path, especially if you leverage internships and add valuable experience early on.
On the flip side, not everyone has made what you might consider “decent money.” Some graduates have taken roles that seem less aligned with architecture or have roles that typically don’t pay as well, like internships or junior positions that could lead to better opportunities down the line. Plus, the field can be highly competitive, and initial salaries might not reflect the high costs of education and living, especially in cities where many prestigious firms are located. Overall, if you're passionate about architecture and are strategic with your career choices, you can definitely find good financial success in this field.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Architecture. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Architecture (ordered by the average relevance score of their Architecture graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
