First, some facts. Of the Architecture graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 35 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 87%, Architecture graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo have a much higher likelihood (+20%) 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, only 8% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Architecture graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 84%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with a Bachelors Degree in Architecture. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONActivity Leader & Head LifeguardGirl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington Jun 2021 - Aug 2021 Interior Decorator Freelance Aug 2021 - Jun 2022 Designer - Interior Architecture Ware Malcomb Jun 2022 - Present ABOUTI have a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a special interest in interior design.I was initially drawn to architecture through my interest in interior design, but I also value the spatial experiences and relationships emphasized in architecture. I am particularly interested in graphics, interiors, and materiality, but designing and building a chair showed me that furniture design is within my realm of interest as well. I plan to continue my career through a combination of art, architecture, and interior design. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Architecture graduates (this is across all Architecture graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo):
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with degrees in Architecture, it’s clear that many of them start off in fairly relevant positions right after graduation. Most often, their first jobs are as interns or junior designers, working in firms that focus on architecture or design-related fields. This is pretty much what you’d expect, as many students hop into internships during or right after school, building connections and gaining practical experience. Over the first few years, many graduates transition into roles like Architectural Designers or Project Managers, showing a solid move up in responsibility and expertise in their field.
As we look at these trajectories five or ten years out, it seems that a good number of these graduates have managed to land substantial roles within the architecture community. Some have moved up to positions like Project Architects or Associates at established firms, and there are even a few who have become Principals at their own firms or taken on senior management roles, like Design Directors. However, there are also graduates who have taken a bit of a turn, finding their passions elsewhere—like in marketing roles or even graphic design—although these tend to be less common. Overall, while there’s a mix of success stories and some cases where graduates don’t stick with architecture, a decent number continue to build their careers in related fields and achieve considerable success. So, if you're considering a degree in architecture, it looks like Cal Poly can set you on a solid path!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is definitely on the challenging side of the spectrum. The program is known for its rigorous coursework and demanding workload, which means you’ll be juggling design projects, studio work, and a ton of theory classes while also honing your technical skills. Expect late nights and long hours in the studio, especially when deadlines are looming, because it’s not just about showing up to class—you’ll be doing a lot of hands-on work and collaboration with your peers. So, while it can be super rewarding and creative, be prepared for it to be tougher than your average degree!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 5 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Architecture.
From the looks of it, these Cal Poly architecture grads seem to be doing pretty well career-wise, especially as they gain experience and move up the ranks. Many of them started as interns or junior designers right after graduation but have quickly climbed to roles like project architect or even senior project managers—suggesting they're hitting those higher salary tiers as they progress. Plus, some have landed positions in well-known firms or even as principals of their own companies, which usually means they’re raking in a decent paycheck. Overall, while their exact incomes are unclear, it seems like they're making a pretty good living in the field of architecture!
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 is across all Architecture graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo). 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: