First, some facts. Of the Architecture graduates from Iowa State University 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 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 83%, Architecture graduates from Iowa State University have a much higher likelihood (+16%) 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 14% 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: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) in Architecture. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONArchitectural DesignerHeitler Houstoun Architects Jul 2012 - Jun 2013 Job Captain Heitler Houstoun Architects Jul 2013 - Jun 2015 Project Manager Heitler Houstoun Architects Jul 2015 - Jun 2018 Associate Heitler Houstoun Architects Jul 2018 - Present ABOUTAs a registered architect in New York, I work to create functional spaces that meet project goals through thoughtful solutions. As an Associate and part of our firm's leadership team, I focus on three areas of practice:DESIGN - Ensuring the design process is managed to produce purposeful, code compliant and aesthetically pleasing spaces that inspire and empower others.SERVICE - Listening to our client's goals on program, budget and schedule and managing expectations throughout the design process.BUSINESS - Overseeing internal assets to maintain and grow an efficient, profitable business that enriches and betters the lives of its employees.I utilize my strengths, experiences and leadership skills to guide clients, consultants and our internal team through the development and construction process from pre-design through project close out. With an attention to detail, quality control and organization, I hold our work to a high standard and deliver projects with a positive management style.Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the job paths of graduates from Iowa State University with a degree in Architecture, it's clear that many of them have found roles that are closely related to their field. A good chunk of these professionals have become Architects, Architectural Designers, and Project Managers, which directly utilize the skills and knowledge they gained during their studies. For instance, roles like Architect at FEH DESIGN or Architectural Designer at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill highlight how graduates jump straight into positions where they can apply their architectural expertise and often climb the ranks, further emphasizing their relevance to the degree.
However, not every graduate has stuck to a career in architecture. Many have taken paths that lead them away from this field, engaging in positions like sales or even yoga instruction, which don't relate much to their architectural training. These divergent career choices suggest that while a degree in Architecture provides valuable skills, some individuals might choose to explore different interests that veer away from traditional architectural roles. Overall, it's pretty evident that a significant portion of graduates are successfully navigating careers that align well with their education, but there's also a notable number of them pursuing entirely different paths.
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 Iowa State University):
When looking at the career trajectories of Iowa State University graduates with degrees in Architecture, it's clear that many of them have found their way into related fields after graduating. For their first jobs, many students jump into roles that align closely with architecture, such as intern architect positions, architectural designer roles, or project assistants. These early positions, typically within 1 to 2 years post-graduation, seem to set a strong foundation for their careers and often lead to more advanced roles in firms where they can further develop their skills and contribute on larger projects.
Fast forward 5 to 10 years later, and you’ll see a lot of these graduates moving up the ladder, often securing titles such as project manager, job captain, or even associate principal architect. This indicates a positive trend of growth and stability in their careers within the architecture industry. However, there are some outliers, like those who’ve shifted to more unrelated fields, such as sales, yoga instruction, or even eCommerce. Overall, while some graduates have ventured off the traditional path, many have successfully remained within the architecture sphere, working for reputable firms and taking on significant responsibilities that suggest a promising future in the industry.
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, whether at Iowa State University or anywhere else, is no walk in the park. It can definitely be challenging, with a mix of demanding coursework, creative projects, and long hours spent on design work. You’ll find yourself juggling studio classes, where you'll be critiqued on your designs, along with technical lectures on things like structures and materials. There’s a lot of time commitment and dedication needed, and the workload can feel pretty heavy at times. So, while it’s super rewarding and allows you to express your creativity, be ready to put in the effort and manage your time well!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 5 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Architecture.
From what I can gather about these Iowa State University grads, it seems like they've had a pretty solid career path, especially those who went into architecture. A lot of them started in entry-level positions but quickly worked their way up to more senior roles, like project managers and even principal architects. The folks in architectural roles are usually earning decent salaries, especially as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities. The earlier graduates, especially the one running their own business and those who have moved up the ladder in established firms, likely pulled in good money after a few years. However, some of the more recent grads still seem to be at more entry-level or varied roles, which might not be making a ton yet, like the one balancing being a yoga instructor and an architectural designer. Overall, I’d say it’s a mixed bag, but many appear to be on the right track to decent earnings in a relatively stable 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 is across all Architecture graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Iowa State University). 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: