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First, some facts. Of the Architecture graduates from University of Southern California 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 21 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 93%, Architecture graduates from University of Southern California have a substantially higher likelihood (+26%) 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 23% 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:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Architecture - BArch in Architecture. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLocker Attendant The Mobile Locker Co. Aug 2023 - Aug 2023 Architectural Designer  Yateem & Associates May 2023 - Present ABOUTAs a Digital Fabrication Assistant at the University of Southern California, I manage the CNC Machine Lab and assist with troubleshooting technical issues. I have developed strong skills in machine maintenance, file programming, financial records, and customer service, while working on various fabrication projects for students and faculty.I've also received my Bachelor of Architecture degree at USC, where I have received the Material & Fabrication Award for excellence in tangible production and craft. My goal is to gain any experience possible in the field of architecture, and to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues. I am passionate about designing low-income housing that will benefit disadvantaged communities and serve their needs. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of people who studied Architecture at the University of Southern California (USC), it's clear that a significant number of graduates have landed roles that are very closely related to their field. Many of them have taken positions as architects—whether as Junior Architects, Designers, or even at a principal level—which directly leverage the skills and knowledge they developed during their studies. For instance, roles like Architect Principal, Architectural Designer, and Junior Architectural Designer are common, and they all utilize core architectural principles and design expertise, making them highly relevant to the degree. Internships in architectural studios also feature prominently early in their careers, serving as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in the industry.
However, not all job placements align perfectly with architectural training. Some graduates have ventured into fields like project management within architectural firms, which, while related, may not require as much direct architectural knowledge on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, a few graduates have taken on roles that are more administrative or unrelated to architecture, such as project engineers in more general roles, or even positions like water polo coach and locker attendant. Overall, despite some outliers, the majority of USC Architecture alumni pursue jobs that are directly connected to their education, indicating a strong relevance to architecture in their professional lives.
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 University of Southern California):
Graduates from the University of Southern California with a degree in Architecture generally seem to follow a pretty promising career trajectory. For many of them, the first job after graduation often involves internships or entry-level positions at established firms, like serving as Design Assistants or Junior Architects. As they gain experience, they tend to move up to more significant roles, such as Project Managers or even niche positions like Architectural Designers. It’s not uncommon to see someone start out as an intern and then, five or even ten years later, become a Senior Architect or even set up their own firm. The example of a graduate becoming an Architect Principal and Owner shortly after building a solid resume at various companies speaks volumes about the potential in this field.
However, it’s worth noting that not everyone stays strictly in the world of architecture. Some graduates branch out into related fields like project management or real estate, and there are a few who pivot entirely to roles outside of architecture, such as teaching or coaching. For instance, one graduate who initially worked in architectural roles later became a Water Polo Coach, which might indicate a shift in career interests. Overall, though, the majority of these graduates appear to be successfully carving out careers that are closely tied to their architectural education, demonstrating the versatility and value of a degree from USC in this field.
Hey! So, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, especially at a school like USC, can be pretty challenging. It’s definitely not a walk in the park! You’ll be juggling a lot of demanding coursework, including design studios, building systems, and architectural theory, all while putting in long hours on projects and critiques. The workload can be intense, and you'll need to be super organized and passionate about design to thrive. It tends to be harder than your average degree because of the creative and technical skills you need to develop, plus the constant feedback you’ll be getting. If you’re up for a challenge and love architecture, it can definitely be a rewarding, albeit tough, experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 5 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Architecture.
Looking at the career paths of these USC Architecture grads, it seems like they've generally landed on their feet with some decent job opportunities. The earlier grads appear to have climbed the ladder pretty quickly, with one even becoming a principal and owner of their own firm just a few years out of school, which usually means they’re doing well financially. Others are in roles at notable firms like Kengo Kuma's and SOM, which typically offer solid pay. The more recent graduates are still in the early stages of their careers, but many are in designer or project management roles that, while not top-tier, are still decent starting points. Overall, it looks like a solid pathway for making a good living in the architecture field, especially as they gain experience.
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 University of Southern California). 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:
