First, some facts. Of the Architecture graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 92%, Architecture graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have a substantially higher likelihood (+25%) 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 9% 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: 58%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) in Architecture. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONDesign and Marketing ConsultantTechnically Inspired Aug 2012 - Jan 2013 Architectural Designer DAS Architecture, Inc. Nov 2012 - Jan 2015 Design Intern VTG CLT Nov 2014 - Feb 2015 Co-Creator + Designer Dressed For Freedom Aug 2016 - Nov 2016 Wedding + Event Designer The Classy Hippie, LLC Jan 2015 - May 2017 Architectural Designer Housing Studio Feb 2015 - Jan 2018 Contributing Writer Charlotte Five Mar 2019 - Jun 2019 Architectural Designer Insight Architects Jun 2019 - Jul 2020 Teacher SkillPop Jul 2018 - Present Intentional Living Coach The Classy Hippie, LLC Jul 2017 - Jul 2019 Graphic Designer The Classy Hippie, LLC Jan 2015 - Jul 2020 Intentional Living Writer + Educator The Classy Hippie, LLC Jan 2015 - Present Owner + Lead Designer The Classy Hippie, LLC Jan 2015 - Present Architectural + Interior Designer The Classy Hippie, LLC Jul 2020 - Present ABOUTActively seeking a Remote, Part-Time, Contract Freelance Architectural Designer Position.Hello! I am an Architectural and Interior Designer. I work closely with General Contractors and Homeowners to redesign their homes in a way that makes it feel more true to who they are and the life they live. I specialize in Residential but am also looking to expand into more Commercial spaces in the coming year.I am also a Speaker and Educator with a focus on Lifestyle Design. My current topics include Intro to Low-Waste Living, Decluttering Your Space, Decluttering Your Year & Making Minimalism Your Own. I teach Group Classes and Corporate Seminars on my own, as well as through Skillpop here in Charlotte, NC.I am wanting to connect with and lead Classes // Workshops for Groups and Companies looking to promote these Lifestyle Design practices as part of investing in their communities and in their employees quality of life. |
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University):
It looks like graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University who studied Architecture tend to have pretty solid career trajectories in related fields. Right after graduation, many of them start off as interns or assistants in architecture firms, which makes total sense since gaining experience in a real-world setting is super important. For example, we see a lot of people landing roles as Architectural Designers, which is a common stepping stone for fresh grads trying to get their foot in the door. Others kick off their careers with internships, which can lead to full-time positions not long after. Overall, the first jobs graduates take up are largely relevant to their studies, suggesting that their degrees are opening up the right doors for them.
Fast forward five to ten years later, the trend continues in a positive direction. Many of these alumni advance through the ranks to positions like Project Managers, Associates, and even Senior Architects at established firms. This shows a lot of progression and indicates that they’re building successful careers within the architecture field. There are also a few unique paths where some graduates have shifted into roles that involve design consultancy, event designing, or even starting their own businesses. So, while not everyone sticks strictly to traditional architecture jobs, most seem to find ways to stay immersed in design or related areas. Overall, it appears that a degree from Virginia Tech in Architecture sets up students for relevant and promising career opportunities right after graduation and well into the future. Not too shabby, if you ask me!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, especially at a school like Virginia Tech, can be pretty demanding, to be honest. It’s not just about sitting in lectures; you'll spend a lot of time in studios working on designs, critiquing peers' work, and constantly pushing your creative limits. The coursework is intense, balancing technical skills like drafting and engineering principles with a heavy load of art and design concepts. Plus, the hours can be long, with many students pulling all-nighters to finish projects. So, while it can be super rewarding and a great way to express your creativity, be ready to put in a lot of hard work and dedication—it's definitely on the challenging side compared to a lot of other bachelor's degrees!
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 job paths of these Virginia Tech architecture grads, it seems like they’ve had a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some spent a good chunk of their early careers as interns or junior designers, which usually doesn't pay that great, but others have gradually moved up to roles like project manager or associate, suggesting they’re earning a better salary now. For example, the ones who stuck it out at a single firm for several years seem to have climbed the ladder in terms of responsibility and likely income. Others have taken on multiple roles or started their own businesses, which can be risky but also has the potential for higher rewards if they do well. Overall, while some are probably making a solid paycheck now, it looks like it took a while to get there, and not everyone might be raking in the big bucks just yet.
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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: