Fall
has just begun, but you have already started researching your college choice;
but how do you best learn about an institution and its architecture program? Yes, you can visit websites, but they are
impersonal and sometimes difficult to find what you want to know. You can request information from the program
directly, but the materials you receive may be more “sales” oriented. And, while a website like http://studyarchitecture.com is
extremely helpful, it still lacks the personal connection. Often overlooked, the best method may be to
visit one of the career day/college fairs in architecture held throughout the
country.
CAREER DAYS IN ARCHITECTURE
While many high schools host annual college fairs, these
events do not focus specifically on the discipline of architecture; even if an
attending institution has a program in architecture, the representative may not
have any direct knowledge on the program. However, there are a few annual
events (see list below) that are the answer.
Typically held in the fall, the Career Days/College Fairs
focused on architecture is a great opportunity for you to learn more about
pursuing a degree in architecture. You
can interact with representatives of the program and ask specific questions
(see examples below); you will connect with faculty, program administrators,
and possibly alumni and students of the program. You can obtain a much better insight to a program
through this connection by having a personal conversation.
During these architecture specific events, you can visit with
between 35-50 programs in architecture allowing you to connect with more schools
in a single day. Granted, these events
may not be near where you live, but the investment in time and travel may be
worth the cost.
Aside from connecting with the programs, these events will
often provide workshops on selecting a school, career options, and financing
your education. Some may have a keynote
speaker who is an architect that provides you some insight on the discipline of
architecture.
Thus,
while there are many different ways to learn about architecture programs, one
of the best ways is attending one of the Career Days in Architecture this
fall. If you wish to become an
architect, start you research by attending Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, New
York, or Dallas.
Questions to Ask School Representatives
About the School
What is the setting? Rural, Urban, Suburban?
What financial aid/scholarships are available?
What support services are available for students with special
needs?
What degree(s)/major(s) do you offer?
How does your school assist students with post-graduation plans?
About the Academic
Unit
What is special or unique about your program?
Does the program offer hands-on and/or workplace experience as
part of the curriculum?
Do you have a graduate program?
What kind of professional experience does your faculty have?
Are
there opportunities for foreign study?
CAREER DAYS IN ARCHITECTURE – FALL 2016
Boston Career Day – Boston Society
of Architects
Boston, MA - Saturday,
September 24, 2016 – 10:00am – 2:00pm
BSA Space, 290 Congress St., Suite 200, Boston,
MA
Chicago Architecture + Design
College Day – Harold Washington College
Chicago, IL - Saturday,
October 15, 2016 – 10:00am – 1:00pm
New York Architecture & Design
College Fair – Center for Architecture
New York, NY – Friday,
November 4, 2016 – 4:00 – 7:00pm
Philadelphia Design College Day –
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA - Saturday,
November 12, 2016 – 11:00am – 2:00pm
AIA Dallas – 2B an Architect 2017
– Latino Cultural Center
Dallas,
TX – Saturday, February 18, 2017 –
1:00 – 4:00pm
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