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How to Get a Career as an Architect

There are many jobs that every kid wants to do, whether it’s an archaeologist, astronaut, or architect. For some people, however, that dream is not just a childhood fantasy. It is a career that they are passionate about. If you are interested in becoming an architect, or pursuing a masters degree in civil engineering, here are some helpful tips.

Plan Ahead

While civil engineering and architecture are two different fields, there can be some overlap. The initial schooling is one of the places with a similar path. For both, it is important to have a background in math and science, especially physics, geometry, and calculus. To become an architect, it is recommended that you take some arts classes to help you develop your creative style. Finally, because so much work is done with computers, it can be very helpful to have taken at least some classes in that field.

Get the Degrees

Most architecture programs take five years to complete a bachelors degree, though a masters degree is often highly recommended for certain jobs. Classes help you learn about the field, and how to make your own projects. There are a lot of things to consider, and a degree program helps you learn what those things are. Sometimes, people find that they are more interested in the concept of civil engineering, or want to learn more about where those two fields overlap. As a result, many schools like the New Jersey Institute of Technology offer a civil engineering degree online, as well as master in architecture programs. Not only do these degrees help you learn about the field, they make it possible to find an internship that fits your needs.

Internship

At some point in time, usually after your schooling, you will need to participate in an internship. An internship is a time when you are working in the field with a licensed architect. Typically, an internship lasts for three years, and gives you on-the-job training. The most important part of this process is that you are learning from someone who is a certified architect, and any mistakes that you might make are going to be caught and corrected by them. This gives you a hands-on learning experience, and time to practice and get ready to pass the Architect Registration Examination.

Certification

It is critical to make sure that you have passed the Architect Registration Examination, which is given by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board. In addition to the national certification, you will also be required to have a state license in whichever state you are currently working in. The exam itself is seven hours long, and covers a wide variety of topics important in the field. However, if you have a license, that means that you can call yourself an architect.

While the path to becoming an architect is a long one, many architects enjoy the work that they do. As an architect, you will have a very important role to fill in our society, helping to solve problems and using your gifts to make the world a little more beautiful.

The author Maggie Hammond is a retired nurse and freelance writer, exploring and writing in the U.S. in retirement. An advocate for public health and education, she feels passionate about raising awareness of the current strain on public health organisations and education issues.

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