Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA, United States
QS #1Full need-based aid
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science · Mechanical Engineering · Economics
- Tuition
- Est. above $60,000 per year before aid
- Deadline
- Typically 1 November
All careers
Design
Architect
Designs buildings and spaces that are functional, sustainable and beautiful.
What this career is
Architects plan and design buildings, from concept sketches to technical drawings, working with clients, engineers and builders and increasingly focused on sustainability.
What professionals do
- Develop design concepts
- Produce drawings and 3D models
- Coordinate with engineers and clients
- Visit sites during construction
Outlook: Long training path; a strong portfolio is essential.
Official occupation data
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$99,280
- Landscape Architects$79,870
- Urban and Regional Planners$89,320
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$171,270
Tasks, skills, US pay and job growth from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Key skills
UX & interface design
creativeGood design determines whether a product gets used; UX skills also strengthen PM and front-end roles.
Start with
- · Learn Figma basics
- · Redesign one flow of an app you use
Project management
leadershipEvery consulting, product and operations role involves running projects.
Start with
- · Plan your applications as a project with milestones
- · Learn basic agile practices
Public speaking
communicationInterviews, pitches, Model UN and leadership roles all reward clear spoken communication.
Start with
- · Join a debate or Model UN club
- · Present a project in under five minutes
Research methods
analyticalNeeded for academic research, policy analysis and evidence-driven roles in any sector.
Start with
- · Learn qualitative and quantitative designs
- · Replicate a published study with open data
Education paths
- 1Accredited architecture degree (often 5 years or bachelor's + master's)
- 2Professional practice experience
- 3Licensing exams depend on country
Universities strong in Architecture
University College London
London, United Kingdom
QS =2Limited aid
Economics · Architecture (The Bartlett) · Computer Science
- Tuition
- Est. £28,000–£45,000 per year for international students
- Deadline
- Typically late January
ETH Zurich
Zürich, Switzerland
QS =8Merit scholarships
Computer Science MSc · Data Science MSc · Robotics MSc
- Tuition
- Low tuition — est. a few thousand CHF per year; living costs are high
- Deadline
- Typically November–December for autumn entry
Typical entry-level roles
Architectural AssistantJunior DesignerBIM Technician
Build your profile
Recommended extracurriculars
- · Design competitions
- · Portfolio projects
- · Internships at studios
Recommended competitions
PrizesHybrid
- Location
- Online and Paris final
- Deadline
- Typically opens in autumn
Recommended internships & programmes
PaidIn person
- Location
- IAESTE member countries
- Deadline
- Varies by country; offers mostly exchanged in winter