Industry Cluster: Architecture

Our career coaching is specifically tailored for architecture students and those interested in pursuing careers in the field. Our dedicated career coaches offer one-on-one sessions to help you develop and refine a personalized career strategy that aligns with your unique goals and aspirations within architecture and/or beyond.

We provide comprehensive support in building and revising essential career materials, including resumes, cover letters, and portfolios, ensuring they effectively showcase your architectural skills, projects, and achievements. Our advisors also offer expert guidance on various career development topics pertinent to the architectural industry. This includes helping you navigate the job market with strategic job search techniques, enhancing your networking skills to build meaningful professional connections, and preparing you for successful interviews with architectural firms and organizations.

Whether you are just starting your journey in architecture or looking to advance your career, our services are designed to provide the tools and resources necessary to achieve your professional goals. We are committed to supporting you in building a fulfilling and impactful career in architecture tailored to your strengths and interests. Trust our team to guide you through the complexities of career planning and development in the architectural field, ensuring you are well-prepared to excel in your chosen path.

Make an appointment with a coach

In the competitive field of architecture, creating a compelling portfolio is essential. At WashU, we offer comprehensive portfolio development support to help you effectively showcase your skills and projects. Our services include workshops, resources, and one-on-one assistance designed to guide you through every portfolio creation and refinement stage.

Our expert advisors provide detailed guidance on project selection, ensuring that your portfolio highlights your most impressive and relevant work. We also offer support in graphic design, helping you present your projects in a visually appealing and professional manner. Additionally, our team assists with honing your presentation skills, ensuring you can confidently articulate your design process and decisions.

Whether you are preparing for graduate school applications or entering the job market, our portfolio development support is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. We are committed to helping you create a portfolio that stands out to admissions committees and potential employers, positioning you for success in the architectural field. Trust our team to provide the tools, resources, and expert advice needed to develop a portfolio that effectively showcases your talents and achievements.

We provide access to a Handshake, comprehensive database and online platform featuring various internships and job opportunities in architecture and beyond, including openings at architecture firms, design consultancies, and construction companies. Our program is designed to streamline your job search, making finding positions that align with your career goals and expertise more accessible.

Our platform allows you to explore various opportunities, ensuring you have access to the most current and relevant job listings in architecture. Whether you are looking for internships to gain practical experience or seeking full-time positions to launch your career, our resources are curated to support your professional journey.

Additionally, our career coaches are available to provide personalized assistance, helping you navigate the job market and identify opportunities that best match your skills and aspirations. We are committed to helping you connect with potential employers and secure positions that will advance your career in architecture.

We encourage you to actively engage with the broader architecture community through various events and activities. Participating in career fairs, employer presentations, and panel discussions provide invaluable opportunities to connect with potential employers, stay informed about industry trends, and gain insights that can significantly influence your career decisions. You might start by browsing this list [hyperlink to Seth’s PDF] of firms, studios, and companies where students have interned and alum have worked over the years, in addition to the WashU Architecture Network on LinkedIn.

Career fairs are an excellent platform to meet various employers from architecture firms, design consultancies, and construction companies. These events allow you to present your portfolio, discuss job and internship opportunities, and make a lasting impression on recruiters.

Employer presentations examine specific companies, their work culture, and current projects. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders about what they seek in potential hires and the skills needed to succeed in their organizations.

Panel discussions bring together experts from various sectors within the architectural field to share their experiences and perspectives. Attending these discussions can help you understand different career paths, emerging trends, and skills in high demand.

Participating in these events can build a solid professional network, gain a deeper understanding of the architecture industry, and stay updated on the latest developments. WashU is dedicated to providing these opportunities to help you engage with the architectural community and advance your career.

All semester events, programs, and workshops are posted in Handshake and require registration to participate.

The Architecture Career Fair is one of our institution’s most crucial events for architecture students. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to connect with top firms, network with industry professionals, and secure internships and job offers. This event is meticulously planned over several months to ensure its success and the fruitful engagement of both employers and students.

2023 Architecture Career Fair

Employer Stats:

• Total Employers:
  • 33 employers registered, an 18% increase from the 28 employers in 2020.
  • New Employers: 27% (9) were new to the fair.
• Company Representatives:
  • 72 total representatives attended.
  • Alumni Representation: 50% (36) of the reps were alumni returning to recruit, showing strong alumni involvement.

Student Stats:

• Total Students:
  • 129 students attended.

Key Outcomes:

• Many students secured internships and job offers, demonstrating the fair’s importance as a pivotal event for launching successful careers in architecture.

2024 Architecture Career Fair

Employer Stats:

• Total Employers:
  • 35 employers registered, reaching capacity and marking a 6% increase from 33 employers in 2023.
  • New Employers: 25% (9) were new to the fair.
  • Local Firms: 40% (15) were local to St. Louis and Missouri.
  • Employer Feedback: Positive feedback included comments such as “Your students were so well prepared,” “I had a ball,” and “This fair was fantastic.”
• Company Representatives:
  • 77 total representatives attended.
  • Alumni Representation: 49% (38) of the reps were alumni returning to recruit, underscoring the strong alumni support network.

Student Stats:

• Total Students:
  • 140 students attended, a 9% increase from 129 students in 2023.

Key Outcomes:

• Over 40 students received internship and job offers, highlighting the fair’s role as a key career-launching event.
• The fair’s success is attributed to months of meticulous planning by our dedicated team, ensuring a valuable and productive experience for all participants.

Seth’s Big List