<p>When I was 13 I took two classes involving architecture--the first revolved around building a "dream home" limited to 1725 sq ft, and the second around creating a street model through Google SketchUp--and architecture really interested me. Now that I'm halfway through my junior year, I've been contemplating several majors, and one is architecture, but I've always been a little reluctant about it because of its job prospects. Is it worth it to major in architecture/is it difficult to find a job in architecture in today's economy? Or should I just do something like engineering (which I like as well)?</p>
<p>It’s hard to find a job in the field but not impossible. Things could improve in the time it takes you to graduate. Yes, they might not but lots of our assumptions for life after college are largely guesses. </p>
<p>Take a serious look at the alternatives. If they don’t resonate then go for architecture. </p>
<p>What about architectural technician? Interior design? Landscape design? Urban planning? Building surveyor? Quantity Surveyor?</p>
<p>It’s impossible to judge whether you should pursue a degree in architecture or engineering, but I don’t think that job availability should be the determining factor. I would focus more on what you want to do with your life and less on worrying about job opportunities 5 or 6 years from now. </p>
<p>Everyone we know with an architecture degree who wanted a job practicing architecture got one. Some chose not to practice; they either went into academia or some other related field like IT or real estate development.</p>
<p>While you’re getting your degree you’ll have summer jobs and internships, develop relationships with visiting architects/instructors/critics, meet alumni/ae of your program. By the time you graduate you’ll have built up a resume that will segue into a real life job.</p>
<p>Entering a B.Arch program right out of high school requires a firm commitment to architecture. It’s hard to know if you’re going to like it until you’re well into it. I would think the same applies to engineering. In either the professional undergraduate degree program doesn’t leave a lot of room in the curriculum for experimentation.</p>
<p>One good way to test the waters on whether or not architecture is for you is to attend a summer career exploration program. Or try to land an internship at a firm in your community.</p>