<p>I will be graduating this June with a degree in engineering sciences and a minor in studio arts. Unfortunately, I have no idea what to do next. I have a strong passion to pursue architecture, but I have little experience in the field (my college does not offer a competitive program), so I do not feel confident applying for an M. Arch right away (plus, I haven't taken the GREs). Here is a list of things I can do next:</p>
<p>-apply to post-graduate programs like Archeworks or Institute without Boundaries (any similar programs out there?)
-work in an interdisciplinary design firm for a year, then apply to architecture school ( I have gotten two job offers)
-enroll into my state school's graduate architecture program w/ a full-ride (although it is far from prestigious)</p>
<p>Any suggestions on how to best navigate these next six months?</p>
<p>I would probably vote for #3. Go work for a bit, make some money, do a bit more research on schools, and I think working will make you more mature and better prepared for graduate school.</p>
<p>Totally agree. If you have two job offers, take the one you like best and count yourself lucky. Then if you still want to go for an M.Arch, spend the next year preparing yourself for that.</p>
<p>See if you can defer the full-ride for one year, then work at an architectural firm - even if clerical or semi-clerical in nature. I’m a middle-aged architect w/an Ivy degree in a major metropolitan market, so I’m speaking from a basis of direct knowledge and experience. Go work at several architectural firms if possible, large and small, domestic and international practice focuses, and see whether you LIKE what you observe. I believe its very important to understand the dynamics of a profession prior to the significant investment of time, money, and effort to obtain the professional credentials.</p>