9 Reasons to Get a Degree in Architecture

Deciding which major to choose in college can be tough. If you've stumbled upon this blog, and you're interested in architecture, here are a few reasons you might want to get a degree in it:

1. The job market for architects will recover. People will always need places to live and work. The real estate market and construction industry are slowly getting better, and they will continue to get better.
   
2. You'll never be bored as an architect. Architects are constantly challenged to be innovative and resourceful. They're always asked to be creative and thoughtful. The job of an architect is almost always stimulating.
   
3. It's easy to be passionate about what you do as an architect. As an architect, you'll get to do what you love every day. You'll get to create things. If you're a creative person, you'll find architecture to be immensely rewarding.
   
4. Architecture pays well, after you have a few years of experience. You may have to fight tooth and nail to find a job after college, if the job market's still tough when you graduate. However, so will most graduates. Once you do find a job, it will pay enough for you to cover your bills, in most cases. Entry-level architects make around $40,000 a year. If you stick with it, though, for several years, you will probably end up making around $70,000 a year, which is the average median salary for experienced architects, according to Life of an Architect.
   
5. You'll be making a difference in people's lives. What you do will directly affect people and enrich their lives. You'll be helping to create the buildings people need to thrive.
   
6. You'll be well-rounded. Architects are some of the most well-rounded professionals on the planet. Their careers demand them to be well-versed in art, design, engineering, art history, sociology, and technology. If you want to be a jack of all trades and a master of architecture, you'll love your job.
   
7. You'll have diverse career options. Architects can work in a number of different fields and perform a number of different roles. You'll get to pick whether or not you want to get involved with commercial, industrial, or landscape architecture. Additionally, you have the option of working in urban planning, historical preservation, and facility management. The sky is the limit in terms of what you can do in all of these fields!
   
8. People will think highly of you. Being an architect is prestigious. Much like doctors, lawyers, and engineers, architects are respected in our society.
   
9. If it's your dream, you should follow it. If you're good at architecture, you'd probably be good at engineering or computer programming too. Some people might tell you that those fields are more practical and lucrative, especially due to the current economic difficulties. However, ultimately, you should do what you love. The world needs more architects who love what they do.

Kristie Lewis is a guest blogger, freelancer, and lover of architecture. She currently spends the bulk of her time writing for www.constructionmanagementdegree.org and enjoys giving advice to prospective construction management and architecture students. Please contact Kristie at Kristie.lewis81@gmail.com if you have any comments or questions.