2021 CAREER DAYS / COLLEGE FAIRS
Thus far, we have addressed these topics related to selecting a program; select one if you have not yet had a chance to read the topics:
Resource: Architecture Programs
Resources for Program Research
Architecture + Design Career Days / College Fairs – Fall 2021
http://www.archcareersguide.com/resources/college-fairs/
Amazingly, summer is basically over, and fall begins soon. With the coming of fall comes the many Architecture + Design College Day / Fairs (select link above). However, due to COVID-19, some will be held VIRTUAL; in fact, the event in Boston is moving to VIRTUAL and the one in New York has not determined their event
Below are the cities of the events along with their dates and times. As you will note,
Boston, MA – Saturday, September 25, 2021
Boston Society of Architects – Architecture / Design College Fair
https://www.architects.org/programs/architecture-design-college-fair
The 2021 in-person BSA College Fair has been cancelled in light of recent health concerns to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our community. Please check back soon for a virtual offering. (as of August 24, 2021)
VIRTUAL: Philadelphia, PA – Saturday, October 2, 2021
Temple University – Philadelphia Architecture & Design College Fair.
https://tyler.temple.edu/padcf
VIRTUAL: Chicago, IL – Saturday, October 9, 2021
Consortium for Design and Construction Careers – Chicago Architecture + Design College Day
http://chicagocareerday.org
IN-PERSON: Dallas, TX – Saturday, October 16, 2021 – 10am – 2pm
AIA Dallas – Architecture + Design College Fair
Where: Architecture and Design Exchange
325 North St. Paul Street #150
Dallas, TX 75201
https://www.aiadallas.org/v/event-detail/Architecture-Design-College-Fair/77r/
VIRTUAL: Detroit, MI – Friday, October 22, 2021
National Organization of Minority Architects – Virtual Expo and Grad Fair
https://noma.net/
New York, NY – Details on Fall 2021 are forthcoming (as of August 24, 2021)
Center for Architecture – Architecture & Design College Fair
https://www.centerforarchitecture.org/k-12/architecture-college-fair/
Attending these events is well worth your time even if it is virtual. And, if you have a commitment for one of the event dates, simply register for another. And attend regardless of your educational status. I remember meeting an enthusiastic 7th grader one year. Attend if you are a high school student, a transfer student or even a college student.
Held in the fall, these architecture Career Days/College Fairs are a great opportunity for you to learn more about pursuing an architecture degree. You can interact with representatives from different programs and ask specific questions (see examples below); you will connect with faculty, program administrators, and possibly students and alumni. Having these conversations will help you gain a better insight and help decide about which program is right for you.
Attending the college day is a must if you are interested in architecture. I learned a great deal about the colleges with whom I visited, and the career paths involved in architecture; as a result, I became excited about my future in architecture. – Alysia Bounds
At these events you will have a chance to meet with many programs, allowing you to maximize your engagement in just a single day. And some of the events provide workshops on topics such as selecting a school, career options, or financing your education, as well as portfolio reviews and guest speakers. Thus, kick start your research by attending one of the events in Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago, or New York!
Questions to Ask School Representatives
- What degree(s)/major(s) do you offer?
- What is special or unique about your program?
- What is the admission process? Is a portfolio required?
- What financial aid/scholarships are available?
- How does your school assist students with post-graduation plans?
- Do you have a graduate program?
- Does the program offer hands-on and/or workplace experience as part of the curriculum?
- What kind of professional experience does your faculty have?
- What are the opportunities for study abroad?
Let us know if you plan to attend or have any questions — archcareersguide@gmail.com