CAREER DAYS / COLLEGE FAIRS 2023
Recently, we started a series of essays on the path of pursuing an architectural education on your way to becoming an architect; we outlined the different paths to an accredited architectural degree plus resources for researching architecture programs the criteria for an informed decision.
Architectural Education – B.Arch, M.Arch, or D.Arch.
https://www.archcareersguide.com/architectural-education-b-arch-m-arch-or-d-arch/
Resources for Researching Architecture Programs
https://www.archcareersguide.com/resources-for-researching-architecture-programs/
Criteria – Institution
https://www.archcareersguide.com/criteria-institution/
Criteria – Architecture Program
https://www.archcareersguide.com/criteria-architecture-program/
Amazingly, summer is over, and fall begins soon. With the coming of fall comes the many Architecture + Design College Day / Fairs (select link above). At this stage, most should be held in-person but do check with the sponsor; the event in Boston has not determined its dates.
Architecture + Design Career Days / College Fairs – Fall 2022
http://www.archcareersguide.com/resources/college-fairs/
Below are the cities of the events along with their dates and times.
Chicago, IL – Saturday, September 23, 2023
Consortium for Design and Construction Careers – Chicago Architecture + Design College Day
Where: Harold Washington College
30 East Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60601
Boston, MA – The BSA will not be hosting an in-person Architecture/Design College Fair this fall. Please stay tuned for updates on upcoming in-person and virtual opportunities!
Boston Society of Architects – Architecture / Design College Fair
https://www.architects.org/programs/architecture-design-college-fair
Dallas, TX – Saturday, October 21, 2023
AIA Dallas – Architecture + Design College Fair
Where: Architecture and Design Exchange
325 North St. Paul Street #150
Dallas, TX 75201
https://aiatxda.zohobackstage.com/ADCollegeFair2023
Philadelphia, PA – Saturday, October 7, 2023
Temple University – Philadelphia Architecture & Design College Fair
Where: Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Temple University
2001 N. 13th St
Philadelphia, PA 19122
https://tyler.temple.edu/padcf
Portland, OR – October 14, 2023
National Organization of Minority Architects
https://www.noma.net/conference/
New York, NY – Saturday, October 28, 2023
Center for Architecture – Architecture & Design College Fair
Where: Center for Architecture
536 LaGuardia Place
New York, NY 10012
https://www.centerforarchitecture.org/k-12/architecture-college-fair/
Attending these events is well worth your time. And attend regardless of your academic year. One year, an enthusiastic 7th grader attended. 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 Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, 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