Trying out a career helps you find out if it's right for you. This week: architecture.
Architects certainly leave their mark on the world. Whether that mark is good or bad depends on the individual's talent and opportunity. Consider the distinctive beauty of Sydney Opera House or the high-rise blemish that is much of Monte Carlo: both were once the stuff of an architect's imagination.
With such a responsibility resting on their shoulders, it is no wonder that architects train for so long. According to Ann McNicholl of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, architects have to be very academically able, so securing high points in the Leaving Cert is a good start. "An interest in art, design and visual things in general helps, but people do need to be very numerate and bright," she says.
Another option to consider, if the architecture course is too long or the points requirement too high, is the job of architectural technician. A number of courses qualify you for this work. The difference in the jobs is in some ways one of seniority: an architect will head a design team; an architectural technician will be part of that team. McNicholl says: "The ability to make decisions is crucial in architecture, so anything that will develop that skill will help."
Schools of architecture like students with broad educational backgrounds. Art or technical graphics are not necessary, as the schools start from scratch.
Work experience can be difficult to get, as the pool of architects is small and they tend to be busy. A list of architects by area is available on www.riai.ie, if you click on the Arch-Search button. "We advise people to get a bit of experience if they are going to commit to architecture as a career," says McNicholl. She recommends that students put together a CV with some photographs of art, crafts, ceramics - anything that shows a drive to make things - and e-mail it to architects in their areas. A concise covering note, explaining who you are and what you want, along with a polite follow-up call, could do the trick.
"You need to be prepared to do whatever is asked of you," says McNicholl. "You have to bear in mind that people will be busy, and there won't be much time to look after a student. Just watch what goes on and talk to people about what they do."
If you want to find out more about architecture in general, you might be interested in this month's Loving Architecture Festival. (See www.lovingarchitecture.com.)
• For more details about careers in architecture, log on to www.riai.ie.
