Architecture : Your skills

Architecture is concerned with the planning, design and construction of buildings, and over the course of your degree you develop a good mix of subject-specific and technical skills. Design is a big aspect of the course and you will use it to produce buildings and spaces that take into account cultural context, specific environments and technologies.

You will also develop a range of transferable core skills that may include:

• numeracy, design and drawing;
• IT skills, e.g. computer-aided design;
• project management skills;
• the ability to solve problems in an analytical, logical way;
• teamworking skills;
• written and oral communication in various settings;
• research skills;
• decision-making ability;
• adaptability and flexibility for dealing with unexpected situations where necessary;
• the ability to reflect on, and improve, your own professional performance.

Completing some work experience or an industrial placement also develops skills and will show potential employers that you are hard working, reliable, motivated and can use your initiative.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.