Mathematical ability is also important. Students who work for architects, engineers, or building contractors during summer vacations can gain useful experience. New graduates begin in architectural firms, where they assist in preparing architectural plans. Graduates with degrees in architecture also enter other related fields such as graphic, interior, or industrial design, urban planning, civil engineering, or construction. In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions.
Some architects become partners in established firms.
Often, however, the goal of many architects is to have their own firm. Job Outlook Employment of architects are expected to be good through the year 2000 because employed is expected to rise faster than the average for all occupations and the number of degrees granted in architecture is not expected to increase significantly. However, demand for architects is highly dependent upon the local level of construction, particularly of nonresidential structures such as office buildings and shopping centers. Although rapid growth in this area is expected, construction is sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. During recessions or slow periods for construction, architects will face competition for job openings or clients, and layoffs may occur.