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Sharing my experiences at Shiplake Careers Fair


Architects, co-workers or informed clients of the future?

Last Friday I had the privilege of being an ambassador – and potentially a recruiter - for my profession. I was at Shiplake College, near Henley-on-Thames, taking part in a Careers Fair for Year 12 (sixth form) students.

It’s always interesting to be questioned by young people about what I do. The fresh perspective, curiosity and enthusiasm of the Shiplake students helped me see my job through new eyes and reminded me how architects are often perceived, both in good and bad ways!

This was a very well-organised careers fair, with students circulating between stands in groups. The Head of Careers was keen that students expand their horizons by meeting a broad range of employers and informing themselves, instead of only targeting careers that they already knew about or were keen on. So I talked to a mix of students, some of whom were working towards a role in architecture and some who certainly were not, but were keen to know more about what I do.

It seems to me a great approach. There were representatives from a whole range of professions and sectors at the fair, from accountants and probation officers to IT specialists and investors. Whether or not you choose to become one of these, there’s a fair chance you may meet them or need to work with them in your future, adult life.

I really enjoyed speaking to all the sixth formers I met at Shiplake last Friday. They were full of interesting questions and lively ambitions. I hope I inspired some of them to continue following their dreams into the fantastic profession of architecture. And for others, I hope that if they go on to work in property or construction, or one day embark on their own building project, they’ll know a little more about what happens behind the scenes and the background of the architect they’re dealing with.

Three great questions I was asked by the Shiplake College students:

1. What are the best and worst aspects of your job?

The best is meeting and talking to clients, finding out about their preferences, lifestyle and aspirations so I can design a building that really works for them. I also love going to see them when the building work is finished and seeing how they’ve settled into their new home, hearing about the difference it’s made to their lives.

The worst thing is crawling about in draughty, spidery attics and outbuildings to measure existing buildings for renovation projects! Also, back in the office there can be a lot of planning department red tape.

2. What if I’m not much good at art? Can I still be an architect?

You don’t need to be the next David Hockney but - certainly in my particular field - you do need to be a visual person, with some ability to draw. Different courses have different requirements: not all demand A level or even GCSE art, though you may have to prepare a portfolio. Architects use computer software a lot, so at university you’ll learn CAD technical drawing and object-based design skills as well as three dimensional design.

3. Do I really have to study continuously for seven years to be an architect?

The total qualification period is seven years, full time. After three years, you get an undergraduate degree which is your Part 1 in architecture. You could just leave university with that BA or BSc degree and go into a general graduate career. Or you can go on to become chartered with a further Part 2 and 3 degree that includes two years in practice. It sounds daunting, but most chartered professions – such as accountancy or law – have a similar requirement.

There’s also a new apprenticeship scheme for architecture. You can achieve full Architect status or Architectural Assistant, entering the scheme either as a school leaver or a graduate. This can be helpful financially, as you’ll be earning a modest wage throughout.



• Find out more about careers in architecture on the RIBA website www.architecture.com

 • Visit Shiplake College’s website at www.shiplake.org.uk

• If you’d like a copy of my student pack, with more info about what it’s like to be an architect, drop me a line and I’ll send you one: anne@annethearchitect.co.uk




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