Is architecture the right path for me?

[Melawrghk]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about my edumacation a bit and would like some advice. I am currently in 3rd year of electrical engineering (I love it, don't get me wrong), I also adore drawing and sculpturing. So for a few months I've been thinking about doing architecture after this degree. It's a master's program for 3 years, which isn't bad and it's something I think I'm interested in. I know it's a VERY strong deviation from electrical engineering, a lot of you will probably frown upon this.
I do have a relatively high GPA (3.9), so grades wise admission shouldn't be problematic. It will come down to my lack of experience with structures (well... somewhat lack) and no official artistic education.

Nevertheless, I was thinking of preparing my best application in 4th year and just going for it: if I get in, so be it.. if not, oh well.

What do you think? :)

 

[fourier jr]

I know it's a VERY strong deviation from electrical engineering, a lot of you will probably frown upon this.

really? I think it would be great to think of architecture as another branch of engineering or construction.

 

[nocturne-e]

Definitely stick with the EE. A degree with EE is worth much more than one in architecture. In my opinion architecture is not a good choice - especially since you're actually graduating with a EE degree.

(I can't tell you from personal experience - yet - because I'm actually just about to start my ee program, lol, but my dad who is a EE and works in the petrochem industry has advised me on this and he thinks it is definitely not the way to go.)

 

[Melawrghk]

Definitely stick with the EE. A degree with EE is worth much more than one in architecture. In my opinion architecture is not a good choice - especially since you're actually graduating with a EE degree.

(I can't tell you from personal experience - yet - because I'm actually just about to start my ee program, lol, but my dad who is a EE and works in the petrochem industry has advised me on this and he thinks it is definitely not the way to go.)

Well, are you going into EE because your dad works in the petrochem industry (and probably makes a lot of money) or because you find it interesting?
My goal in electrical engineering would never be to work in petrochem. It pretty much stands against all I believe in. My choices right now would be research or applying to companies similar to Altera or Xilinx because that interests me. As you can see, that is fairly narrow.

 

[nocturne-e]

That's what everyone asks but I can honestly say it does interest me personally. My dad even gave me three choices! Doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Haha. He was kidding but I've always liked science and math pretty well and I ended up loving my intro physics class so I've decided it's a good route to take. I was thinking ME for a while but to me, I seem naturally more inclined for EE.

Of course this is merely his personal opinion, but he figured it would be better to get a civil degree + an architecture degree (either majoring or minoring in one) because it's more versitile. I would be willing to bet that having the EE degree will make you stand out from non engineering archs.

I'm going into EE for a lot of reasons, but I will admit that salary and job versitility is near the top of my list. To be honest, I've never believe that the whole "do what you love" advice is completely good. Sure I'll do what I'm naturally inclined to do and thankfully I think I'll like my career choice but in some ways I know I'll have to learn to love it; I'm looking for the best return on investment for myself to be personally satisfied but also monentarily.

Though again, many people would probably disagree with this route but I personally don't think I could stand the politics and the lack of stability in a research oriented career.