Architecture, Urban Development, Design

Architecture careers combine art and science into the design of spaces and environments. Architects determine needs for buildings and structures, transforming them into concepts for designs that are ultimately built by others. They may also teach, conduct research, or provide consultation to building owners. Urban development (or urban planning) careers revolve around the structure and function of cities. Urban planners tackle complex problems facing a region and develop strategies for future growth and development by helping to create a broad vision for the community. Design is interdisciplinary by nature, incorporating elements of various fields including engineering, technology, social science, media, and the arts to create the objects and tools we use everyday.

Finding Internships

Architectural internship experiences for undergraduates are limited, as they are usually reserved for students earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Consider shadowing an architect to observe a typical work day. Alumni from the College or Graduate School of Design can be found through the Alumni Directory and are often willing to speak to undergraduates about career paths and preparation. Urban development and planning internships are available with cities, suburban communities, county planning agencies, and state and regional planning agencies, as well as with private planning consulting firms whose clients include municipalities, states, and developers. Design firms typically seek juniors with engineering or technical concentrations for summer internships.

Finding Jobs

Most full-time jobs in the architecture and planning industries require a graduate degree. Some administrative opportunities (e.g. office manager, assistant) do exist to gain exposure to the fields. While an undergraduate degree is typically the standard prerequisite for design jobs, a graduate degree in industrial design, engineering, or architecture is often required to advance beyond entry level opportunities.

Graduate and Professional Programs

A Master of Architecture degree is necessary for a career as an architect. Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than architecture can apply for a M.Arch degree, a three-year program at most institutions. A master’s-level graduate degree is considered the standard for those interested in city/urban planning or development.

Creative Tech Careers: Breaking into Video Games and Animation — Event Recap 

Harvard’s Creative Tech panel brought together alumni working in video games and animation to share how they launched their careers—and what today’s students can do to break in. With the industries shifting toward AI‑assisted workflows, indie development, and immersive storytelling, …

By Meaghan Shea
Meaghan Shea Assistant Director, Technology, Data Analytics, Life & Physical Sciences & Entrepreneurship
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Harvard and Summer Internships Part 2: A PAF’s Guide from MCS PAF Alex Draghia ’28

In my first blog that can be found here, I reviewed where to look for summer internships here at Harvard. Now I want to talk about how to strategize, actively search for internships and hit the apply button.

So what’s …

By Zach Vigliani
Zach Vigliani Assistant Director, Harvard College Exploring & Self-Assessment
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Harvard and Summer Internships: A PAF’s Guide from MCS PAF Alex Draghia ’28

Dear Harvard College student looking for a summer internship,

When I arrived at Harvard, I was unable to keep all the opportunities that I could apply for on my radar, especially when it came to summer internships. There are so …

By Zach Vigliani
Zach Vigliani Assistant Director, Harvard College Exploring & Self-Assessment
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Leadership Development and Rotational Programs

Below is a sample of the organizations that have structured leadership development programs. These entry-level programs often allow employees to …

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GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS

Meredith Deaver ALM, Digital Media Design ’24

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Lead Content Designer AT&T, Design Technology
Meet Meredith

Megan Haggerty ALB ’24

  • New York, NY
  • Founder Hous3d
Meet Megan

Allegra DeAngelo ALM, Sustainability ’24

  • New York, NY
  • Freelance Designer & Sustainability Specialist
Meet Allegra

Anastassia Nefedova ALM, Sustainability ’24

  • Seattle and Geneva, WA
  • CEO Regenerate
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Skill Building Courses

Architectural Design Process

Taught by Branka Knezevic
What is the role of an architect in the creation of a building? And what are the regulation factors governing…

Architectural Practice Foundations

Taught by Branka Knezevic
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an architect, or what it’s like to run your own firm?…
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