MCS will not host programming or drop-ins during spring break week. Appointments will continue to be available.

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 with 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 job 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.

Tamarin Tales: Gabrielle’s Summer Research in the Amazon

Published on February 4, 2025

Gabrielle Mostow is a junior from Adams House concentrating in Human Evolution Biology. This past summer, Gabrielle completed an eight-week internship with Field Projects International in the Peruvian Amazon, where she assisted in research on the behavior and ecology of …

By Summer Funding
Summer Funding
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Student Reflection: From Mather to Geneva – Meghan’s Summer at CERN

Published on January 22, 2025

Meghan is a senior in Mather House studying Physics. During the summer of 2024, Meghan completed an internship at The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Where did you go? 

This past summer, I conducted research …

By Summer Funding
Summer Funding
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Create Your Own Website or Portfolio with Muse!

Published on August 6, 2024

MCS has partnered with Muse to offer Harvard students free lifetime access to the site.

College and graduate students across the U.S. and internationally with career objectives from creative fields and the arts to engineering and tech can use Muse …

By Anthony Arcieri
Anthony Arcieri Anthony Arcieri, Director of Undergraduate Career Advising and Programming; & Architecture, Engineering, Environment Advising
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Featured Resources

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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Firsthand Vault Guides

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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
Meet Anastassia
View All People

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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Contact & Location

Phone
617-495-2595
Email
mcs@fas.harvard.edu
Address

Harvard University
54 Dunster Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

MCS Hours

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Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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The Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) is committed to ensuring access to a broad range of information and opportunities across all sectors. Our website contains external content that may be useful to our learners. The inclusion of external content does not necessarily constitute endorsement, recommendation, or agreement with the information.

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