Architect

Should maths and sciences be compulsory through Grade XII? What courses do you think you will need if you want to go to university?

Barbara Anderson thinks one of the best things about being an architect is that it lets her be an artist and a scientist at the same time. “It's a good balance between being technical and creative.” Not only does she design buildings from scratch, but she oversees the construction of the building from beginning to end. She also designs renovations for existing buildings.

Barbara likes the independence of being self-employed, of being“ her own boss.” She enjoys the wide variety of projects and likes the creativity of her work. Architects also earn good wages.

But it's not all design work! Barbara's success depends on getting clients, so that means her communication skills are important too. Barbara enjoys people. “It's exciting to work with people and to design a building that fulfils their requirements and realizes their dreams.”

As a high school student, Barbara found it helpful to take both arts and science courses, but an even better experience was getting a summer job in an architect's office during the summers. “The first summer I was a gopher-running things around town. The next summer, they put me on the drafting boards!” Her summer experiences helped Barbara decide that becoming an architect was the job for her.

It takes a university degree to become an architect and then you work as an intern at first. Barbara worked in a small office after graduation. She quickly became confident in her abilities and felt ready to run her own business. As an architect, Barbara says, “The work is challenging ... but the best part is when you walk through the door of the building that you created on paper!”