Why Does Architecture Have So Many Drop-outs?
At my first year in architecture school, there is 250 people. At the end of my bachelors, there's only 180 left. After that, there's often only 90 left at the end of the master's degree, and not all of them even pursue architecture afterwards. So why is people averting from this previously prestigious career nowadays?
First of all, the school can be very toxic without reward. There is the stereotype of all-nighters and harsh comments from tutors, which is true to a certain degree. You are pushed to do as much as you can and overworking is treated as a good thing, often called passionate and hard-working. Comments can often be subjective and harsh, even if your tutor said you're going to do great, the examiner might think it's bad. I'm not beating down on anyone who take breaks, but it's just a rat race to do the most amount of quality work. Doing "enough" is never enough.
Secondly, the pay have gone down since then. Wages in the industry have not kept up with inflation, which is happening in all industries, but why are we getting minimum wage when it's a professional degree? There's even a culture of unpaid internship in the industry albeit it's discouraged by the official institute. If you are to switch to construction management or BIM coordination, you might save up the money and time getting your degree, and get actually paid. Honestly, 7 years in the pipeline for an average salary and the right to call yourself architect is not ideal.
Thirdly, the job market. To study the Masters in Architecture in the UK, you are typically required to have a minimum 12 months in the architectural industry. That means you will need to get a job in the current broken economy where developments are slowing down. I personally sent more than a hundred applications and got 1 interview back. For maybe half the bachelor graduates, they would get stuck on this stage and can't progress in their career. And mind you, the Masters degree or an apprenticeship is required for getting licensed, you can't skip it.
So for many, the struggles of studying architecture much outweighs the rewards. The overworking, harsh treatment, long process and the hellish job markets drives people away from the architectural industry. Even for me, I am trying to figure out alternative ways that might work for myself. I love buildings, but it just ain't a great trade offer.
-Toby
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