Education · 1 of 5

The path

Short, cheap and hireable. This is the fastest way into the building design world.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Geometry, drafting or technology classes, and any computer course you can take.

2. 2

   Two-year associate degree

   2 years

   Architectural or civil drafting and design technology at a community or technical college. You learn drafting standards, building codes, structures basics and the software.

3. 3

   An internship or co-op term

   A summer or semester

   Most programs arrange one. This is how the majority of graduates get hired.

4. 4

   First job as a junior drafter

   Year 1 to 2

   You redraw, detail and correct other people's drawings for a year or two. That is how you learn what actually gets built.

5. 5

   Grow into modeling or design

   Year 3 and up

   Take over the building information model, move toward designer or project coordinator, or go back for an architecture degree later.