I need some extracurricular ideas!!!!!

I need help! Basically, I'm currently in year 12, and I'm looking to do architecture in the future for university. The problem is that I live in a country which basically has no work experience. Like ZERO. I'm really passionate about the subject, so I run an architectural blog, have done further reading, an EPQ artefact based on architecture,,, etc.... but I feel like im really letting myself down with the lack of work experience!! Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on what I can do to compensate for this?? Thanks.
PS: I only say this because I really want to aim high for unis. Like UCL or Cambridge if in the UK.
Subjects:
Maths Physics FM Art

Reply 1

MeFamile

Hi fivesixseven,

It’s fantastic that you’re so passionate about architecture and already taking proactive steps like running a blog, pursuing an EPQ artefact, and doing further reading. These are all impressive and will stand out on your university applications, especially for competitive places like UCL or Cambridge.

While work experience can be beneficial, it’s not the only way to showcase your enthusiasm and commitment. Here are a few extracurricular ideas to strengthen your profile:

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Online Courses or Workshops: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn offer free or affordable courses in architecture, design, or CAD software. Learning technical skills like SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Revit could be a big advantage.

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Competitions: Look for architecture or design competitions for students. Even participating demonstrates initiative, and winning or placing can be a huge bonus. Check out sites like Competitions.Archi or Architecture Competitions.

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Community Projects: If formal work experience isn’t an option, consider volunteering to help design or improve spaces in your community. Even small projects, like creating layouts for a school event or designing community art installations, can show practical application of your skills.

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Expand Your Blog: Consider turning your blog into a portfolio by including original sketches, designs, or analyses of famous architectural works. This will show your creative side and technical understanding.

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Networking and Virtual Opportunities: Reach out to architects on LinkedIn or Instagram and ask for a virtual shadowing opportunity or advice. Many professionals are open to mentoring students.

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Reading and Research: Dive deeper into architectural theory or history and reflect on this in your personal statement. Books like "Towards a New Architecture" by Le Corbusier or "The Architecture of Happiness" by Alain de Botton can give you more insights to share.

Don’t stress about what you don’t have—focus on the impressive things you’re already doing and keep building on them. Passion and initiative often weigh just as much as formal experience in admissions. Keep aiming high, and good luck on your journey to becoming an architect! 😊

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by fivesixseven

You won't be expected to have work experience for an architecture application. The Cambridge website has a lot of suggestions for supercurriculars:

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/improve-application