Am I too old for Architecture grad school?

College Majors Architecture Majors
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<p>There are a lot of very informative posts here but I haven’t seen one addressing whether one may be too old for this particular field of study and work.</p>

<p>I am 36 yrs old, recently unemployed after working in the banking industry. I have been contemplating studying for a M-arch degree but need some advice as to whether at my age it is a realistic idea to pursue. </p>

<p>Given the fact that most M-arch I programs seem to be 3 years in length that would put me around 40 by the time I graduate. Can anyone share their experiences if they have done this or know of anyone that has gone thru this? Has anyone in the industry actually hired 40 yr olds? </p>

<p>I’m worried that even if I graduate with a degree from a top program arch firms may be hesitant to hire someone in their 40s with only a degree and little experience. Add that the current state of the economy and I am slowly becoming discouraged the further I write this.</p>

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<p>36 years old…you’re just a kid! I have hired two women who started their studies at your age or older and have done well. One of them has an MBA, is a CPA, and was a rising star at PWC consulting services when she went back to school. Neither had kids, and that would certainly make the path a little steeper (though not impossible).</p>

<p>My only advice would be to trust your instincts. When you start architecture studios it should be challenging but rewarding. If it feels like a grind, get out, it won’t get any better.</p>

<p>Good luck,
rick</p>

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<p>Thanks very much for the reply. Its good to hear stories of other people doing well after starting a bit late in this profession.</p>

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<p>I never got my undergraduate degree back in the day, and I went back to school when I was 37. Just graduated with a Bachelor of Interior Architecture degree, and am going on for my M. Arch this fall. I’ve got all my hair and no potbelly, so my classmates thought I was 25-30. You’re only as old as other people think you are!</p>

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<p>Architects tend to hit their stride later in life than other professionals and continue to work way past normal retirement age. The joke is that they’re still paying back their loans.:)</p>

<p>I love this biography of a late-starter who made good:</p>

<p>[William</a> Rawn Associates](<a href=“http://www.architectmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1012&articleID=965713]William”>http://www.architectmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1012&articleID=965713)</p>

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<p>Kry, Momrath,</p>

<p>Both your replies are much appreciated and exactly what I needed to hear (except maybe the part about still paying back loans :frowning: … :slight_smile: ) . </p>

<p>Following your heart even later in life is good advice and always nice to read about when someone does just that and succeeds.</p>

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<p>There was a 40-something year old woman in my M Arch class. She was great, one of the best students and we all enjoyed having her perspective. It’s funny at our recent 25th reunion she seemed much less older than us than she did back then. While she was the oldest there were also a number of people in the class who had tried out other professions first.</p>