Learning opportunities do not stop once you have become an architect. Widening and honing your skills set is an excellent way to stay at the top of the field and maintain a competitive edge. The most optimal way to select architecture continuing education courses is to use resources provided by professional societies and organizations for architects.
Certification boards can provide information on continuing education. These organizations outline steps necessary to maintain your certification through continuing education. Numerous regional, national, and international professional associations also exist and are excellent sources for information on classes, conferences, and other opportunities for architecture continuing education. Colleagues and other personal business contacts can also be a good resource.
Magazines or architecture journals or digests are also a very good resource for finding architecture continuing education opportunities. Architecture degree programs, conferences, and online classes are frequently highlighted or featured in architecture publications. Even if you do not have a subscription to a certain publication, you can visit the publication's website for useful articles, online tools, and links to related information.
Many community colleges, universities, and online universities have continuing education opportunities for architects. Online courses have the advantage of flexibility. Courses at colleges and universities may require a set time commitment each week, but allow face-to-face time with professors and other students. Accredited programs provide information on course level and content so that you do not enroll in a course that is not up to your level or of interest to you. Your employer may also provide information on which college courses would qualify as continuing education credit or would be most beneficial.
Technology is an excellent area on which to focus your continuing education. New Computer-Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) technology is constantly available, so you may want to focus on updating these skills. New computer or online architecture or design programs may offer helpful online tutorials that can be completed in your spare time.
Another option would be to update your skills on new green technology. Environmental or green courses are being offered more frequently and provide an opportunity to learn about more efficient and economical building and design techniques. Many associations or businesses also offer seminars on new environmentally friendly products as they come out on the market.
When exploring architecture continuing education, choose courses according to your own personal goals and aspirations. Continuing education courses can be used to either deepen your knowledge within your specialty or broaden your knowledge to other specialties. Taking additional courses can help you become a better candidate for your optimal job.