Be part of an industry shaping the way we live, work, and play.

The built environment is all around us. It’s the homes we live in, the parks we play in, the schools we learn in, and the bridges we cross. Behind every one of those spaces is a team of people working to bring it into being. Architects. Engineers. Contractors. And increasingly—researchers, communicators, storytellers, strategists. That’s the AEC industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. It’s how our cities get made.

A Creative Industry with
Real-World Impact

AEC is about more than hard hats and blueprints. It’s about solving today’s biggest challenges like climate change, housing, equity, infrastructure, and shaping spaces that help people live, work, move, and thrive.

It’s also an industry full of opportunities. One project might need deep technical expertise; another might need marketing skills, community outreach, storytelling, or planning. If you’re curious, organized, creative, or strategic, there’s a place for you here. And with over 75,000 firms to choose from, the AEC industry offers a variety of offerings, ranging from boutique to global, single-disciplinary to multidisciplinary, and single-market to multiple-market.

Modern two-story house with large windows, interior lights on, snowy yard, and outdoor decorations.
Modern skyscraper with cantilevered sections against clear blue sky.
People walking in a vibrant city street at night with colorful neon signs and advertisements.
Blue geometric pattern with white grid lines forming triangular shapes.
Aerial view of a complex highway interchange surrounded by green urban landscape and buildings.

You Don’t Have to Be an Architect to Make an Impact

AEC teams are increasingly collaborative, and the industry is evolving fast. Some of the most in-demand roles right now aren’t what you’d expect, and most people don’t learn them in school.

  • Writers and Marketers

    Shape proposals, win projects, and tell the story of the work.

  • Communicators

    Connect with clients, communities, and the public.

  • Researchers

    Help firms understand their markets and competitors.

  • Strategists

    Help teams focus, plan, and grow.

Why Start Now?

AEC is a stable, essential industry that consistently ranks among the 15 most prominent industries in the country and continues to grow, driven by urbanization, infrastructure renewal, and sustainable development trends.

More than that, it’s an industry where you can see the results of your work. It’s one of the few careers where your ideas can become real spaces: places people walk through, gather in, and remember. Whether you're exploring your next step, switching fields, or just want to do work that matters, AEC is full of possibility.

“

After earning my Master of Public Policy in Public Policy Analysis from USC, Tiany introduced me to the AEC industry. Recognizing my potential, she created a market research role—an opportunity that provided a strong foundation in understanding client needs, analyzing market trends, and receiving valuable mentorship.

This role evolved into a career in data analytics, where I now translate complex data into actionable insights that support product development and help firms make informed decisions.

– TIAN PARK, MANAGER,
DATA SCIENCE AT PAYPAL