Architecture clubs, networking, and internships have filled the days of Aurora Perreault '22, M'23 these past few years at the University of Hartford. She still remembers how it all started: building with LEGOS as a child.
Today, Perreault is in her final year of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture’s accelerated 4+1 Architectural Design + Technology and Master of Architecture program. Offered by the Department of Architecture, this accelerated program provides students the opportunity to obtain both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture in just five years.
Campus involvement is fundamental in helping students make industry connections and build a foundation for career success. Perreault has explored numerous university clubs and organizations to help propel her academic and career experience. Throughout her program, Perreault has been involved in various industry-related organizations such as the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), and Women in Architecture and Design (WAD). She is also involved in Spectrum, UHart's LGBTQ+ organization, Yoga Club, and the Women's Ultimate Frisbee Team.
As the former president of NOMAS, Perreault shares, “One of my favorite experiences was developing an architecture career week which focused on developing people’s skills and getting them connections with industry professionals.” She was also the event coordinator for AIAS and added that she was able to travel to various cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, and even Toronto for networking conferences.
“All these conferences introduced me to other students and gave me the opportunity to explore new cities, and learn more about the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Also, the fundraising events that we did to fund those trips, such as weekly fried Oreo bake sales, were a fun way to meet other architecture students.”
Aurora Perreault '22, M'23, Architectural Design + Technology, CETAThe architecture department does a great job at providing you with an understanding of many of the different aspects of the field of architecture, as well as presenting different specialties such as sustainability or construction management
Perrault grew up watching her father work in the construction industry. Eventually, she joined the ACE Mentorship program in high school, which introduces high school students to specific jobs within the construction industry such as architects, engineers, and project managers.
At UHart, Perreault has learned even more about future opportunities and career paths. “The architecture department does a great job at providing you with an understanding of many of the different aspects of the field of architecture, as well as presenting different specialties such as sustainability or construction management,” she added. “In our studio classes, one of the most beneficial aspects is the design juries in front of industry professionals, which help prepare us for presenting a design to a client or other involved parties.”
After graduation, Perreault will begin working as an architectural designer in New Haven at Patriquin Architects, an architectural firm that she interned with during her junior year, and she plans to become a licensed architect.