Navigating the Path to Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Architecture Internships

An architecture internship is a crucial step in the journey of aspiring architects. It provides invaluable practical experience, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of architecture internships, covering everything from preparation and the search process to making the most of the experience and understanding the requirements.

The Importance of Early Professional Experience

It is highly recommended that students strive to gain professional work experience early and often, even beyond the internship requirement. The more students understand the role of architects in practice, the better they can leverage their learning. This may mean doing internships beyond the one required for graduation.

Internship Requirements and Eligibility

For students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, completing an internship is often a mandatory part of their degree requirements. Although required for the completion of your degree, the course is counted as zero credits. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies are not required to complete an internship but are encouraged to do so, especially if they plan on applying to graduate M.Arch. programs.

To be eligible for an architecture internship program for credit, a student must have successfully completed all required courses.

Securing and Completing an Internship

After securing employment at an approved site, students must log a minimum number of hours at the site. The completion of the student’s internship is recorded and credited through the Internship Course, which is a zero-unit pass/fail class. To take this class, students who expect to complete their internship requirements prior to the end of the coming semester should register during Priority Registration. During the Add/Drop period; students who have registered for the Internship Placeholder and who have a completed learning agreement on file, will be registered by Student Records in the internship course; check your schedule during Add/Drop for these changes. Registration in the Internship course is not available for online registration.

To initiate the internship process, students must first meet with their academic advisor in the spring or fall semester, prior to starting their internship search. Prior to beginning their search for internship positions, students should contact the program director, who oversees the internship program for Architectural Studies. Prior to beginning their internship, students must complete an Internship Agreement form with their future employer/mentor and return the form to the program director for approval.

Approved Internship Sites

For a site to be approved, it must provide architectural services eligible based upon NCARB's AXP Guidelines. Internships completed at landscape architecture, interior design, structural engineering, fabrication shops or building construction firms will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be approved prior to commencement of internship. Teaching assistants and researchers paid by the college may count their experience towards internship.

Compensation for Interns

It is essential that student interns and employees are compensated for their work in any architectural, landscape, or design practice. While compensation should be negotiated with your employer, students should be paid a fair hourly wage.

Preparing for the Internship Search

The first step is to prepare your presentation materials, including your resume, cover letter, and project portfolio. It's highly recommended to work with Career Development to prepare for your internship. They can help with your résumé, portfolio, job search, and more! Adhere to conventional, elegant graphic layout, but allow your words and images tell your story. Follow firm guidelines for the submission of your application materials. Many firms have FTP sites that facilitate the application process.

Networking and Making Connections

Networking is crucial in the internship search. Research firms you believe to have a connection to your work. Talk to your professors, peers, and alumni to see what they know. Talk to upperclassmen who have already done internships.

Instead of directly asking for an internship, ask for a meeting to review your work. This approach can be more effective, as it allows you to get your foot in the door and receive valuable feedback from a professional. One strategy is to ask the person you are contacting if they can meet with you to review your portfolio or work you have done to date in college. You want feedback from a professional. That's it. This sets up a good first meeting feeling and agenda. All the person is committing to is a meeting to discuss and give feedback on your work.

The Interview Process

Practice your presentation at least three times with someone. Get comfortable with your material. Do not go in cold; it may be your only shot. Career Development can help you practice by doing mock interviews. Plan ahead. Suits are not necessary. Ask your instructors if you have questions.

Be on time, or even a few minutes early. Do not be late. Show the person your work and engage them in discussion. If you have prepared in advance, you will have questions about the company. Before beginning the conversation, clarify how much time you have for your conversation. Be pleasant and as articulate as possible. Be clear when you explain your work. Be accepting of criticism. Take notes! Ask for a tour of the office.

During the conversation, if it seems appropriate, ask if they hire interns. In some cases, the person you are meeting will volunteer this information before you ask. Check in every month or so and ask about a follow-up meeting for an internship. Now, since they know you, the second meeting will be easy!

Handling Rejection and Ambiguous Responses

If you get an ambiguous or no response, and they keep saying things like, "Call me next week," or "We are busy, but aren't ready to hire," it means they aren't ready to hire, so keep your options open and go on other interviews and meetings. Don't wait around for this one opportunity. This means they are busy, and the internship isn't the first thing on their to do list. You want to be persistent without harassing anyone.

Rejection is a part of the process. It's impossible to please everyone, and people are entitled to their opinions. Part of the job of finding an internship is finding a place where you want to work. If one potential employer doesn't feel the fit, that is OK. Just accept it, thank them, and move on to your next choice. You will likely have many meetings and interviews before you get the one you want. Keep in touch with them either way. You never know where it might lead.

Landing the Internship and Making the Most of It

Once you get the internship, congratulations! At Alloy Architecture, you will work as part of a team to develop architectural designs and produce drawings and documentation throughout all project phases. Develop timely and high-quality architectural designs.

AXP Documentation

Students are encourage to start a record with NCARB to record their hours toward the requirements for licensure.

Example Internship Opportunity: Alloy Architecture

Alloy Architecture is seeking an energetic, self-motivated, and detail-oriented individual to join their team as an Intern Architect. Candidates must have strong architectural design and technical skills along with the ability to handle a variety of tasks.

Alloy Architecture offers a great working environment and a full benefit package including health and life Insurance, 401K, vacation, personal time, holidays, paid overtime (time-and-a-half), and AIA dues and licensure reimbursement.

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