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How to find the right internship for your major?

I am currently a firsyt year majoring in architecture, I want to apply for interships this summer but having trouble on where to start.

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Simona’s Answer

Good morning Nevaeh,
You are in a great place to ask about internships in architecture--as this is your major. I'd make several recommendations to you in finding out about internships.
1. Ask Department: You can go to your department office and ask if they have internships available
2. Ask Professors: You can also ask any of your current professors about opportunities. They may be able to share what's around. And if nothing exists currently, it may generate ideas to have this created.
3. Career Center: You can also go to your career center and inquire. Even if nothing exists in your major, there may be major adjacent internships to apply for.

This quick article can provide some additional tips as well: https://www.universitymagazine.ca/how-to-find-internship-opportunities-as-a-college-student/

I wish you the best of luck with your search!

Simona recommends the following next steps:

Read article
Ask within your department (office, professors)
Recommend creating internships if they don't exist
Visit Career Center for additional resources
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Martha’s Answer

Good for you for seeking summer internships already, Nevaeh! I agree with everything Simona said. To add my two cents:

- When Simona said "adjacent internships," she likely meant something like engineering or interior design. This may be beneficial both from the knowledge you gain but also possibly for relationships (for example, if the internship is with a real estate or architecture firm)
- I would suggest creating job agents on Indeed.com and LinkedIn. Below are the results of my "internships in architecture near Houston Texas" search today. These results typically contain some bad matches but also give you a good sense of the market. Once you identify an internship of interest, you could see if there are alumni of your university there who could help you get the job.
- Think creatively. For example, in the search, I saw something with a historical society, which makes a lot of sense if they are involved in renovations.
- Let everyone you know what you are looking for. Maybe an architect goes to the same hair salon as you do so your hair dresser could introduce you. Maybe your relative's neighbor has contacts in the field. You don't know unless you ask.

Good luck!

Martha recommends the following next steps:

Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/q-architectural-intern-l-houston,-tx-jobs.html?vjk=5edfe5f5896d9ee2
LinkedIn.com - https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/architecture-intern-jobs-greater-houston/?currentJobId=4132430009
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Max’s Answer

LinkedIn and your college career center are going to be your best resources. Searching for people with the job title you want and that are alumni of your university and politely asking to chat about career goals can be an effective way to network and make connections. Your career center exists specifically to help you find internships and post-graduation placements so setting up meetings there early and often can be a great help.

They'll also be able to help you with resume building/writing, interview prep and help you find any on or off-campus events that might be relevant networking opportunities. And best of all it should all be free!
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Dr’s Answer

Finding the right internship for your architecture major can be an exciting and rewarding step in building your career. Here’s how you can approach the process to make sure you find the perfect fit:

1. Know What You Want in an Internship

Before diving into applications, think about what kind of experience you want to gain:

Design experience: Do you want to work on the creative side of architecture—concepts, models, and designs?

Technical skills: Would you prefer learning about the more technical aspects, like CAD software, structural engineering, or construction management?

Firm size: Would you prefer working at a large firm with big projects or a smaller boutique studio where you can get more hands-on experience?


2. Start with Your School’s Resources

Your university is a goldmine of resources when it comes to finding internships:

Career services: Check with your school’s career center. They often have partnerships with companies and can help you connect with architecture firms offering internships.

Faculty connections: Professors and advisors are often well-connected in the industry. They can recommend specific firms or even connect you directly with their contacts.

Job boards: Your school might have an online job board specifically for architecture students, listing internships and full-time opportunities in the field.


3. Leverage Online Platforms

Now that you’ve used school resources, it’s time to widen your search. Here are some key platforms to look at:

LinkedIn: Not just for networking! Many architecture firms post internships on LinkedIn, and you can use the platform to connect with industry professionals, even asking about internship opportunities directly.

Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter: These job boards often list internships in architecture. You can filter by location, type of work, and more to narrow down the search.

Archinect and Bustler: These websites are specifically for architecture jobs and internships, so they’re a must-visit for students in the field.


4. Reach Out to Architecture Firms Directly

If you have specific firms in mind, don’t wait for them to post an internship opportunity—be proactive!

Cold emailing: Research firms you admire and send them a personalized email expressing your interest in interning with them. Make sure to mention why you're interested in their firm and what you hope to learn.

Portfolio: A strong portfolio is your best friend. Many firms will want to see examples of your work, so make sure to have an updated, well-organized portfolio ready.

Networking events: Attend architecture events, conferences, or even local meetups. Building relationships can help you get your foot in the door, even if no internships are publicly listed.


5. Tailor Your Application

Each internship is different, and you’ll need to customize your application materials for each one:

Resume: Highlight any relevant coursework, design projects, and skills you’ve gained in your studies. Mention any previous architecture-related work experience (even part-time jobs or volunteer work).

Cover letter: Write a tailored cover letter that speaks to why you’re a great fit for the internship. Explain your passion for architecture, why you want to work for that specific firm, and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Portfolio: Make sure your portfolio is updated and showcases your best work. Include sketches, models, CAD drawings, or any relevant design work you've done so far. The more you can demonstrate your skills, the better!


6. Look for Internships with Mentorship Opportunities

The best internships aren’t just about getting your foot in the door—they’re about growth and learning. Look for positions that offer:

Mentorship: Internships where you’re paired with experienced architects who can guide you and provide feedback on your work.

Variety: Try to find an internship where you’ll get exposure to different areas of architecture (design, planning, project management, etc.) to help you decide where you want to specialize in the future.

Opportunities to learn new software: Knowing programs like AutoCAD, Revit, and Rhino is essential in architecture, so look for internships that provide training or hands-on experience with these tools.


7. Be Persistent & Stay Positive

Finding the perfect internship can take time, especially in a competitive field like architecture. Here’s a little secret: don’t get discouraged!

Apply to multiple internships: The more you apply, the better your chances are.

Follow up: If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, send a polite follow-up email asking about the status of your application. This shows initiative and determination.

Stay flexible: While you want to find the perfect fit, don’t be afraid to take a slightly different path if it offers valuable experience. Some of the best learning opportunities come from unexpected places!


8. Salary and Compensation

While many internships are unpaid (especially in design-heavy fields like architecture), some do offer stipends or hourly pay. Research the company’s internship structure and be prepared for the possibility of unpaid positions, especially if you’re early in your career. Keep in mind that the experience and connections you make will be invaluable in the long run!


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Final Word (With Fun! 🎉)

Internships in architecture are the blueprints of your future career! Think of them as practice projects that give you real-world experience, while also allowing you to network and make those crucial industry connections. Whether you're drafting designs, building your portfolio, or simply soaking up all the knowledge around you, an internship can be the perfect stepping stone toward a successful career. 🏛️ So grab your hard hat, brush up on your skills, and go make those dream designs a reality! 💡

Good luck with your internship search, and remember—the sky’s the limit! 🚀
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Neveah,

You can search for internships in your area on Indeed.com and LinkedIn.com. While you are at it you can also create a professional profile on LinkedIn. Many of the firms that advertise might be looking for advanced students who can work independently on projects. But don't be discouraged. You can ask those firms that advertise if they might have a spot for you. Maybe they can pair you up with a higher-year intern. You can also post on LinkedIn and on your profile page what you are looking for.

Another option is to look up architecture firms near you and call them up or visit them. Someone might need an extra hand.

Your professors might also have contacts and be able to place you somewhere. Or maybe you can work with someone in your department on a project. Architecture professors usually have an architecture firm anyway. There might be options for internships.

You can also try other opportunities, e.g. engineering firms or construction firms, city planning office, interior design companies etc.

Good luck with your search! It's great to start early to look into different options. As you progress through your degree program you can get experiences in different areas of architecture.

All the best!

KP
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Patrick’s Answer

Finding the right internship as an architecture major involves a combination of research, networking, and aligning your interests with real-world opportunities. Start by identifying firms, companies, or organizations that focus on the areas of architecture that interest you most, such as urban planning, sustainable design, or landscape architecture. Check the websites of local architecture firms, government agencies, and larger design firms to see if they offer internship programs. Many universities also provide resources like job boards, internship listings, and career services that can connect you with opportunities specifically tailored to your field. Be proactive in reaching out to professors, industry professionals, or alumni who might have leads on internships, as personal referrals can often open doors that may not be advertised.

Additionally, take time to reflect on the type of experience you want to gain. Internships in architecture can range from hands-on design work to research, project management, or working with software tools commonly used in the field. Think about the skills you wish to develop—whether it’s learning about building materials, drafting software, or collaborating on large-scale projects—and target opportunities that will allow you to grow in those areas. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t land your ideal internship immediately. Persistence is key in this competitive field, and each experience will add value to your professional development and help you build the connections needed for future opportunities.
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