3 answers
Cristian
Student
McAllen, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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As a highschool senior how can I get experience in architecture?
Im a highschool senior whos extremely passionate about architecture from my classes and extra curriculars, however how can I implement and market myself to architects without having any real experience to learn the field.
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3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Cristian,
It's great that you are so passionate about architecture. There are architecture programs for high-school students as well as summer and pre-college programs. Have a look at these programs in Texas:
https://research.rice.edu/rstem/architecture-immersion
https://www.arch.tamu.edu/academics/high-school-outreach/camp-arch
https://fallingwater.org/fallingwater-architecture-camp-residency-program-high-school-students-sparks-lifelong-passions-launches-careers
https://klesse.utsa.edu/architecture-planning/summer-academy.html
https://www.uh.edu/architecture/special-programs/summer-discovery/index.php
https://www.nomacentraltx.org/students-aspiring-architects
Real internships in architecture firms usually become available to students of architecture by their junior year when they have acquired some skills that are useful for the company.
You could try to find some kind of administrative job in an architecture firm to get some exposure and learn how architecture firms operate. Ideally, you might get some on-the-job training to take on more responsibilities as you move along in your studies.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's great that you are so passionate about architecture. There are architecture programs for high-school students as well as summer and pre-college programs. Have a look at these programs in Texas:
https://research.rice.edu/rstem/architecture-immersion
https://www.arch.tamu.edu/academics/high-school-outreach/camp-arch
https://fallingwater.org/fallingwater-architecture-camp-residency-program-high-school-students-sparks-lifelong-passions-launches-careers
https://klesse.utsa.edu/architecture-planning/summer-academy.html
https://www.uh.edu/architecture/special-programs/summer-discovery/index.php
https://www.nomacentraltx.org/students-aspiring-architects
Real internships in architecture firms usually become available to students of architecture by their junior year when they have acquired some skills that are useful for the company.
You could try to find some kind of administrative job in an architecture firm to get some exposure and learn how architecture firms operate. Ideally, you might get some on-the-job training to take on more responsibilities as you move along in your studies.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Tina Y. Li, AIA, IIDA
Interior Design
5
Answers
Rockville, Maryland
Updated
Tina Y.’s Answer
Search for smaller architecture firms in your area, reach out to see if you can shadow for a day to learn more about the profession, and then from there, if there's a possibility for a part time internship that gets you exposed to their office, it's a way in. For example, you could offer to organize their sample library.
Alternatively, see what types of events your local AIA is hosting and attend a firm crawl or construction tour. These events are typically free for students to attend. It is also an opportunity to speak in person with a local professional to learn about what they do.
Alternatively, see what types of events your local AIA is hosting and attend a firm crawl or construction tour. These events are typically free for students to attend. It is also an opportunity to speak in person with a local professional to learn about what they do.
Thank you so much for your advice!
Cristian
Maria Rehmet
Architect
26
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hey Cristian!
Karin P. gave some really great answers and I would just like to add that you should start building a portfolio from all the projects you will be doing at that those programs, big or small, and add photos. Even your sketches can be added to your portfolio! Show off your design skills and your computer skills in your portfolio. Also, think about joining some design competitions for your experience level. Googling "Architecture Design competition for High Schoolers" is a great way to start and you can select them based off of project goals that interest you. No matter how the competition turns out, you should add your entry to your portfolio. That is the best way to get ahead of your peers - just start!
Good luck!
Karin P. gave some really great answers and I would just like to add that you should start building a portfolio from all the projects you will be doing at that those programs, big or small, and add photos. Even your sketches can be added to your portfolio! Show off your design skills and your computer skills in your portfolio. Also, think about joining some design competitions for your experience level. Googling "Architecture Design competition for High Schoolers" is a great way to start and you can select them based off of project goals that interest you. No matter how the competition turns out, you should add your entry to your portfolio. That is the best way to get ahead of your peers - just start!
Good luck!