Let’s be honest: studying architecture is nothing like practicing it in the real world, and many students realize that a little too late. Architecture internships give you a first-hand glimpse into the market, showing how different it is to design for a client compared to designing for a university project. They also expose you to the real-life process of building and implementing a design, whether urban, architectural, or interior. This experience teaches you what is realistic and what is not, and helps you use that knowledge when pitching concepts or presenting ideas. In other words, internships help you transition from hypothetical thinking to making informed design decisions with real-world consequences.
Another benefit is the chance to explore different fields of design. Many students struggle to decide what they want to do after graduation and that’s completely normal. The market is diverse, with countless options and career paths. Interning in different sectors helps you make realistic comparisons that university alone can’t provide. For example, working in a corporate architecture firm is a completely different experience from working in a boutique interior design studio, both in terms of workflow and demands.
Internships also give you the flexibility to learn without the full responsibility of being an employee. You get to shadow professionals, observe their workflow, and contribute to real projects, all with the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. Think of it as a “free trial” of the career path you’re considering before committing to it after graduation.
When do I start looking for internships?
The ideal time to start interning is around the second year of architecture school, though it can vary depending on your university. Once you step into the digital architectural world and start using different programs to design, this is your cue!
Also make sure you start applying early on around April-May if you’re looking for a summer internship, or December-January for a winter break program.
All the ways you can land an internship
Sometimes the process of winning the intern title can be the most stressful thing a student can experience. All the application forms filled and the emails sent and yet there’s still no response. Trust us, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. In fact, it’s often easier than you might think.
The truth is, there are many different ways to secure an internship. You just need to plan ahead and understand how the market works, as well as how to tailor your application to each specific sector. So let’s break it down and tackle this simply:
Firstly, the classic email application
The common ground across all the methods we’ll discuss is the application package: your CV, portfolio, and cover letter/email. We’ll dive deeper into each of these in future blogs, but for now, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
The first and most important tip is not to batch-send the same application.
It’s crucial that your application is tailored to the specific studio, company, or firm you’re applying to. Many students make the mistake of thinking it’s not a big deal, but in reality, this is the key to standing out from the pile of applications.
Cover Letter / Email
Your cover letter, whether attached as a PDF or written directly in the body of your email, needs to grab attention. Ask yourself: What would make the hiring team stop and actually consider my application? Will an empty email with just your CV attached be enough? Most probably not.
This is the heart of your application. It’s where you sell yourself and convince them to consider you. Personalize your cover letter as much as possible: briefly mention your skills, what you can contribute during the internship, what you’re hoping to gain, and why you chose this specific company. Sometimes, especially for a first internship, you may not have much to offer beyond your eagerness to learn, and that’s perfectly fine. In fact, many offices value the will to learn and the drive to practice. If this is your case, make it very clear in your cover letter. Show your passion for learning from the team and working alongside them. That alone can be enough for them to consider you.
CV
No experience? No problem. Highlight any relevant courses you’ve taken, extracurricular activities, volunteering experiences, events you’ve attended, clubs you’ve joined, or projects you’ve contributed to. All of these demonstrate initiative and show that you’re actively working on developing yourself, both as an individual and as an architect.
Portfolio
Your portfolio gives the firm a glimpse of what they can expect from you. Its content will depend on how far along you are in your studies, but generally, aim for diversity to showcase the range of your skills. If you’re applying for something specific, say a CGI-focused studio, and you’ve done renders in university or through a course, highlight those. In such cases, they probably won’t be interested in seeing architectural working drawings. However, if you don’t have renders, that’s okay too; this is where a diverse portfolio becomes your strength.
Internship Hunting
Now that you have your documents ready, let’s talk about internship hunting.
- LinkedIn. Cliché? Maybe. But it’s extremely important. Start your LinkedIn account early and keep it active. Post updates about your final presentations, certifications, exhibitions, or anything that highlights your progress. Think of it as your professional journal and personal marketing tool. During applications, employers will often check your profile, so make sure it reflects your growth and enthusiasm. LinkedIn is also where most large firms and companies announce internship programs, making it one of the main pools for opportunities.
- Connections. We’re not talking about the “my uncle knows someone who knows someone” scenario. We’re talking about real, direct connections you already have, but might not realize. That professor who appreciates your work and runs an architectural practice, the architect you met at a talk, the friend who graduated before you, these people could all be your link to an internship. Building connections requires some effort on your part: talk to people, approach them after events, keep in touch, and collect contacts. Even if you don’t need them right away, you’ll be grateful to have them later.
- Cold Emails. Not every office advertises internship programs. That’s fine. Proactively emailing studios or firms, even if they don’t have a posting, shows initiative. Many offices appreciate this approach and may even create a position for you if you come across as motivated and eager to learn.
- Social Media. Smaller studios often rely on platforms like Instagram to share updates and showcase their work. Keep track of the firms you’re interested in and engage with their content. Many of them post internship opportunities through Instagram posts or stories, so stay active and observant.
- Company Websites. When it comes to larger, corporate firms, their websites usually have a “Careers” section. This is where you’ll find openings, contact details, and sometimes even application portals. Before you rule out a company, do your research thoroughly on their official site, it might hold the opportunity you’re looking for.
- University Career Services & Fairs. Many universities have partnerships with firms or maintain a job board specifically for internships. Don’t overlook this resource. Career fairs, architectural exhibitions, and professional networking events give you direct face-to-face access to firms. A short, genuine conversation can leave a stronger impression than an email.
Landing an internship might seem like a very complicated process, but really, all you need is to be as genuine as you can and stand out in any way you see fit. Put yourself in their shoe and ask yourself: Would I hire me?