Summer Internship

Hello, Dr. Architecture

I am writing to inquire about summer architecture internships or experiences that would be helpful to a 2nd year architecture student.  Would you be able to point me in the right direction?  It seems after searching that internships are often offered to the upper level students. Perhaps a better option would be to seek other career-related opportunities for the course of the summer.  What would be most helpful at this point in my education?


Thanks,
__________

I will share what I can, but if you provided your school/region of the country I might be of more assistance.

First, seeking a summer career-related experience is a precursor to your employment after graduation and is process of preparing your materials (resume, cover letters, portfolio, etc.), researching potential employers and making the match.

Start with your University Career Center to help you with your materials.  Perhaps have faculty or upper level students help with your portfolio; a good book is Portfolio Design (portfoliodesign.com).  At the same time research potential firms or employers that could use your talents/skills.  These may be other than architecture firms.

Once you have done these two steps, now contact the firm with your materials to schedule an interview.  Again, the Career Center can help you with cover letters and interviewing.

It may be difficult but start now and be persistent and ask for lots of help.

Best.

Unpaid Architecture Internships Come Under Fire

Given that architectural graduates are required to work under the supervision of an architect as part of the process of becoming an architect, I thought you might be interested in this article on Architizer.

http://www.architizer.com/en_us/blog/dyn/65222/unpaid-architecture-internships-come-under-fire/#.ULjEZ4WK3R1

Image below via @EricGlatt, who is working to end “unpaid labor guised as internships”

Story by C. J. Hughes
Architecture firms have often relied on unpaid interns, even if some firms don’t exactly advertise the tradition. But after recent lawsuits brought by former interns in other industries, the custom is starting to come under fire in the design world.

...

Internship

Currently I live in  California. I have done B.Arch, (1999) in India. After 12 years, I am planning to start my career to empower my skills.  I am planning to start interior course in community college.
                                
I am wondering does this correct path to enter an internship an architectural firm?  If you give some ideas to get internship process it would be great.
_________________

If you desire to gain employment in the architectural profession, you have the education to apply for positions within architecture firms.  Granted, you applied a number of years ago, but you should be able to search for employment accordingly.

Certainly, you may seek additional skills from a community college as you outline. 

To gain a position, I would suggest the best approach is networking -- Connect with architects through the local AIA chapter or other organizations where you learn about firms.  Sometimes, you can connect via architecture programs.

Best.

Internship in another Country

I'm a 5th year architecture student from the Philippines and will be graduating by March of this year. I am planning on taking on an internship in another country (maybe singapore or canada) and was wondering, with just about 2 months of previous architecture internship experience, is that enough to help me qualify for an internship with a foreign company? Also, I would like to ask if companies today are really open to foreign interns?

_________

 

My true expertise is becoming an architect in the U.S., not other countries.  With that said, I cannot address the work permit issue that comes from working in one country when an individual is from another county.

However, I always think it is worth applying for positions, internship or otherwise.  Granted, you would have two months previous experience, but that should not stop you from applying.  You may wish to network to the extent you can to gain access to firms in which you are interested.

You never truly know the answer to your question unless you contact them.  Also, why do you wish to work in another country?

Best!

 

Dr. Architecture

Preparation for the ARE

Again, thank you for your advice regarding volunteerism and architecture firms.  I am in complete agreement with you. No one should work for free.

 

I have another question. I have many books, outside of my school curriculum.  What books would you suggest I consider regarding preparation for the ARE?

 

Granted, I'm about to begin my second semester(first year)in pursuit of a masters in architecture. I thought that it would make sense to begin preparing for the ARE, if possible, as early as possible. Apart from my books prescribed from my school curriculum, I also have books from Wiley & Sons(Architectural Graphic Standards, 11th Edition, full: the CD-ROM is too expensive, Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction, 2nd Edition, Building Construction Illustrated, Architecture: Form, Space & Order, A Visual Dictionary of Architecture: these 3 are from Francis Ching).

__________

First, NCARB, the organization that administers the ARE has an exam guide for each division of the ARE (see one attached).  As you can see, there is a list of references to assist you in exam preparation.

http://www.ncarb.org/ARE/Preparing-for-the-ARE.aspx
The following references are presented to assist candidates in preparation for the examination. This list represents texts that have content covered in this division of the examination. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible reference materials for the subject area. NCARB makes no guarantee that the various references are currently in print.

ARE Resources (from the AIA)
http://www.aia.org/professionals/licensed/AIAS074829Please note, the AIA collects and disseminates this information as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

Kaplan AEC
http://www.kaplanaecarchitecture.com/Kaplan offers several educational tools help you better understand the exam, review content, and reinforce subject retention – including study guides, question & answer handbooks, practice vignettes, flashcards, online test banks, and interactive exercises.
 

ARE Forum
http://www.areforum.org/
It is a resource for the learning community on the web with active users comprised of both practitioners in architecture and academics involved in research and teaching. The forum is free.

Another resource to consider to the next phase of your path - experience.

http://www.epcompanion.org/

The Emerging Professional’s Companion is a online resource developed by the AIA and NCARB primarily for use by interns in gaining IDP credit. The Companion can also be used by educators, young architects, AIA components, and firms in a variety of ways to enhance or create new learning opportunities.

As you can see, there are a lot of resources.  I would suggest you connect with fellow students and emerging professionals to see what guides/resources work best.

Keep it up!

 

Dr. Architecture

 

Internship in the U.S.

As a graduate engineer of architecture in Architecture /M.Arch. - 5 Years Bologna study program/ from Architectural Faculty at the Belgrade University,

May I ask you if you are able to help me in my quest for some internship program in the field of architectural design, please.

_________

To secure an internship in the U.S., your best starting point are AIA (American Institute of Architects) local chapters.  Determine the state/city you wish to search and google the local AIA chapter.  Most AIA websites have job postings and a listing of AIA member owned firms with their websites.

AIA Career Center
http://careercenter.aia.org/search.cfm

From there, you would need to contact and apply with your credentials.

Best!

Bridging the Gap - New Book

Bridging the Gap: Public-Interest Architectural Internships, an essay collection edited by Professor Georgia Bizios and intern architect Katie Wakeford brings together twenty-two contributors across the United States to address a broad range of considerations regarding public-interest internships.

“Bizios and Wakeford have assembled a timely, convincing, and highly useful collection of essays that demonstrate the power of public service to expand the education of architects through direct community engagement, greatly multiplying the dividends of internship. ‘Bridging the Gap’ enriches the literature on public-interest practice, and establishes the relevance of social equity to our continuing discourse on professional development.”

Professor Daniel S. Friedman
Dean, College of Built Environments, University of Washington

Having just read the above book, I can honestly say that it is a must-read for all architecture students.  It provides a window into the world of public service internships including the Rose Enterprise Fellowship.

Regardless of whether you wish to enter public service, you should still read this collection of essays.  My only hope is that the text helps convince the profession to be more accepting of this type of internship as a requirement for licensure.

Dr. Architecture.

Bridging the Gap

Internship - Discovering Architecture

I'm writing to you after reading the information given on your website relating to Architecture. I am currently a first-generation college student attending a community college in NYC. I'm still in the process of discovering what I want to pursue in my career life, though I am clear that I want to be in an industry where I can use my creativity, an industry where my imagination will be an asset in my career.

 

I want to experience the architecture world! And as an intern I will know if this would be the right path for me. Do I qualify to be an intern if I have no type of experience with architecture and no portfolio? How can I go about finding an internship? What other preparation would you recommend for me? 

 

I truly appreciate any time you have to spare to advise me.

__________

Congrats on discovering and following your passion -- using your imagination.

Architecture may be a good fit for you given your passion to use imagination.  However, given the economy and your limited skill set, it may be difficult in securing an architectural internship.  It does not mean that you should not attempt to locate one.

Think of an internship as a career related position in an architecture firm.  You can apply with your credentials but know that it be difficult as many firms are not hiring.  In your case as you are trying to determine if architecture is the right path for you, contact a firm to possibly simply do a shadowing experience where for a single day you learn about what an architect does. 

Perhaps, through your community college, you can contact an architect.  Of course, it would help to have a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and work.  Start by contacting the AIA NYC to view firms in the city.

If possible, visit the schools in NYC to talk with current architecture students; consider attending events through the AIA NYC - http://cfa.aiany.org/index.php?section=calendar -

Stay active and continue to ask lots of questions.

 

Dr. Architecture

Best way to become a college architecture major

I'm a 16 year old high school junior and I have loved to design and draw houses and floor plans since I was at least 10 years old.  Can you please suggest some ways for me to increase my chances of getting into a strong architectural college program besides the obvious good grades and ACT score?  

I volunteer as a tour facilitator for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and I have attended a workshop at their studio as well as some held by the Chicago Architecture Foundation.  I also work as a part time receptionist for a landscape design company.  Currently, I am taking a computer graphics class in school and I have taken some art and drawing classes in the past.  I am a strong math and physics student too.  Beyond all this, should I be developing a portfolio?  Also, I understand internships aren't typically available for high school students so what kind of preparation would you suggest?  Thank you for your help.

__________

Truly, the best way to ensure admission to your choice of architecture programs is contact them directly and ask how they make decisions.  Is it your credentials (transcript and test scores), portfolio (if required) or other factors like extra-curricular?  Clearly, most programs will consider your academics and test scores as most important.  Also, make sure you take the required courses needed for admission.

Aside for learning the factors program consider concentrate on doing your best in your courses. In addition, attempt to take art / drawing or other creative coursework that connects your brain, eye and hand.  This work will create materials for your portfolio.  Do not worry about taking any CAD courses as it is not necessary.  You can begin to document your previous artwork for a portfolio but you have time.  Consider visiting -- www.portfoliodesign.com for ideas.  Do not be intimidated as these examples are college students. 

Another thought is to consider attending a summer program (see attached - last year, but websites should still work).  Of course, consider Discover Architecture at UIllinois.

As you work for a design firm (albeit as a receptionist), learn everything you can about landscape design from your employer.  Ask for connections for architecture firms or other design firms for an internship.  It is true that many firms do not hire high school students, some do. 

Keep in touch if you have other questions and I wish you the best.

Internship

Hi Dr. Architecture!

How do I get an internship at a firm? I did email one local firm after mustering up some courage but unfortunately I got turned down. They said they only accept university students. So what do I do?

Many thanks.
____________

Based on your email, I am guessing that you are in high school. Given that you may not have the skills many firms are requiring, obtaining an internship may be difficult. Thus, what is it that you truly want? Money, experience, or exposure to the profession to decide if it is for you.

I will argue that the latter is what you truly want. A firm may not hire your for an internship, but they may be willing to let you shadow for a day or two to better understand a firm and what they do. Be persistent and realize that you are still costing them money even if they do not pay you.

Also, there are other ways to learn about the profession. -- attend a summer program, read architecture books, attend lectures at a nearby program.

Start with obtaining Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design -- there is full chapter of experience and how to gain it.

Becoming an Intern

I am soon to be a junior in high school. As I was reading how to become an intern and the requirements to become one it said that the person would have to bring in resume and a portfolio of some of their work to show the interviewers. Does this apply to high school students as well? Just curious. Thank you!
______

It depends. If you are seeking an internship as defined by the profession -- a full-time employment opportunity, the answer would be YES. When seeking an internship, you are demonstrating your skills and abilities through the resume and portfolio to the potential employer.

However, for high school students seeking internships that may be during the summer, the answer could be NO; of course, I would think that these HS students should have a resume, but may not have a portfolio. These internships might be for the summer or only for a week or two. In these cases, a portfolio may not be required, but it could be helpful.

Writing a resume is not at all difficult, but does take time. At minimum, list out your high school, accomplishments, etc. It will be more difficult to do a portfolio, but you can start by collecting your drawings or creative work. Check out -- www.portfoliodesign.com to ideas.

A final word -- if you bring a resume and portfolio to a meeting with an employer, you will have an advantage over your classmates. Also, consider obtaining Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design.

Dr. Architecture