When Is the Best Time for an Architectural Internship?

Internships are often a rite of passage for students and early-career professionals across various industries, and architecture is no exception. But for budding architects, the question isn’t just whether they should intern—it’s when the best time to do so is. Should it be during college, after graduation, or later in their career?? So when is the best time for an architectural internship?

Let’s break down the key moments when doing an internship can benefit an architect and how timing can make all the difference in shaping your career.

During Architecture School: Laying the Foundation

Most architecture programs today encourage (if not require) students to complete internships as part of their education. Interning while you’re still in school is beneficial for several reasons:

• Real-World Experience: Architecture can sometimes feel theoretical in a classroom setting, but interning allows you to apply what you’re learning to real-world projects. You’ll better understand how designs evolve from sketches to finished buildings, and you’ll be exposed to the technical and logistical aspects of the profession that can be difficult to teach in a lecture hall.
• Building Professional Connections: Interning while in school allows you to network with professionals early in your career. These connections can help you land a job post-graduation, or even lead to mentorship opportunities that guide your professional growth.
• Exploring Different Specializations: Architecture is a diverse field with many different niches, from urban planning to interior design, and historic preservation to sustainable architecture. By doing an internship during school, you can explore various specialties to see which aligns with your interests before committing to a particular path.
• Developing Technical Skills: Internships provide hands-on experience with the software tools, construction techniques, and industry standards that architects use daily. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and other tools will be invaluable in your career.

Best Time: During the summer between academic years or during a gap year between undergraduate and graduate studies.

After Graduation: Gaining Practical Experience and Earning a License

While your degree is essential, it’s not enough to call yourself a licensed architect. After graduation, completing an internship is often the next necessary step in the process of becoming a licensed architect. The internship serves as part of the required experience that prepares you for the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or equivalent licensing requirements in your jurisdiction.

• Learning the Ropes: Fresh out of school, you might have a lot of theoretical knowledge but lack experience with the day-to-day demands of a real-world architecture practice. An internship after graduation is a great opportunity to dive deeper into project management, client communication, and the business side of architecture.
• Architectural Licensure: Most states and countries require a certain number of internship hours to sit for the licensing exam. The longer you intern, the more experience you gain, and the quicker you’ll be able to qualify for licensure.
• Building Confidence: The transition from student to professional can be a bit overwhelming. Interning post-graduation allows you to ease into the role of a full-time architect while building the skills and confidence needed to take on larger responsibilities and leadership roles.

Best Time: After graduation, ideally within a year or two, so you can start accumulating the hours required for licensure.

Later in Your Career: Expanding Your Skillset or Changing Focus

You might think of internships as a “beginner’s game,” but the truth is, there’s never a bad time to learn new skills or diversify your expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned architect looking to specialize in a new area or someone who’s pivoting within the industry, doing an internship later in your career can provide invaluable benefits:

• Learning New Specializations: Architecture is constantly evolving, and new fields like sustainable design, smart cities, or AI integration in design are gaining traction. An internship in one of these emerging areas can offer you the chance to grow your skillset and stay competitive in a changing market.
• Adapting to New Technologies: If you’ve been practicing architecture for a while and feel that your skills have plateaued, an internship can help you get up to speed with the latest software, techniques, or construction technologies. This could involve anything from advanced building information modeling (BIM) tools to 3D printing for construction.
• Career Pivoting: Maybe you’ve worked in commercial design for years, but you want to transition into residential design or urban planning. Interning can give you a taste of what a new specialty is like without committing to a full-time role immediately.

Best Time: Anytime in your career if you’re interested in pivoting, learning new tools, or exploring different aspects of the field.

The Flexible Path: Internship as Continuous Learning

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the traditional career trajectory isn’t always the most effective. Internships, or project-based learning opportunities, are becoming more flexible, allowing professionals to return to them at any point in their careers to gain insights into new technologies, methodologies, and industry shifts.

Many firms also offer opportunities for mid-career professionals to participate in internships or mentorship programs, especially when it comes to learning new tools or emerging areas of architecture. These programs may not be as formal as those for students, but they serve the same purpose: facilitating growth and continuous learning.

Your Right Time

The right time for an architecture internship depends largely on where you are in your career and what you hope to achieve. Whether you’re a student aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice, a recent graduate looking to earn your license, or a seasoned professional seeking to expand your skillset, internships are a valuable investment.

At every stage of your career, internships offer the opportunity to refine your skills, gain hands-on experience, and build your network. So, regardless of your timeline, if you’re ever unsure about your next career move or want to explore new areas within architecture, consider doing an internship—it could be the perfect step forward.