Internships in Architecture
In April we are celebrating National Internship Awareness Month. This is the time when students are seeking summer internships in their preferred field of study. Those students who want to pursue architecture will participate in an internship known as the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) which is developed by NCARB, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
NCARB is a national non-profit organization that governs architectural licensing in the United States. The organization creates the exams for registration, verifies the AXP documentation, and certifies architects to assist in the reciprocity of other states. NCARB is a very important organization for architects. Each state may have more restrictive qualifications than NCARB, and you can find out what your state requires by visiting www.ncarb.org.
Students can start documenting the 3,740 required hours needed to complete the AXP as soon as they have graduated from high school or the equivalent. The key is to start an NCARB record to officially document the hours of experience.
How do you start an NCARB Record?
Go to the NCARB website at www.ncarb.org
Click the blue login button at the top right corner of the screen.
Select the Establish Record button.
Complete the new account information which includes:
Name
Email
Username
Password
Check the Robot Verification.
Click the blue submit button at the bottom of the page.
On your My NCARB dashboard/homepage, select the add button next to NCARB Record.
Then you will enter/submit information that includes, but not limited to:
Legal Name
Preferred Name
Pronouns
Mailing Address
Education
Non-refundable Application Fee
There is also an annual fee to keep the NCARB Record active. For more information on licensure candidate fees, please visit https://www.ncarb.org/fees. Once you have received your NCARB record number you are ready to find an architectural internship and document your experience.
4 Steps to Finding an Architectural Internship
Resume
The first action is internal. Students will need to get ready to apply by preparing a resume, cover letter, and portfolio. These documents will showcase your skills and interest so make sure to put forth your best effort. Creating a LinkedIn profile could also be a great way to establish a professional presence online.
Research
When beginning research on available architectural internship opportunities, students should start with their resources. High school seniors can check with their guidance counselor or the school's career center; college students can contact the Department of Architecture. Students can also use job search engines such as Indeed, Glassdoor, Handshake, or LinkedIn. Searching Google for architecture firms to reach out to directly is also a great way to find opportunities. The most common way students have pursued internships is by attending career fairs and other networking events.
Reach Out
Determine which architecture firms offering internships match your interests and goals and reach out to apply. Visit their websites to verify their application process. Prepare your documents accordingly and follow their submission process. When you are selected to interview complete the 7-step prep:
Thoroughly research the company and the person interviewing you.
Rehearse answers to common interview questions.
Dress professionally and in compliance with the firm dress code.
Be prompt and greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
Be honest, confident and not arrogant.
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
After the conclusion of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time.
Reconnect
After 24 hours, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. If you have not heard back from the company within a week, send a follow-up email requesting the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in joining the firm.
What should you expect in starting an architectural internship?
The first question most people have is how much should I expect to be paid. According to the US Department of Labor, the minimum wage varies from $8.50 - $16.50 per hour depending on the state. According to the 2021 AIA Salary Calculator, an intern with a professional degree and 0-3 years of experience can expect between $50,000 - $58,000 salary.
Depending on the size and type of firm the tasks could range from administrative and marketing to drawing details and assisting on-site visits. It may take a little time before you are able to design but seize every moment as an opportunity to learn hands-on about the business of architecture.
It is the interns responsibility to document/submit their hours every six months. Interns should get in the habit of logging hours weekly along with their timesheet. Keep recording hours until licensure to ensure compliance of the initial state of registration..
What is the cheat code for the AXP?
Identify your AXP Supervisor ASAP
Be proactive with documenting your hours to avoid the overwhelming consequence of procrastination.Record AXP hours with your timesheet
Stacking the habits of AXP and timesheets promote organization and reduces stress.Don’t try to be perfect.
Ask questions if you are unsure and know that you aren’t supposed to know everything as an intern.Be professional, prompt, and precise
Follow the code of ethics/conduct, don’t procrastinate, and be careful about detail.Be patient
People’s lives depend on the work of architects, do not rush the internship process.
What if I don’t get an architectural internship?
There are other ways you can get opportunities to document hours towards the AXP. Interns can earn up to 320 hours volunteering for an NCARB-approved Community-Based Design Center/ Collaborative, up to 320 hours competing in a design competition, and up to 320 hours of volunteer/employee construction work. For more ways to earn AXP hours visit NCARB Setting O.
What can I do if I am interested in architecture but I am still in high school?
Get involved with Next Great Architects.
Join school programs like ACE Mentors and MEPI.
Take classes that will help you build a portfolio.
BE CREATIVE
GET INVOLVED WITH NEXT GREAT ARCHITECTS!
Next Great Architects is an award-winning teaching studio that introduces architecture to students as early as kindergarten and nurtures them through college and licensure. Contact us if you are interested in bringing our programs to your children, schools, or organizations.