Architectural internships are a double-edged sword. At their best, an internship provides a valuable introduction to the profession for those at the beginning of their career; helping to inform complex decisions on their future development. However, at their worst, internships can also be a magnet for exploitation. In the broader U.S. economy, it is believed that 40% of internships are unpaid, as indicated in an NCARB poll from October 2021, which also found that 32% of respondents were recently offered or saw a listing for an unpaid internship.

To those who are successful in finding an architectural internship that respects their time and input, the role presents an opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills, build a resume, meet professionals and potential mentors, and even increase the chances of gaining a full-time position in the future. In order to help interns fulfill these goals, a broad range of academic institutions, experts, and Archinect’s own community, have shared their tips and advice for making the most out of an internship.

One such resource is Columbia University’s Center for Career Education. As part of their “10 tips to make the most of an internship,” the center emphasizes the importance of observing and embracing your new surroundings. This includes introducing yourself to as many co-workers as possible and becoming familiar with their varying roles. “You never know when someone else in the company is doing something that might interest you later down the line,” the center says. This also includes taking note of the company’s routines, procedures, and policies. “If it’s appropriate, ask to sit in on meetings or shadow other employees so you can learn the ins and outs of the business,” they add.

In addition to absorbing the professional environment, Columbia also offers specific tips for how interns should approach their own tasks. This includes establishing clear goals and expectations from your employer at the beginning of the internship, staying organized, and keeping busy. “If things are slow for you, make sure your supervisor knows it,” the center says. “And then if things are still slow, read some trade magazines or see if it’s okay to ask another employee if they need help.” Other valuable tips include documenting the experience through meeting notes, to-do lists, and records of tasks and deadlines.

Meanwhile, at the University of California Berkeley’s Career Center, tips for internship success include the importance of clear, courteous communication. “Proofread your written work carefully,” the center says. “When communicating with your coworkers, choose respectful, tactful, and professional language at all times.” This emphasis on communication also includes seeking advice or clarification if a task is unclear or confusing, and always informing the office if you will be late or absent with illness.

While much of an intern’s focus and energy is often devoted to the day-to-day role itself, both Columbia and Berkeley emphasize the importance of ending the internship on the right note. “Reflect on the skills you’ve gained during your internship and update your resume with your experiences and accomplishments,” says Columbia. “Even if you decide that this career field is not right for you, the experience is still a valuable one.”

Berkeley's Career Center echoes this with useful advice for how to maintain relationships beyond the internship. “When you leave, be sure to thank your colleagues and supervisor for the time spent working together,” their career center says. “Ask your supervisor if it's okay to keep in touch so that you can call upon him/her later when you are in need of a reference. This will also help your supervisor keep you in mind when future opportunities arise.”

Did we miss anything? Over in Archinect's discussion forum, our community has already set up a dedicated thread titled “What are your intern tricks?” which we encourage you to use as a platform for sharing your own views and experiences.

So far, highlights from our community include user Everyday Architect, who wrote: “Eavesdrop on as many conversations as you can without being creepy about it. This usually means not putting on headphones when others are in the office. I'm constantly surprised at things I learned and have kept with me that I overheard a coworker dealing with on a phone call for example. Polite follow-up questions like, 'Hey, I couldn't help but overhear your phone call with the contractor about an hour ago, and I was hoping you could help me understand ...' are usually ok.”

Meanwhile, user jcarch offers simple but valuable advice which applies across the office and not just for interns: “My number one rule for interns (and for myself ) is write it down. Everyone thinks they have a great memory, but they don't.”

To browse the latest architecture job listings and discover the internship opportunity that's right for you, head over to the Archinect job board.