Why An Architecture Internship is Invaluable to Career Development

Hands-on experience, meaningful connections, and exposure to real-world projects can propel students in their career journeys.

In the architecture industry, experience is a cornerstone of professional growth. For college students eager to embark on a career in the field, internships in studios hold immeasurable value. These opportunities offer a unique platform for budding architects to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. During an internship, students get to develop their design thinking skills, establish connections and mentorship with prospective employers, learn the dynamics of the business, refine their technical skills, and expand their aesthetic palettes.

Internships in architecture studios can help students in other fields—marketing, HR, IT, for example—gain important, relevant experience and skills, too. They also grant non-architecture students a glimpse of how the built environment is created. Most people don’t often stop to consider why a building is designed the way it is, what its constructed of, or who imagined it. Interning in an architecture studio is a unique opportunity to better understand the how and why of the world we live in.

This summer, HLW New York HQ had the pleasure of having interns in almost every department of our firm. During a short span of only six weeks, they gained hands-on experience, bolstered essential skills, and embarked on a journey of personal and professional development.

“HLW offered an amazing internship experience,” said Dante Luri, an intern in HLW’s Times Studio. “I worked on a variety of projects, from large-scale endeavors to small finishes. The highlight of my internship was working with so many great and diverse individuals, as well as visiting project sites. I have learned and developed professional skills that will give me a head start in my schooling and future internship opportunities.”

Sabrina Madera, who worked with our Design Technology studio, agreed. “The highlight of my internship at HLW has been seeing a side of architecture that I’ve always been curious about but haven’t gotten the chance to fully explore: software development, UI/UX design, and BIM. With the help of the team, I’ve learned so much in just a couple months, especially because everyone trusts me to learn well and contribute.”

We thank all of our interns for their hard work, and we wish them nothing but the best in all their endeavors!

HLW ArchInsights is a bi-weekly window into the dynamic world of architecture, where we explore industry trends, offer thought-provoking insights, and share the latest news from our firm, guiding you through the ever-evolving landscape of design and innovation.