As you know, internships are a great way to begin the transition from academia to your chosen profession. So every semester the College of Architecture and Planning partners with top firms and agencies to offer internships for academic credit. The main objective of the program is to immerse yourself in your chosen field and (if possible) begin the networking process. Additionally (and most importantly), the firms and agencies have the opportunity to preview you for employment.
To begin the process, contact Chris Nims, Director of Mentor and Internship Programs, at (303) 352-3998.
Here are the minimum requirements you’ll need:
- Resume
- Representative examples of your work
- Statement of professional intent
The popularity of the program breeds a certain level of competition, so you’re encouraged to start the process some time during your third year in the College. Following a personal interview with the college representative, firms and agencies are recommended to you. Once you have the names of firms to contact, it will be your responsibility to schedule your own interviews, present your portfolio and negotiate the details of the internship (hours, etc). If you have any questions about the process or what to expect, you can always contact the internship program at (303) 352-3998.
After You Have the Internship
During the semester, you’ll be required to spend a minimum of 136 hours with your firm, upon which you’ll earn 3 academic credit hours that can be applied to either professional studies or general elective credit. Please note, you’re allowed a total of 6 hours of internship work towards your degree. How those hours are spent, the work you’ll do, and the compensation you’ll receive is discussed directly between you and the firm. At the end of your internship, you’ll submit time sheets signed by a firm representative along with a student questionnaire. Additionally, the firm will submit a confidential evaluation regarding your performance. All of this information is to be submitted to your department’s internship coordinator.
Credit
Internships are encouraged though they are generally not accepted in meeting Concentration requirements. Exceptions must be approved in writing by the Concentration Coordinator prior to commencement of the internship.