College student looking for internship

I am a first-year student at BGSU, majoring in architecture with a minor in entrepreneurship (will be declaring my major/minor this coming spring). I currently work ~20 hours a week between two jobs on campus while going to school full time (photographer for Arts Village learning community, and prep-cook in the commissary ). The work load is fine, but I'm looking for something more closely related to my course of study (maybe design/architecture/engineering related), and I want to live off campus next school year (so I have less $$ in loan debt) so preferably something that's also higher than minimum wage...

I haven't spent a whole lot of time looking yet for a new job, but I am hoping I can find something as soon as possible that I can keep throughout my years at school and work my way up until I graduate. I've only seen a few internships available so far. They seem to either want junior-level students, or are farther away and I can't get to them (don't have a car).

I'm sure others have gone through this stage before and I thought I might be able to get some help here. Does anyone have ideas?

I have a resume and career portfolio to show work I've done, a LinkedIn account, and am working on an online portfolio/website to show further info my resume might not show.

Thanks in advance.

 

Extra bit of info:... part of the reason I want something sooner rather than later is because my job at the dining hall is only in the mornings. With my class schedule this next semester, I had to cut back my hours per week because one of my classes are only offered in the morning (but I have wide blocks of time available after this class).

 

I don't have any pointers personally, other than to keep at it. It'll help you a TON in the long run. Everyone wants exp, and it's really the best way to get it.

My brother didn't take that advice, and got a degree in architecture without spending much time looking for internships... now he's back in school getting a second degree cause he couldn't find a job.

I'm at a software company, and atleast here, an internship is just another word for an "extended interview"

Looks like you've got a decent start. I'd def hit it hard as it gets closer to summer if there isn't much out there now. Good Luck!

Edit: You could also start contacting companies inquirying about internships, even if they're not currently listed. Interns are generally useful and they might just not have listings since summer tends to be the bigger time of the year for students looking for interships.

Also, professors in your field are a good resource. They tend to have decent local professional connections and they likely would, at minimum point, you in the right direction.

 

I'm graduated in that field and have a few tips.
Get ready to start volunteering. Most architecture firms hire graduates and start them on a promo basis to see their skills before a job opens up or an offer to them is granted.

Volunteer for things like habitat for humanity to become familiar with the construction of houses, etc. This will go a long way on your resume.

Secondly look at other fields like engineering. They use a lot of architects for assistance so you might have a better shot there.

Lastly how good at you at BIM. Most places are switching over to programs like revit, sketch up, and other building information modelling. Versus standard 2d drawing programs. If your very good at these programs it will help quite a bit as skills.

 

I agree with nc208082 a billion percent. Chance of finding a paying gig that advances your resume' is alot like growing a money tree.

One of the reasons firms want Junior level and about is they have learned and refined the skills that are usable.

I think the habitat for humanity tip is genius. As it sits now, apply for grants and hope you student loans don't get out of hand.

 

Oh and get letters of recommendations for all you professors that will give them to you. If you impress your instructors that will impress the firms.

 

Talk with advisers within your department and the Career Center at your school. They may have contacts or internship programs set up for students with local architects. If anything, I am sure that they can at least help point you in the right direction. After-all, advisers and professors are there to help you. Despite popular belief, professors want to help you, not punish you. They are valuable resource that few actually take advantage of. I doubt you would be the first person to inquire about internships, btw.

I would also get involved with/attend meetings with the local builders association. For instance, in Tallahassee, Florida, we have the TBA (Tallahassee Builders Association). We also have the Green Builders Council, among other building associations.

Lastly, send your resume and contact information to local architects/engineers with a cover letter detailing what you just posted. It may not be a payed internship, but experience is more important to you at this juncture. Most places hire experience over anything else. Heck, you may be fortunate, like me, to have an internship work itself into a full time job.

 

I have an excellent understanding of Google Sketchup and have been using it for several years now. I am still trying to grasp programs such as Autodesk and Blender.

I will keep looking at possible internships in the area, even those that may be unpaid, simply to gain experience and get my foot in the door, as some of you have said. Oh, and Habitat for Humanity. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that one before.

Ask my instructors. Got it. I have my first two architecture classes this coming semester.

Thanks all for the help and info so far.

 

Everyone gave you excellent advice...very impressed with all