Landscape architecture internships can include opportunities to participate in the design and execution of landscaping plans, administrative support and fieldwork. They might be paid or unpaid and will provide a chance to learn in a structured environment that might also offer professional connections that could be useful later in a student's career. Many internships are open only to college students who are studying landscape architecture or a related field, and thus are generally not available to all members of the public.
Some landscape architecture internships run over the summer months. Attendees typically work full-time while school is out and might receive benefits such as housing and food. Some internships are also paid, or the company might encourage promising interns to consider applying for grants to get financial assistance with their living expenses. Such programs can be very competitive, especially when they involve major firms, and students need an excellent performance record to get a position with a summer internship.
Short- and long-term landscape architecture internships also are available in shops, design studios, gardens and so forth. Such interns might have an opportunity to learn more about how a company works on a day-to-day basis. Their experience in these kinds of internships can be useful for job applications in the future, and a chance to interact with high-profile members of the profession can be beneficial for a student who has an interest in a career as a landscape architect. Experience in a short internship might offer a student a chance to explore different careers in landscape architecture to see which would be the best fit.
Students who have a particular interest in a topic such as environmentally friendly landscape architecture, the use of native plants or a specific school of landscape architecture might be able to find some landscape architecture internships that focus on these particular areas. Their interest can be beneficial in interviews, during which staff members who are responsible for hiring interns might seek out people who appear enthusiastic and engaged. The experience of a specialty internship, such as a museum internship, can be valuable for landscape architects when they are seeking employment after graduation.
In preparation for landscape architecture internships, it can help to research the area where the internship takes place to learn more about what to expect. Students might want to ask about placement options such as home stays or hostels to see whether it is possible to find accommodations without having to rent a home or apartment. They also might want to find out which benefits available to regular employees are also open to them; for instance, a business might offer catered lunches and other benefits to high-ranking personnel but not to interns.
