Externships | COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

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“The experience made me realize the difference between college work and real-world work.” — Eva Knapp, Bachelor of Architecture student

“It was an amazing experience to be a part of such a big and accomplished firm.” — Margaret Long, Bachelor of Architecture student

The School of Architecture facilitates one-week, unpaid externships during winter and spring break for students interested in learning more about the profession. Externships provide important opportunities for students to shadow professionals in architecture and design practices. Students who participate in externships develop a sense for the transition from school to professional practice and are introduced to the environment of a design office.

Externships occur over a five-day immersion period at participating architecture and design firms across the United States and Canada. All expenses associated with travel, room, and board are the responsibility of the student. There are no costs involved for hosting firms. The School of Architecture takes on the role of helping place and advising students interested in participating in externships.

Students who would like to participate in an externship must complete an application and submit a resume and portfolio to the Externship Committee at the School of Architecture. The committee will review all documentation and select applicants they believe will benefit from participation in the program. Firms are given the option of reviewing all student documentation before agreeing to host a student. Each firm decides what is appropriate for their work environment. The school asks that hosting firms provide the student(s) the opportunity to experience a normal work week—a realistic introduction to what their practice involves. Examples of common student experiences and activities include:

Sitting in on staff and client meetings
Observing office tasks and/or assisting with projects
Visiting job sites
Discussing current trends in the practice and the profession
Helping prepare reports, editing, and proofreading
Observing and asking questions

The following firms have recently accepted LSU School of Architecture students for externships. A firm’s past participation does not guarantee future availability. The school continually works to research and add firms that students are interested in visiting and observing.

Firms and students interested in hosting or participating in an externship should contact Assistant Professor Robert Holton at the LSU School of Architecture for more information.

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