As licensed architects, we shape not only our built environment but also the future of our profession. Many firms hesitate to hire student interns, concerned that students lack the skill set to be immediately productive on most projects. With demanding workloads that need relief, it’s easy to overlook the value that young interns bring. However, internships do more than provide temporary help; they equip students with essential technical and soft skills they’ll need as future professionals. 

The transition from academia to professional practice can be daunting for students. They may have theoretical knowledge, but understanding real-world applications requires hands-on experience. Internships are a bridge between these two worlds, helping students develop confidence and competence. 

The Workforce Readiness Report from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) identifies nine key knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for success in entry-level roles. These include technical skills like documentation and assembling a drawing set, alongside soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. 

Firms can use these KSAs as a guide for structuring meaningful intern experiences, ensuring students gain more than exposure—they develop skills that will benefit their careers. Here are ways firms can support students’ growth: 

1. Technical Development: Many students have coursework experience with rendering and graphics, but internships should introduce them to tools like Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam. Tasks like editing drawings and picking up redlines will expose students to the technical drawings required to complete a project. Have students redline simpler drawings like floor plans and elevations themselves. This will challenge them to read drawings in ways they haven't needed to in architecture school while becoming familiar with the symbols and common drawings elements used to communicate 2D information in construction documents. While oversight is needed, these tasks take less time to train than 3D modeling in BIM.  

2. Soft Skills Training: Internships are an ideal environment for students to practice the soft skills needed for professional success. Start each week by asking students to list their production priorities and see if they align with your expectations. This will teach them how to appropriately manage their workload. Including interns in client and consultant meetings and asking them to prepare questions encourages active engagement. These experiences build communication, time management, and organizational skills essential in any architectural role. 

As an industry, we need to move beyond assigning menial tasks to interns. Student interns shouldn’t be mowing the grass or fetching lunch; they should be contributing to project work in ways that build their skills and add value to the firm. Providing meaningful, project-centered experiences prepares them to meet the demands of entry-level roles. 

For firms, hiring interns isn’t just about addressing immediate needs—it’s an investment in the profession’s future. By mentoring students and aligning their experiences with the KSAs in the Workforce Readiness Report, we create a more competent and prepared workforce for tomorrow.