2026 W_Internship Program

Virginia Tech has a five-year plan to integrate experiential study into every undergraduate student’s course of study. The School of Architecture’s W_Internships are aimed at providing third-year architecture students with a broad range of short experiences in the profession.

In this second year of the W_Internship program, our goal is to pair 30 to 40 students with 25 to 30 firms. We would like to be able to provide our students with a diverse selection of options, both geographically and in terms of firm size. One of the program's priorities is to fulfill the diverse needs of our students, particularly those who might only be able to intern in their hometowns. Our sister school, the University of Virginia, has a comparable program.  These short-term experiences allow our architecture programs to serve the aspirations of students from various backgrounds, including those originating from cities, towns, and rural areas within Virginia, as well as those beyond the state borders and overseas.

In the previous year, nearly thirty firms expressed their interest in joining the W_Internship program. Ultimately, nine students had the opportunity to participate in the pilot program, where they worked with eight different firms across Virginia, Washington DC, and New York City. During the relatively short nine-day internship, students actively engaged in various activities, such as attending project meetings, eagerly conducting site visits, acquiring proficiency in new computer software, and networking with industry professionals. Notably, one student had the unique opportunity to receive a portfolio review from ten members of their hosting firm, including a seasoned marketing professional. It's worth mentioning that some of these students credited this valuable experience as a significant factor in their successful search for a summer internship.

“Over the past several years we’ve hosted both graduates and undergraduates from UVA and found the experience valuable for the students and a wonderful way to connect with future talent for the firm. Ready to participate with project teams, the students have contributed to all phases with research, 3D modeling, presentation graphics, and project documentation while participating in concept charrettes and client workshops. The students are also given the opportunity to present their portfolio or area of focus to the entire firm and are always enthusiastic participants in firm initiatives and events.” David Keith, CEO Hanbury.

Organization and Logistics

Architecture’s W_internship program will be hosted by Virginia Tech’s Career Services. Structured as a collaboration between the Employer, the University, and the Student, the internship experience is set up as an academic course that is offered to a student in the same manner as other university courses. Each participant is responsible for the following:

Employer Responsibilities

• reviewing resumes/conducting interviews

• selecting student/tendering offer letters/documenting terms of employment

• assisting student with the development of learning objectives

• providing supervision & evaluation of performance

University Responsibilities

• preparing students for the workforce via pre-on-boarding professionalism & etiquette training

• creating relevant coursework to facilitate educational development

• monitoring student progress and addressing any problems or concerns (employer- and/or student-facing)

Student Responsibilities

• filling out student participation form and supplying all requested information. Including agreeing to the FERPA terms and conditions

• completing pre-on-boarding requirements before commencing the position (mandatory information, orientation, and enrollment sessions)

• fulfilling expectations and duties assigned by the employer

• completing all course assignments set up in Canvas (student educational platform)

Examples of Student Work

Participating in project teams, conducting research, developing precedent and case studies, and creating drawings, models, graphics, and design concepts (depending on their prior experiences). Meetings, site visits, and exposure to other sectors and operations of your firm are also highly desired by students.  Last year's students also noted gains in professional development, such as receiving feedback on their interviews and portfolio, which improved their readiness to secure a summer internship the following year.

Length and Compensation

Over the two-week period, the students are expected to keep a full-time employment schedule (40 hours a week, for a total of 72 hours). Students should be paid an hourly rate or a stipend by for-profit firms for their work. Students may be able to get academic credit in lieu of payment for internships with non-profits and government agencies. We expect that some international students on F-1 Visas may be interested – to be compensated with a stipend, international students will need approval for "Curricular Practical Training" through the Cranwell International Center (a separate university entity from that of Career Services).