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Architectural internship skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Korydon Smith,

Teresa Rosano

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical architectural internship skills. We ranked the top skills for architectural interns based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 14.1% of architectural internship resumes contained sketch as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an architectural internship needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 architectural internship skills for your resume and career

1. Sketch

Here's how architectural interns use sketch:

Cooperated with consultants to sketch and draft documents for customer evaluation to troubleshoot layout parameters.
Worked on Sketch up software to create 3-D models to analyze slope conditions.

2. Auto CAD

Here's how architectural interns use auto cad:

Performed AUTO CAD drawings and statistical analysis for a feasibility study of developing the HongMei Road - JinHai Road Corridor.
Drafted multiple building projects using auto cad 2000, applied for building permits, helped with project research and development.

3. PowerPoint

Here's how architectural interns use powerpoint:

Create PowerPoint Presentations for client presentations.
Designed presentation slides (with PowerPoint and Photo DVD Maker Professional).

4. BIM

BIM or Building Information Modelling is a process in which buildings, infrastructure, and other physical structures and places are translated into digital means, into various forms of computer files, 3D models, and digital plans.

Here's how architectural interns use bim:

Drafted construction documents using BIM software and authored construction specifications.
Produced working drawings such as site plans, floor plans, building sections, and interior/ exterior elevations with BIM technology.

5. Adobe Photoshop

Here's how architectural interns use adobe photoshop:

Design utilizing AutoCAD, Freehand and Digital rendering, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign, Google SketchUp, CorelDraw & Microsoft Office Suite.
Created brochure for the FlorenceArt brand with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, incorporating the 3D models that were developed.

6. Adobe Creative Suite

Here's how architectural interns use adobe creative suite:

Rendered drawings for various competitions Prepared Construction documents for multiple projects Performed various tasks using Adobe Creative Suite and AutoCAD
Program Application Skills Autodesk applications including Revit and AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite.

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7. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how architectural interns use java:

Defined patterns for Language Selection, Garbage Collection analysis and Application Instrumentation in Java
Developed websites using PHP, MySQL, and Java applications.

8. Schematic Design

Schematic design is the initial stage of the five stages of an architectural project. The schematic design aims at producing a rough drawing of the site plan, floor plan, etc.

Here's how architectural interns use schematic design:

Produced schematic designs through drawings and renderings in preparation for client/contractor meetings as initial marketing tools to attain potential clients.
Developed 3D models and renderings-Prepared presentations for client meetings-Photographed completed projects-Produced schematic design drawings-Site-surveyed-Researched NYC building code for high-end residential projects

9. Rhino

A Rhino is a computer application software for graphics and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) developed in 1980 by Robert McNeel & Associates. It's a computer 3D application used for 3D printing and is used for reverse engineering in fields like graphic design, 3D printing, multimedia, industrial design, architecture, computer-aided manufacturing, and a few others.

Here's how architectural interns use rhino:

Reconstructed an architect's studio building in Rhino 3D using as-built CAD drawings.
Elaborated the studio's furniture library by building 3D models on RHINO.

10. Construction Administration

Here's how architectural interns use construction administration:

Performed construction administration for Historical renovations - Produced / Coordinated Construction Documents for Historically located mixed-use buildings and major project renovations.
Worked in a small collaborative studio environment, specializing in community planning, detailed park developments, and construction administration.

11. Architectural Drawings

Here's how architectural interns use architectural drawings:

Produced interior designs and working architectural drawings for new construction and renovation of existing automotive retail and service buildings.
Gained considerable experience meeting with consultants to coordinate civil, structural, mechanical and electrical systems with architectural drawings.

12. Project Management

Here's how architectural interns use project management:

Project Management overseeing Site Superintendent and Project Engineer, Construction Document, estimating and budgeting.
Experience includes conceptual design, design development, developing construction documents, project management.

13. Construction Drawings

Here's how architectural interns use construction drawings:

Prepared construction drawings for architectural projects, including mechanical, electrical, landscape and structural drawings.
Surveyed buildings and created measured drawings to generate schematic drawings Developed construction drawings for residential buildings

14. Architectural Design

Here's how architectural interns use architectural design:

Participated in the architectural design process and develop alternative solutions and presentation graphics used to communicate concepts to the client.
Perform architectural design under direction of Principal architect; assist in schematic and design development phases.

15. Building Codes

A building code is a requirement or standard for construction purposes. These codes will serve as the model and set of rules to obtain and approve before starting a project. The goal of this standard is to ensure the safety and protection of both the clients and workers. it is usually related to structures and buildings.

Here's how architectural interns use building codes:

Trained in and researched governing building codes and edited specifications.
Enhanced knowledge of local building codes and handicap accessibility standards.

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What skills help Architectural Interns find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on architectural internship resumes?

Korydon Smith

Professor and Chair, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York

Integrative thinking, a core competency in architecture, will become all the more important across sectors. Problem solving amidst complexity, resource constraints, and dynamic factors is what architects do; all businesses will need people that think this way.

What architectural internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Teresa Rosano

Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Arizona

Learning software is always a good option, and there are often less expensive community college or on-line tutorials to support that. Or taking one or more transferable community college general education classes to lighten the load in subsequent semesters (make sure they transfer though!)

What type of skills will young architectural internships need?

Michael Armstrong

CEO, NCARB

In most states, students interested in becoming architects will need to graduate from a NAAB-accredited program, earn experience through the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), and pass the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). These programs ensure young graduates earn knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas—like working with clients, determining project schedules, reviewing building codes and regulations, and establishing sustainability goals—and set them up for a successful career in architecture. For specific state requirements, explore our Licensing Requirements Tool.

We also encourage graduates, and all who are considering the licensed practice as a career, to explore our newly-launched Destination Architect site, an interactive guide with video tutorials and useful tips.

What technical skills for an architectural internship stand out to employers?

Kristen DeWolf

Director, Career Services, Syracuse University

This is certainly highly dependent upon the industry the employer is in/type of work being done; however, MSExcel is one of the key skills that I hear over and over again from employers across many industries. Researching the employer/industry and understanding the technologies most used (and learning those programs if you don't already) is a great way for a candidate to stand out. There are plenty of opportunities to learn technical skills on sites such as LinkedIn Learning. When a candidate can show they're paying attention and have learned the skills to hit the ground running, the more valuable they will be as a candidate.

Do you want to know more?

List of architectural internship skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an architectural internship resume and required skills for an architectural internship to have include:

Sketch
Auto CAD
PowerPoint
BIM
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Creative Suite
Java
Schematic Design
Rhino
Construction Administration
Architectural Drawings
Project Management
Construction Drawings
Architectural Design
Building Codes
Schematic Drawings
Design Process

Presentation Graphics
Construction Phase
Design Concepts
Revit
Code Analysis
Graphic Design
Presentation Materials
Cost Estimates
Physical Models
Space Planning
Shop Drawings
Client Presentations
Computer Assisted Design
Site Analysis
Master Plan
Autodesk Revit
IDP

Code Research
Residential Projects
Presentation Boards
Construction Sites
Preliminary Design
Enterprise Architecture
Project Architects
Rtl Design
MEP
Cache
AIA
As-Built Drawings
Technical Drawings
Model Building
RFI

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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