<p>Since it is graduation time, the news is full of stories about how difficult it is for new college grads to find jobs. For the architecture and landscape architecture grads out there (or their parents), what has your experience been with the current job market? </p>
<p>S just finished his first year in a LA program and has a good summer internship, albeit unpaid. He had difficulty finding a paid internship, as several firms told him their budgets were tight due to the economy. What have other students' experiences been in regard to finding summer internships in architecture or LA?</p>
<p>My son (just finished 3rd year LA at VT) sent out a bunch of emails and went to a couple of firms w/ samples of his work to talk with them about summer employment/internships. Two told him that if this had been 2-3 summers ago, they would have hired him on the spot, in fact they actually had 2-3 interns working each summer, but for now the workload was just picking up enough to keep what staff they had busy. They offered to let him come a day or two a week to volunteer or shadow, which is what he is planning to do.</p>
<p>Instead, he was hired back coaching an area swim team (which he is OK with- at least it is spending money for the year) but hopefully things will be better soon in his field. </p>
<p>On a side note, wasn’t it your son who goes to LSU? If so, what does he know about the regular arch program there? The reason I ask is that our d is also interested in the design field, but is leaning more toward straight arch. She is hinting that she wants to go south, but will need to get substantial merit money to offset our Virginia school prices…Just thought I would ask you your thoughts. I don’t know of many other 5 yr architecture programs other than Auburn and LSU. Thanks for your help!</p>