Jobs and Internships

The department maintains listings on this website of professional landscape architecture positions and internship opportunities submitted by employers looking to hire students and alumni from our program. Read below about the internship requirement for completing a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) degree at Cal Poly, and click the buttons to review current openings:

        

Internship Requirement for Graduation

The internship requirement is completed by enrolling for and completing the LA 4371: Internship course for four units on a CR/NC basis. Second-year standing in Landscape Architecture is a prerequisite to enroll in LA 4371, and students must have eligible internship experience before enrolling.

Students should enroll in LA 4371 within 18 months after completing their internship experience. A minimum 120 hours of work is required for course credit, and the internship should offer at least minimum wage for the jurisdiction where work takes place. Volunteer opportunities may be considered, in some cases. 

The intent of the internship requirement is to expose students to a broad spectrum of practices and procedures related to the Landscape Architecture profession and related fields. Exposure to a range of practice areas, job tasks and project types is desirable. These may include any of the following:

Site Visits, Inventory & Analysis	Research, Precedents & GIS / Base Mapping	Programming & Concept / Schematic Design	Design Development	Planting Design
Grading, Drainage & Stormwater Design	Irrigation Design & Coordination	Materials, Products & Technical Specifications	Detail Design	Construction Documents Development & Review
Bid Documents & Procurement Review	Cost Estimation & Budgeting	Fieldwork & Installation	Construction Site Observation	Construction Administration Support
Project Management & Scheduling	Client, Consultant & Contractor Interaction	Meetings, Presentations & Design Review	Project Closeout & Post-Occupancy Evaluation	Office Operations, Marketing & Proposal Development

If you are not sure whether an internship experience you are considering is acceptable for the LA 4371 Internship course requirement, please discuss it with the Department Head before pursuing or accepting the opportunity.  

Student Responsibilities: 10 Steps for the Internship Program

Students are responsible for seeking internship opportunities, contacting potential employers, and completing all of the required documentation in order to receive credit for LA 4371: Internship.

Step One: Discuss with potential employers the internship course requirements and intent outlined above.

Step Two: When you accept an internship offer, have your employer sign the Introduction Letter and Site Self-Assessment form, which you also sign (only if the internship is not fully remote). 

Step Three: Before your internship begins, complete the University Release of Liability Form. Return all completed forms from steps two and three to landscapearchitecture@calpoly.edu and then proceed with your internship.

Step Four: Keep a daily journal during your internship; write (type on letter size format) 40 to 60 words per day about your work experience. Include sketches, notes, diagrams and photos of your experiences.

Step Five: After you complete your internship, write a two-page essay (type on letter size format) reflecting on your experience and insights gained from it. Submit a digital copy of both your journal entries and essay to landscapearchitecture@calpoly.edu

Step Six: Have your employer complete the Intern Evaluation form and email to landscapearchitecture@calpoly.edu

Step Seven: Enroll in the LA 4371 Internship course within 18 months after completing your work experience.

Step Eight: Once enrolled, review the Canvas page for LA 4371 to understand the class requirements. Read the syllabus, list of deliverables, and schedule of submittal for deliverables.

Step Nine: Participate in the Canvas group discussion when prompted.

Step Ten: Receive credit for LA 4371 to earn your BLA degree!