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 program is to expose students to a broad spectrum of office practice and procedures related to the Landscape Architecture profession. Exposure to many areas of practice and a range of job tasks and project types is desirable and may include: 

Site Visits + Analysis	Construction Documents	Project Management	Office Operations	Planting Design
Cost Estimation	Budgeting and Estimation	Construction Site Observation	Marketing and Proposal Development	Product and Material Specifications
Design Development	Post Occupancy Evaluation	Bid Document Review	Detail Design	Irrigation Design
Presentation Shadowing	Client Contacts	Contractor Meetings	Design Reviews

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 Responsibility: 10 Steps to an Internship

Students are responsible for seeking internship opportunities, contacting potential employers, and completing any required application materials.

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.

Step Five: After you complete your internship, write a two-page essay (typed 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. Instructions will be provided.

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

Having Trouble Finding an Internship?

Do not wait until your fourth year of study to begin looking for an opportunity. If you are having trouble finding an internship, meet with the Landscape Architecture Department Head to review your options. 

• Career Services can help you explore options, prepare for your internship search, connect with employers and more. Visit their website for information on their services. 
• Consider a volunteer or unpaid position.
• Consider a compilation of more than one opportunity.
• Consider "shadowing" a professional or professional project for 120 hours. This option requires personal initiative to: research a project, review public information, review press coverage, and meet with key individuals and stakeholders. Create a summary report (comparable to the daily journal) that documents what you did, who you met with, how many hours you spent, key observations and lessons learned, etc. This option requires approval from the Department Head prior to beginning.
• Propose an alternative that you think meets the program goals and requirements, create a proposed timeline of activities, and submit your proposal to the Department Head for review and approval.