Emerging Professional Experience: How Can I Intern at DLR Group?
Our firm supports the next generation of big thinkers so they can influence and mold the future of our industry. For decades, our investment in interns and new graduates has not only built our future workforce, but also ensured that students gain the insight and opportunities they need to build successful, meaningful careers. In 2020, when many firms cancelled or dramatically scaled back their internship programs, DLR Group doubled down, hiring twice as many interns and formalizing our Emerging Professionals Experience (EPX) program. EPX develops the whole employee and was specifically created to support and educate interns and new grads. It builds emerging professionals’ readiness not just in hard skills, but also in building confidence as professionals and making informed contributions to DLR Group, our values, and the design industry.
We’ve hosted internships for students from high school to postgraduate. No matter when they come to us in their education journey, they often have similar questions.
What makes DLR Group’s program, EPX, unique?
EPX is modeled to be the ideal bridge between university and office. At the intersection of mentorship, educational classes, and practical application, the EPX program engages interns and other emerging professionals in every facet of DLR Group’s business. The transparency offered in a program like this is only possible in an employee-owned firm like DLR Group.
What kinds of things will I work on?
Each person who works at DLR Group has a design voice, and we can’t wait to help you define and amplify yours. Emerging professionals (EPs) participate in every phase of the design process, from design charrettes to construction site visits. We also hope to give you experiences outside of the typical internship in your discipline–from helping to win a new project, planning an event for your office, or sharing your ideas on what the future of design looks like.
How will you support me as a student or a new graduate?
Whether you are pursuing hours towards the Architectural Experience Program or time allocated to becoming an Engineer in Training, finding your way around a new city, or learning new software programs, we’ll be here to help you track and discover the possibilities around you. Each EP is paired with a mentor to guide them through their summer experience, answering questions and providing support. And, throughout the summer, EPs attend weekly classes where more than forty speakers discuss their unique career paths and the work they do inside and outside the firm. Content focuses on our design culture, business development, specialty client services, project and resource management, construction site lessons, career development, research, equity, and finance – or the business of design.
What would my experience look like?
Don’t just take our word for it, read what past interns have to say about their experience.
How do I make sure my portfolio stands out?
Building your design portfolio doesn’t need to be daunting. We asked our designers to share the tips they would have wanted when creating their own. Follow us on Instagram and tap into some of their valuable insights.
Great! Where do I apply?
Here’s a link to our open positions. We typically begin hiring for summer internships in February. If you don’t see an opening in your city, remember, DLR Group is always looking for great candidates. Keep checking back for new openings. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
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