I need an internship in construction management or in a architecture firm?

Question

Chicagoland area is where I currently live. Any advice or even people you know that can get me into this industry would be great!!! i need experience!! thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I don't live in the Chicago area, however I do work in the industry as administrative support (accounts receivable) and can give you a few tips based on my observations and discussion with co-workers.

For an architectural internship, you're going to need some kind of related degree, or at least significant AutoCAD experience. You will be tested in your AutoCAD proficiency. Assuming you have one of these, your best bet is to fax your resume in to architectural firms in the area. Good AutoCAD techs are hard to come by. This is your best foot-in-the-door if you don't have a direct architecture or closely related degree at this time. While doing AutoCAD, you will most likely receive back-to-school benefits to become a licensed AIA.

The same goes for structural, mechanical/HVAC etc, and electrical engineers. Strong CAD skills are essential.

Construction management, well you're going to have to work your way up the corporate ladder in this area. Electrical, structural or mechanical experience is a strong plus, however not often required. Drafting/AutoCAD, once again, gives you a better foot in the door since they won't have to teach you how to read blueprints and what everything means. You will most likely start in the field of your selected trade, be it concrete, mechanical installs, electrical, carpentry, etc. Having experience with one of the subs is a better way of getting your foot in the door with a construction management firm.

Questions that beg to be asked for a more accurate answer would be

What is your 5 year goal? Where do you see yourself? In what kind of position and doing what specifically?

Answer 2

it really is one element to verify about structure... you'll get your bachelor's degree and artwork for an structure agency for small $$$.... yet in case you want to be a real architect and make strong money you may get your draw close's degree, it extremely is quite extreme priced and time-eating. plus the admissions procedure for the structure draw close's courses is quite puzzling.... they don't settle for the overall public of people that note! I definitely have 2 associates that studied structure... one in all them did no longer have money for grad college, so she grew to develop right into a picture clothier with countless the talents she gained in structure instructions. the different buddy works at an structure agency for no longer-very-strong pay because he's not an entire architect - he did not get his draw close's degree. he had tremendous grades as an undergrad and has fairly some journey, yet he did not get time-honored into his community college's structure draw close's software. i say, in case you fairly opt to be an architect and also you're prepared for the years of teaching it would require, flow for it!!! in simple terms produce different qualifications to fall again on in case it doesn't workout recurring :)