The Architecture Hiring Year: Month by Month

September–November: Research & Prepare

The hiring calendar starts here. Career fairs happen at schools across the country. Attend even if you feel unprepared. You'll meet alumni, hear directly from firms, and get a sense of what firms are looking for. Large firms like Gensler, HOK, Perkins&Will, and SOM begin posting internship positions. Use this time to finalize your portfolio, update your resume to highlight relevant skills, and research 15–20 target firms in depth. Start reaching out to alumni at those firms on LinkedIn or through your school's alumni network. A warm introduction goes a long way.

December–February: Peak Application Season

The critical window opens here. Have your materials ready by December. Large and mid-size firms are actively reviewing applications, scheduling phone screens, and conducting portfolio walkthroughs. On-campus interviews begin at target schools (typically January–March). The numbers matter here: apply to 20–30 firms minimum. Architecture hiring is a numbers game. Even with a strong portfolio, rejection rates are high simply because there are far more applicants than positions.

March–April: Offers & Late Opportunities

Large firm offers typically go out in March and April. Mid-size firms are still actively interviewing. Smaller firms and landscape firms are just beginning to hire for summer. If you haven't heard back from firms you applied to in December, now is the time to follow up politely. Many firms lose track of applications or want a gentle reminder that you are still interested.

May–August: Internship Season & Full-Time Rolling Hiring

Summer internships typically run from mid-May to mid-August. This is when you start your internship and build relationships with your team. Boutique firms continue to hire year-round based on project workload. Recent graduates can and do find full-time positions throughout the summer and into the fall, so do not assume the job search ends in April.