San Diego Architectural Foundation

Overview
An internship with the San Diego Architectural Foundation affords students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the broad spectrum that is the design/build profession.  Interns are now able to gain credit toward the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) Internship Development Program, also known as IDP (up to 80 hours under work setting FF).  Interns are responsible for taking the steps necessary to participate in NCARB’s IDP, prior to earning credit through SDAF.  

For more information on IDP, please visit the following links:

• NCARB website: http://ncarb.org/
• Getting started with the IDP: http://ncarb.org/Experience-Through-Internships/Getting-Started.aspx
• IDP Guidelines: http://ncarb.org/Experience-Through-Internships/~/media/Files/PDF/Guidelines/IDP_Guidelines.pdf

Interns will assist with a wide variety of tasks based on a combination specific interests or areas of study, skill sets, and/or Foundation needs.  These tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Administrative Tasks: office organization, data entry, general filing
• Graphic Support
• Writing: written material for Newsletter, membership correspondence, blog, general admin correspondence
• Program / Event Research
• Event Support: Set-up/tear down, door greeters, donation collection, photography, A/V coordination
• Fundraising
• Public Relations
• Website Maintenance
• And much more!

Qualifications
Potential interns must be enrolled full, or part-time, in a local San Diego college or university and must posses the following characteristics:

• Adesire to learn about the field of architecture/design/urban planning
• A strong work ethic, time management and follow-through skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office - Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator a plus

Objectives
Our program is designed to provide a rewarding, diverse, and exciting learning experience for interns. Our goal is to introduce students to the inner workings of a non-profit organization and educate them on the importance of the built environment.  At the end of the internship, students should feel immersed in the San Diego design/build industry and have developed a network of friends and associates within the profession.

Elements and Length
It is highly encouraged that interns commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week.  The first three weeks of the internship will serve as an orientation period, where interns and supervisors will establish goals and expectations for the experience.  Following the orientation period, interns will have the opportunity to focus their time on their program or area of their interest.  Internships will typically last 3 months, or as determined by requirements of a college course.  

Coaching and Mentorship
During the orientation period, interns will be supervised by one of our SDAF Volunteer Coordinators and SDAF Executive Director, Leslee Schaffer. The Coordinators will ensure that each volunteer is matched with a program of their choosing (whenever possible), understands their assignment, and the invaluable role our Volunteer team plays in the sustainaince of SDAF. 
   
The Intern will be expected to keep a personal diary of their internship and make daily entries to this diary.  If pursuing IDP credit, interns are asked to document their hours by filling out an Internship Hours Report.

Professional Development
The San Diego Architectural Foundation, along with its programs and events, is an invaluable resource for community building, networking, and meeting like-minded associates.  By interning, students will have the opportunity for direct contact with potential employers and contacts, and have the opportunity to earn up to 80 training hours (under Work Setting FF) toward IDP requirements.

Career Opportunities
SDAF is not currently offering paid positions. Interns are strongly encouraged to continue their participation after completion of required intern hours, and consider leadership role within the in the Foundation

Application Procedures
Candidates wishing to apply for an SDAF Internship should e-mail their cover letter, resume, and Volunteer Application (if they have not already done so) to: volunteer@sdarchitecture.org.
 
Once enrolled in IDP with an established eligibility date and NCARB Record, candidates wishing to earn credit toward NCARB’s IDP should submit an IDP Supervisor Agreement to begin earning training hours.

The cover letter should include a brief description of why you wish to intern at SDAF, your qualifications, and what you wish to pursue as a career. It should also indicate which San Diego college or university you are attending.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Internship Hours Report.pdf

IDP Supervisor Agreement.pdf