Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Landscape Designers at OLIN
Numerous entry-level opportunities exist for undergraduates interested in landscape design, including "a lot of internships" at firms like OLIN and related positions at botanical gardens and horticultural societies offering valuable plant-handling experience. Further options exist within government sectors like the National Park Service and state Departments of Transportation, providing "practical" experience and collaboration skills across various jurisdictions.
Internships, Entry-Level Positions, Landscape Architecture, Botanical Gardens, Government Agencies
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Derek Lazo
Landscape Designer III
OLIN
University of Southern California
UC Berkeley, Masters of Landscape Architecture
Environmental & Related Sciences
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Many firms offer undergraduate internships providing valuable experience.
2. Opportunities exist beyond firms, including botanical gardens and horticultural societies, offering hands-on plant and planting experience.
3. Government agencies like the National Park Service, state park systems, and Departments of Transportation also employ landscape architects, offering diverse experience in design and collaboration with various consultants.
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
There are many internships available, and our firm hires interns from undergraduate programs. Many other places also offer these opportunities.
Beyond firm work, there are numerous related opportunities with botanical gardens and horticultural societies. These can provide more hands-on experience with plants and planting, along with skills that are less computer-focused.
There are a ton of opportunities for undergraduates to gain experience and get a feel for working at a firm. Additionally, many different organizations offer internships. The National Park Service and various state park systems hire interns.
State Departments of Transportation also employ landscape architects. They manage planting areas along highways and roads. Various jurisdictions, surprisingly, are places where landscape architects end up working.
Many of these opportunities are at the municipal, city, and state levels. While they might involve less "fun design" and more practical work, it all counts as experience. This experience is part of the field and teaches you how to work with different consultants.