Career & Professional Development Services

The Department of Architecture is committed to supporting our students and graduates as they explore career pathways, build professional skills, and transition into the workplace or graduate study. In partnership with the Hampton University Career Center, we provide structured, discipline-specific career development guidance that helps students develop, evaluate, and implement meaningful career, education, and employment plans.

Our mission is to ensure that every student has clear access to the resources, mentorship, and experiences needed to secure internships, full-time employment, licensure, or continuing education in their professional field.

Career Services Available to Architecture Students

1. Individual Career Advising & Counseling

Students have access to one-on-one sessions with career specialists and school-based faculty advisors who help with:

• Clarifying career goals

• Selecting pathways within architecture

• Planning for graduate school or licensure

• Creating individualized career development plans

• Appointments can be made with Architecture Advisors and through the Hampton University Career Center.

2. Résumé, CV, Portfolio & Cover-Letter Support

Students receive direct guidance on:

• Architecture résumés

• Technical and design-focused CVs

• Architecture & design portfolios (formatting, layout, content selection)

• Cover letters tailored for internships, design firms, and graduate programs

Workshops such as Pathways to Practice and individual reviews are offered throughout each semester.

3. Internship, Co-op, and Job Placement Assistance

Our students are supported in identifying and securing:

• Architecture internships

• Architecture/Design summer positions and externships

Through Hampton University’s PirateLink and our employer partnerships, students gain access to job postings, recruitment events, and employer networking opportunities.

4. Licensure & Certification Guidance

Architecture students receive targeted support related to:

• NCARB requirements

• AXP reporting

• AIA student membership

• Integrated Path to Architecture Licensure (IPAL )

5. Career Workshops, Employer Events & Fairs

Throughout the year, students benefit from:

• On-campus and virtual career fairs

• Industry information sessions

• Employer-led design/tech talks

• Professional-practice seminars

• Graduate school preparation workshops

These events connect students with companies, firms, and alumni across the region and nation.

How to Access Career Services

Hampton University Career Center

The Career Center provides comprehensive support for our students and alumni, including advising, appointments, PirateLink access, interview rooms, and career resource tools.

Visit: Hampton University Career Center
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Platform: PirateLink (job + internship search)

Additional Career + Professional Development Organizations

1. • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards – www.ncarb.org
   • NCARB Certification Guidelines – https://www.ncarb.org/sites/default/files/Certification_Guidelines.pdf 
   • American Institute of Architects – www.aia.org 
   • American Institute of Architects Virginia – www.aiava.org 
   • American Institute of Architecture Students – www.aias.org 
   • Center for Emerging Professionals – https://classic.aia.org/career-center/emerging-professionals 
   • Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture – www.acsa-arch.org 
   • The National Organization of Minority Architects – www.noma.net