The Intern Experience

Above: Summer 2023 internship class made up of 19 interns from 15 different colleges and universities.

Application + Hiring Timeline

December

Internship applications open.

Mid-January

Populous begins conducting interviews on a rolling basis. If Populous elects to move forward with your application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Early March

Applications close in early March as spring recruiting events conclude, but some openings may close earlier if positions are filled.

Mid- to late-May

Internship program starts.

Types of Internships

SEE open positions

Architectural Internship

Interior Design Internship

Landscape Architecture Internship

Marketing Internship

Graphic Design Internship

Architecture Co-Op

Interior Design Co-Op

And more, see titles with Internship or Co-Op

Gain Hands-On Experience

Populous interns are an integral part of the team and are provided with an array of opportunities to gain new knowledge and experiences.

Site visits, coordination meetings, design charrettes and client meetings are all typical activities that interns may participate in throughout their time with Populous. We are a leading design firm, creating unmistakable spaces and experiences for the most recognizable names in sports and entertainment. We use the power of design to transform neighborhoods, revitalize cities, build relationships and connect people to being part of something bigger.

"I've been able to contribute to numerous different collegiate projects across all design phases and scales. I had the opportunity to work on concept design for major collegiate athletic projects across the nation, from developing campus athletic masterplans to drafting new arena proposals. It's been rewarding to contribute and be such an active part of the design process in creating spaces that foster such energizing and electric atmospheres.”

Matthew Trebra, Intern 2023

"The greatest hands-on experience that I've gotten here has been how to collaborate. At school, you don't really get a lot of like team projects and when you do, everyone's very married to their own work. But when you're here, everyone's designing one project and it's like, you truly are collaborating. There's a mix of ideas, and it's not competitive. It's true teamwork."

LIZETH SUSTAITA-DELGADO, INTERN 2022

Advocates

Every intern is paired with an advocate, typically someone with 1–3 years of experience at Populous, and sometimes a former intern themselves. This advocate provides guidance and support. They also participate in many of the intern program activities.

Design Charrette

Every summer Populous interns participate in a design charrette, which includes a site visit, developing a conceptual design and a presentation.

Site Visits

geha field at arrowhead stadium

Interns typically have the opportunity to visit and tour a Populous venue during their internship. Previously, interns have gotten a behind scenes look at venues including Arrowhead Stadium, Kauffman Stadium, T-Mobile Center and Children's Mercy Park.

Kauffman stadium

T-mobile Center

Social Events

A variety of social events for interns are held throughout the summer to give interns the opportunity to get to know their fellow interns and others within the firm.

Contact

If you have any questions about the Populous internship experience, contact the intern and new grad team at join@populous.com.

Bryan Schmidt

Senior Associate

Megan Rand

Senior Associate

Chris Isenhower

Associate