Application + Hiring Timeline
December
New graduate (entry level positions) 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.
Summer
New graduate cohort begins.
Advocates
Every intern and recent graduate is paired with an advocate, typically someone with between 2-7 years of experience at Populous. This advocate serves as a primary point of contact, providing guidance and support and participating in many of the new grad program activities.
"I love the fact that every new grad is given an advocate — someone you know you can count on to answer your questions, give you advice, and most importantly, integrate you into the firm culture."
PAIGE MURDOCK / SCAD GRADUATE AND POPULOUS DESIGNER
Growth + Career Advancement Opportunities
Populous is dedicated to helping each person shape their career to meet their personal goals and values.
Licensure
Populous actively encourages licensure, as it is important for numerous disciplines. The firm offers study materials — from digital subscriptions to books and flashcards — for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) and the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
Hours are allotted for time off to study or take exams for the ARE and Populous pays for each test to be taken twice. Populous also works with staff to help employees achieve their required experience hours for licensure.
The firm covers professional memberships, such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Sustainability Credentialing
Populous encourages employees to receive credentials in sustainability programs like LEED and WELL, and hours are allotted for time off to study or take these exams.
Professional Development
Professional development opportunities are offered to individuals in every discipline at Populous. New grads are provided with a specific learning plan and range of training, including technical, soft skills and presentations from internal and external individuals. To ensure that new grads are properly acclimating to the firm and getting the resources they need, the new grad committee meets with every new grad after 60-days for a check-in.
Studio
Populous Studio is a group of next generation design talent working in a rapid-paced environment that is focused on conceptual design, research and thought leadership.
Averaging one hundred projects per year, the Studio team is a nimble, creative group that collaborates with project teams across all markets.
- Full immersion in Populous design philosophy and culture
- Research & Development, conceptual design, visualization
- Operates simultaneously as an internal think tank, innovation hub and design SWAT-team.
