2024 APLA Career + Internship Fair Sees Strong Industry Engagement

Firms networked with more than 250 APLA students in a day-long event at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center. The fair showcased a dynamic blend of local, regional and national firms, all eager to connect with architecture, interior architecture, environmental design and landscape architecture students seeking internship, part-time and full-time job opportunities.

“The enthusiastic participation from our industry partners is a testament to the growing demand for APLA’s allied disciplines,” shared Mindy Walden, CADC Career Services Specialist. “Industry is eager to engage with the next generation of talent, and our students are well prepared to showcase their skills.”

In the months leading up to the fair, Walden works with APLA students one-on-one, conducting résumé and portfolio reviews, organizing mock interviews and sharing essential interview etiquette tips. She supports students in establishing connections with attending firms, ensuring they are well-prepared for a morning of networking followed by an afternoon of interviews, and emphasizes the value of the fair.

Ellie Nolan, a senior in Architecture, is one such student who has benefitted from APLA’s emphasis on career prep.

“The APLA Career + Internship Fair is an amazing opportunity,” Nolan said. “Having so many high-quality firms on campus makes it an excellent time to establish connections. Not only do I get the pleasure of meeting new people, I always gain valuable insights into the industry as a whole.”

Architecture/Interior Architecture senior Chloe Buckner agrees.

“Talking with firms of different scales and from different locations, seeing what makes each of them unique, makes the career search more approachable and less daunting,” Buckner shared.

APLA’s industry partners equally appreciate the considerable efforts Walden and School leadership invest in the event.

“Auburn APLA students never cease to amaze me!” stated Jimmy Seay ’74, Senior Principal Architect at Seay Seay & Litchfield Architects. “It’s clear that the world class faculty care deeply about nurturing the next generation, consistently pushing them towards engaging and innovative learning experiences. As a firm that has long participated in the outstanding APLA Career + Internship Fair, I can attest that they continuously raise the bar each year, ensuring their students are as prepared as possible.”