At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to learn and contribute to sustainable design projects this summer.
- Company: SOM is a global leader in architecture and engineering, committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Gain mentorship, flexible work, and comprehensive health benefits while developing your skills.
- Other info: Internship runs from June 7 to August 13, 2027; apply by January 18, 2027.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the planet while working with top professionals in the field.
- Qualifications: Current student in architecture or engineering with strong design skills and software proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 20 £ per hour.
About SOM
At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet.
We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.
We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Together we can achieve great things.
Success at SOM Means
Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas.
We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning.
We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work.
Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.
Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration.
A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities.
We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.
Summer Internship Program Overview
The Summer Internship Program is open to applicants who are planning careers in architecture, structural & sustainable engineering, urban planning, graphic design, or interior design.
Spend the summer learning from experts in all of our design disciplines, building your design and visualization skills and contributing to world class design projects.
Summer Interns participate in a wide range of in-person and virtual learning opportunities and events.
SOM's Summer Internship Program will run from June 7, 2027 until August 13, 2027.
- Desired skills and expertise
- Current student in an accredited bachelor’s program or master’s degree program in architecture, engineering or environmental building design or related field of study and returning to school in the Fall of 2027.
- Strong design capabilities as demonstrated in portfolio or work samples.
- Some experience in sustainable design practice.
- Proficiency in Auto CAD, Revit, Rhino and visualization software.
- Experience in energy modeling, human comfort study, daylighting analysis, glare study, water calculations, thyroid party sustainability certifications (examples: E-Plus, DOE-2 (e Quest), IES Virtual Environment or other detailed hourly simulation.)
- Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.
- Reminders
You must be returning to school in Fall 2027 to be considered for a summer internship at SOM.
Applicants who do not submit work samples will not be reviewed.
Application deadline is January 18, 2027.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation.
Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact.
Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment.
Learn more about our commitment to climate action.
Working at SOM
Our practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas.
Together, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that equips our teams to face new challenges.
Our studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups.
SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.
We publish an annual Impact Report as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing equity in our practice and the profession.
Our Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package is built to support many facets of your well-being—your health, your financial future, and your continued professional growth.
- medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance.
- retirement support.
- free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members.
- workplace flexibility.
- paid holidays.
- family leave.
- paid time off.
- reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams.
- specialized, in-house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise.
- Notice to Applicants
Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc).
Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.
Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB.
Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.
Summer Intern - Sustainable Engineering employer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
At SOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to professional development is evident through our comprehensive benefits, including flexible work schedules, health and wellness programs, and opportunities for continuous learning. Located in a vibrant community, we offer our employees the chance to work on transformative projects while contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment that values every individual's unique contributions.
Contact Details:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Intern - Sustainable Engineering
✨Get Involved in Engineering Societies
Join local engineering societies or student chapters; they often have networking events and workshops tailored for internship seekers. It's a great way to meet professionals and get insider tips on which companies, like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, are hiring!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Make the most of your university's career fairs! These events often feature companies looking specifically for interns, and they give us the chance to make a direct impression on recruiters from places like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. Bring your best elevator pitch and showcase your enthusiasm!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure to create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on, whether it's uni assignments or personal projects. This visual representation will help you stand out during interviews or casual chats with engineers from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP!
✨Leverage Internships to Build Skills
Don't just aim for any internship; seek out those that allow you to learn and grow. Even roles at startups can offer hands-on experience that's invaluable. We should focus on companies like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP that may have rotational internship programmes, providing us with diverse experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Intern - Sustainable Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the engineering world, we want to see your technical skills front and centre. When you’re crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or software you’ve used. If you’ve got experience with CAD programs or any engineering software, make sure to mention that to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!
Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Keep it Clear and Concise:When you're applying for an internship, we know it can be tempting to cram every detail into your CV or cover letter. But keep it clear and to the point! One page for your CV is usually enough — highlight the most relevant bits and make sure your passion for engineering shines through without any fluff.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
For an engineering internship like the one at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
During the interview, we should communicate our enthusiasm for engineering and the specific area you're applying to. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that fuelled your interest. Companies like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP often look for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for situational questions that probe your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. You might be asked how you would approach a specific engineering challenge or design a solution to a hypothetical problem relevant to the industry. Think through a few scenarios before going in, as these can really demonstrate your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.
