How to Land an Entry-Level Role or Internship in Landscape Architecture

Breaking into the field of landscape architecture can feel overwhelming, especially when transitioning from school to practice. Your portfolio and resume are often the first things firms review, but those aren’t the only factors that matter.

At CSDG, we’re always excited to meet emerging professionals and hear their stories. Recently, our Senior Associate, Director of Business Development, and Planning/Studio Leader in Nashville, Leland Howe, joined a panel of experienced landscape architecture professionals to share advice on landing internships and entry-level landscape architecture jobs.

Below are highlights from the discussion, including what firms look for in applications, portfolios, and interviews.

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What Do Firms Look for When Reviewing Applications?

Q1: How do you identify which applicants to interview for an internship or entry-level position?

“We started as a small firm and have since grown to over 70+ employees. Regardless of size, we’re open to interviewing any candidate, no matter their background.  That said, when hiring for an entry-level, full time position, there’s usually a specific gap we are looking to fill, and the job description will reflect that.” – Leland Howe

Tips for applicants:

• Study the specific job posting you are applying for carefully.
• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight how you meet those needs
• Pay attention to the details. Typos or formatting mistakes can be red flags, as precision is a crucial aspect of everyday work in landscape architecture.

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What Makes a Strong Landscape Architecture Portfolio?

Q2: What catches your attention in a portfolio? Should it include a resume? Are you looking for specific skills for interns vs. entry-level roles?

“Graphics always stand out. However, we thoroughly review every portfolio, including proofreading for clarity and accuracy. We look at the basics, content, composition, organization, and clarity. The substance behind the graphics needs to be equally if not more important.” – Leland Howe

Portfolio Tips:

• Include a resume if it’s a one-pager. A headshot and brief background can also be helpful.
• Focus on the progression of your skills rather than just the quantity of projects. Quality is always better than quantity.
• Use clean, simple fonts, whitespace, and clear hierarchy. How your portfolio reads is just as important as what it shows.
• Whether you're interviewing for an internship or an entry-level role, firms want to see evidence of growth and your best work.

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How to Follow Up After a Landscape Architecture Interview

Q3: How should students follow up after an interview?

• Email thank-you notes are preferred. Handwritten notes can be thoughtful, but only if it's truly genuine.
• In your thank-you email, express gratitude, highlight some key topics discussed during the interview, and outline the agreed-upon next steps (e.g., "Thank you for the opportunity. As discussed, I'll plan to check back in two weeks.").
• If you don't hear back after a couple of attempts, it's usually best to move forward with other opportunities.
• If you receive another offer, let the employer know. It may help move the process along.

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Are you interested in opportunities with CSDG? Visit our careers page to explore current openings and follow us on LinkedIn.

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About CSDG:

CSDG is a planning, civil engineering, and landscape architecture firm that combines strategy, creativity, and proven local expertise to deliver resilient design solutions across diverse project types. With decades of experience and strong relationships with municipalities, contractors, and stakeholders, we help clients navigate complexity with confidence. Whether leading full-service projects or supporting specific disciplines, our integrated team works seamlessly to protect your vision and improve efficiency. Grounded in data and collaboration, we design experiences and shape places that help clients solve challenges early, work more efficiently, and balance community needs with an evolving environment.

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