“I was able to experience how it feels to be involved in such a huge project, and how organization and teamwork are essential for efficiency” Our student’s internship experiences What has been your professional experience so far? So far I have completed two internships through IE University. The first in 2018 at Ecosistema Urbano, with a focus on urban design. And the second in 2019 with Saffron Consultants, working with brand design. I am currently interning at IE University as a post-degree fellow. What do you like the most about the Bachelor in Architectural Studies at IE University? What I’ve found unique about the Bachelor in Architectural Studies is its open-endedness. I’ve enjoyed the fact that the program doesn’t teach you to be one specific kind of architect, but instead allows you to leave your options open. Additionally, the program shows you various outcomes that the profession has to offer, far beyond the conventional ones. Do you feel like your time at IE University has helped you be successful in your internships? Yes, I think it has. The education you receive at IE University covers a wide range of topics, which ultimately work as stepping stones for when you want to get involved in more specific fields during internships. You are able to build a solid, well-rounded foundation with plenty of opportunities for growth. Did IE University help you find and obtain your internships? Most of my internships have been through the university. IE University has a solid network of firms that has been established from previous years or through connections with the faculty. These firms provide positions for interns. IE University is also willing to contact new firms if you have a particular interest. Even though this may be a bit more of a gamble, there is always the chance that it works out well and you end up with the opportunity you were looking for. Do you have any tips for students looking for architecture internships? I think there are two ways to go about it—you either know exactly what you want to do after your studies and you aim for internships that are highly tailored to those interests, or you seek a more open-ended, holistic training. I was personally more inclined toward the latter when I was still studying, especially because as a student it gave me more leeway in terms of trying different things and maybe even finding a new interest. Although the open-ended training can be more challenging in the beginning, the wide range of knowledge you acquire afterwards is well worth it. Exploring internships Haitam Daoudidid an internship at Ecosistema Urbano and at Saffron Consultants