High School Summer Intern

SOM

Posted 5 days ago

Internship

Chicago, Illinois

In Person

Smart Summary

Summer interns will learn from experts in various design disciplines and contribute to world-class design projects. They will participate in a range of in-person and virtual learning opportunities and events.

This high school summer internship at SOM is for students interested in architecture, engineering, urban planning, graphic design, or interior design. The internship involves learning from experts, building design and visualization skills, and contributing to design projects. Candidates should be current high school students or recent graduates with some knowledge of architectural or engineering software and the ability to work in a team.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Design Capabilities

Architectural Software

Engineering Software

AutoCAD

Revit

Rhino

Visualization Software

Teamwork

Communication

Job Description

High School Summer Intern

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 8, 2026 until August 14, 2026.

Compensation for this role is $19 per hour.

Desired skills and expertise

  • Current high school student or recent graduate who has participated in a high school architectural or engineering training/enrichment program.

  • Developing design capabilities as demonstrated in portfolio or work samples.

  • Some knowledge of architectural or engineering software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino and visualization software.

  • Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.

Reminders

  • You must be returning to school in Fall 2026 to be considered for a summer internship at SOM.

Our Culture

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy

For more about SOM: www.som.com

SOM

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, designers, engineers, and planners, responsible for some of the world’s most technically and environmentally advanced buildings and significant public spaces. The firm’s approach is highly collaborative, and its interdisciplinary team is engaged in a wide range of international projects, with creative studios based across the globe. In 2026, SOM was named one of the Most Innovative Companies in Architecture by Fast Company and received the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The firm’s portfolio includes numerous innovative landmark towers, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, One World Trade Center in New York, and Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai.

Runway Icon
Boost Your Interview Chances

With Runway

See Your Fit for This Role

1-5 min

Your Score

?

Top Applicants

90%

Your Job Search Advantage

Key Gaps & Next Steps:

Address these in your resume & Interview

Top Strengths For This Role

Highlight these in your cover letter & interview

Your Interview Guide

A Personalized Interview Strategy

Freshest Opportunities

Never Miss a Good Fit

Get notified when jobs mach your criteria