Student Fellowship - United States - Summer 2026

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve challenging problems. Whether you’re into sketching new ideas, hacking a building, or growing client relationships in global markets, there’s something here for everyone. 

Our depth of expertise spans disciplines—from workplace and mixed-use to education, hospitality, cultural institutions, digital tech, and more. Whether we’re dreaming of a future learning environment, planning a new urban district, or designing a super-tall building, we strive to make the everyday places people occupy more inspiring, more resilient, and more impactful. 

To learn more about our internship programs, please visit gensler.com/internships. 

Your Role

The Gensler Summer Fellowship offers unparalleled learning and networking opportunities. During your time as a Fellow in this summer’s program, you will work full-time and engage with your peers on real project work and research to aid in furthering the important issues and global work of the firm. Please Note: This is a two-part application. Applications for Part I will be completed here.

Complete Part II of your application in the link here.

What You Will Do

In today’s world, research and thought leadership becomes more important than ever as vehicles for new thinking, new approaches, and a path forward to a better future. Students and recent graduates will have the opportunity to move forward Gensler research initiatives centered around our continued mission to redefine the future of cities around the world.

Gensler’s research is key to unlocking innovative solutions and addressing challenges as we seek to redefine the future of cities. We are looking for bold and bright fellows to join us this summer to help move forward this very important work.

Please review the Summer Fellowship application guidelines at gensler.com/summer-fellowship.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for ambitious candidates with a design background and a passion for tackling tough problems using unconventional insights into people, processes, and the places where they intersect. We seek students and recent graduates who inspire the people around them, who bring a fresh perspective to their work, and who can work collaboratively within individual teams and across geographic boundaries.

Ideal candidates possess a background in designing for the built environment and have demonstrated exceptional leadership through past academic and/or professional achievements. Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills are critical. Comfort in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously is a must. Candidates should be self-starters, quick learners, and exude an entrepreneurial spirit.

Your Qualifications

• We are looking for candidates who meet at least one of the following educational criteria:
  • Undergraduate: Be entering your final year (in the fall of 2026) in an undergraduate degree program in one of the fields noted above
  • Graduate: Be enrolled in a graduate degree program in one of the fields noted above
  • Recent Graduate: Be a recent graduate (Dec 2025/Spring 2026) of one of the degree programs noted above
  • An accredited degree program (NAAB, CIDA, where applicable) is preferred.
     
• Possess a professional or educational background in the design of the built environment (architecture, interior design, urban design, etc).
• Possess an interest in research.
• Submit an online portfolio that demonstrates your design process and innovative design solutions (PDF format).
• A strong academic background.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong graphic and persuasive writing skills.
• Familiarity with research methodologies and processes.
• An interest in user research, design strategy, and space programming.
• The following technical skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Creative Suite
  • Basic skills in AutoCAD and/or Revit
  • Basic skills in 3D and multi-media technologies are a plus
  • Hand sketching ability a plus

This is a full-time program running from June 1 through July 31, 2026. You must be available for the entire duration of the program.

How to Apply

Part I:

• Submit an online application through Gensler’s careers site (ie: complete this application on Workday), including your resume and portfolio.

Part II:

• Part II includes submitting your portfolio, including 3-4 curated work samples (PDF 10 MB max in total), and a couple of essay questions. Submissions without a portfolio/work samples will not be considered.
• Part II may be accessed immediately here.

Part I & Part II will remain open until Mid-March, 2026

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and available positions may be filled before the posting closes. 

This is a paid internship at a rate of $23.50-$31 per hour based on location and year completed in your educational program.