Congratulations—you did it! 🎉 After years of late nights, crits, site visits, and all-nighters, you’ve graduated with a degree in architecture, interior design, or engineering. But now that the celebrations have settled, a big question looms: Now what?
Whether you're a U.S. citizen or an international student on an OPT visa, the job market in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry - we’ve mapped out five essential steps to help you land your first job and get your career off the ground.
And yes, Inter/Arch Jobs is here to help - especially with our upcoming free webinar packed with insider tips on job hunting, resumes, and sponsorship strategies for OPT holders.
Step 1: Perfect Your Portfolio & Resume
Before you hit "apply," make sure your portfolio and resume showcase your best, most relevant work.
✅ Keep your portfolio focused and well-curated - show quality over quantity. Tailor it to the type of firm you're applying to.
✅ Highlight technical skills, software proficiency, and the role you played in each project.
✅ Your resume should reflect keywords from job descriptions - especially if you're applying online.
📅 Need help crafting a killer resume? Sign up for our upcoming webinar: Crafting Resumes That Get You Hired in the Age of AI
Step 2: Target the Right Jobs (and Know If You're a Fit)
Don’t just mass apply—focus on jobs where you meet at least 80% of the listed requirements, especially all the "must-haves."
🔍 Use platforms like Inter/Arch Jobs to filter for roles by discipline (architecture, MEP, interior design, etc.) and experience level.
🌐 Be open to global opportunities if you're mobile - remote roles or international firms may be more open to hiring junior staff.
Pro-Tip for OPT Holders: Some smaller firms may not be familiar with OPT/CPT, so be ready to educate them. Also, keep an eye on companies with a history of sponsoring H-1B visas.
Step 3: Network Like It’s Your Job
Many job opportunities come from people, not postings.
💬 Attend industry events, ASID/AIA meetups, and virtual career fairs.
🤝 Use LinkedIn to reach out to alumni and professionals at firms you admire. 🎥 Join live sessions and webinars - like those hosted by Inter/Arch Jobs—to ask questions and connect with employers.
Bonus for OPT Students: Leverage your Design/Build or studio connections—professors often have firm contacts and are happy to refer great grads.
📅 Make sure your LinkedIn is tip top. Sign up for our upcoming webinar: LinkedIn for Job Seekers: Build a Profile That Gets Results
Step 4: Understand Your Visa Options & Be Transparent
If you're an international student on OPT, job searching comes with extra pressure.
📆 OPT gives you 12 months (or 36 months for STEM fields) to work in the U.S.—make it count!
🔁 Start early, and target firms with a track record of sponsorship.
📣 Be transparent but strategic - mention your OPT status after an initial screening or when there’s genuine interest.
At Inter/Arch Jobs, we regularly post roles from companies open to international applicants. 👉 Be sure to check the posts for "Visa Sponsorship Available" mentioned in the job posting.
Step 5: Stay Organized, Stay Positive
Job searching is a full-time job. Treat it like one.
📑 Use a spreadsheet to track your applications, follow-ups, and interviews.
⏳ Expect some rejections—but remember, all it takes is one “yes.”
🎯 Set weekly goals: number of applications, connections made, or interview preps done.
And don’t forget to take breaks and celebrate small wins.
How Inter/Arch Jobs Can Help You Launch Your Career
Whether you're a local graduate or an OPT student, Inter/Arch Jobs is more than a job board - we’re your career partner in the AEC industry.
✅ Curated listings across architecture, interior design, and engineering
✅ Jobs that are actually relevant to new grads
✅ Tags for firms offering remote work and visa sponsorship
✅ Free resources, tips, and industry webinars
Graduating is just the beginning of your professional journey. With the right strategy, support system, and job-hunting tools, you can turn that diploma into your dream career.
Inter/Arch Jobs is here to walk with you every step of the way. 📌 Browse jobs and join our next webinar to take control of your future.