Florida Orlando local hotel internship/project opportunities/What are the best colleges for BOTH architecture and hospitality business?
Hi! I am currently a freshman in high school and am interested in architecture and business, specifically hospitality. I have always enjoyed both 3-D design and also hotels, and have dreamed of working and creating my own hotel chain one day. I was wondering if there are any current hotel brands that offer internships in Florida, or any local businesses around Orlando that would be open to working on a project/event, or internship opportunity or have with past high schoolers? Also, what would be the top colleges to go to for both architecture and hospitality business? I have seen a couple like Cornell, Rice University, and University of Nevada but and am not sure yet. Is Princeton or University of Florida good for both?
8 answers
Rafael’s Answer
It is awesome that you're interested in both architecture and hospitality! In Orlando, consider reaching out to local hotels like Marriott or Hilton for potential internships or explore smaller boutique spots for some hands-on experience. Volunteering at hospitality events can also give you a taste of the industry. Another fantastic future opportunity is the Disney College Program, which offers college students hands-on experience at Walt Disney World Resort, blending hospitality and entertainment. For college, Cornell is great for both architecture and hospitality, while UNLV and UF offer solid programs as well. Keep exploring and building your skills, and you will be designing your own hotel chain very soon!
Angel’s Answer
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Caroline Tomey
Caroline’s Answer
Jessica’s Answer
Another excellent choice for architecture is the University of Cincinnati's (UC) College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning, known as the DAAP program. UC's architecture program includes seven academic semesters and three co-op semesters over four years. During the co-op semesters, students work full-time at an architecture firm locally, nationally, or internationally while earning their degree. This is a fantastic way to gain work experience, earn money, and apply what you're learning in real-world settings. UC's program is highly competitive, accepting only top applicants, and students must maintain high standards to stay enrolled. The experience you gain with respected companies during your studies will be incredibly valuable for your future career.
Hope this helps! Good luck finding the right program for you.

Ankita Pimple
Ankita’s Answer
For colleges, top schools that are strong in both architecture and hospitality include:
🏨 Cornell University – amazing for hospitality (Hotel School) + solid architecture
🛎️ University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) – strong in hospitality + design programs
🏛️ University of Florida – good for both (especially architecture) and located in-state!
✏️ Princeton – great for architecture, but not known for hospitality business
Look for schools that let you double major or take courses in both areas. You’re thinking ahead—and that’s the first step to making it happen! 💡🏨📐
Donald’s Answer
https://www.cornell.edu
Andrew’s Answer
David’s Answer
It's commendable that you're proactively exploring opportunities to merge your interests in architecture and hospitality. Let's address your queries step-by-step.
1. Internship and Project Opportunities in Orlando, Florida:
Securing internships as a high school student can be challenging, but Orlando offers several programs that might align with your interests:
EmployU Hospitality Camp: Hosted by the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, this program is designed for students aged 14-21 with an IEP or 504 plan residing in Orange, Lake, or Seminole counties. It provides hands-on activities, site tours, and insights from industry leaders. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all slots are filled.
Lumiere Education+1Ladder Internships+1
CareerSource Central Florida's Summer Youth Program: This initiative offers a 4-week paid internship coupled with 1-week skills training for students aged 17-19. Participants gain real-world experience, which could be beneficial for your career aspirations.
CareerSource Central Florida
GetMyInterns.org: This platform connects high school students with internship opportunities in Orlando. Notably, companies like Seagull Hotel have been hiring interns through this program for years, offering valuable industry experience.
GetMyInterns
Additionally, platforms like Indeed list various internships suitable for high school students in Orlando. Regularly checking these listings can help you identify opportunities that align with your interests.
Job Search | Indeed
2. Top Colleges for Both Architecture and Hospitality Business:
Pursuing a dual interest in architecture and hospitality requires selecting institutions that excel in both fields:
CollegeVine
Cornell University: Cornell's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning is renowned for its architecture program. Simultaneously, the School of Hotel Administration offers one of the top hospitality programs globally, making Cornell a prime choice for your combined interests.
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): UPenn boasts the Wharton School of Business and the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. The university supports interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to tailor their education to encompass both architecture and business.
CollegeVine
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT's architecture program is consistently ranked among the best globally. While MIT doesn't have a dedicated hospitality program, its strong business curriculum can provide a solid foundation in business principles applicable to the hospitality industry.
CollegeVine
Regarding the institutions you mentioned:
Rice University: Rice offers a reputable architecture program. However, it doesn't have a specialized hospitality business program.
University of Nevada: Particularly the Las Vegas campus, it's renowned for its hospitality management program but doesn't offer an architecture program.
Princeton University: Princeton has a strong architecture program but doesn't offer a dedicated hospitality business program.
University of Florida: UF provides programs in both architecture and hospitality. While both are commendable, they may not be as highly ranked as those at the aforementioned institutions.
In summary, Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania stand out as institutions excelling in both architecture and hospitality business, offering robust programs that can cater to your dual interests.
David recommends the following next steps: