In addition to her teaching and scientific work, she is renowned for her active role in curating important green spaces, such as the Lisbon Botanical Garden, the Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Ajuda Botanical Garden, the latter under her coordination since 2019. She is also co-founder of the Portuguese Association of Historic Gardens.
Regarding the connection between the university and the professional world, and in particular the importance of internships in the training of future landscape architects, Horto do Campo Grande spoke with Professor Ana Luísa Soares about the relevance of these experiences, the benefits of partnerships between educational institutions and companies, and the impact that these experiences can have on students’ careers.
How important do you think these types of internships are for training future professionals?
Internships at companies in the field of landscape architecture, such as Horto do Campo Grande, are extremely important for training future professionals. These internships allow for essential integration between the theory learned at university and the practice applied in the field, consolidating technical skills and deepening understanding of the professional reality. Direct contact with real projects and green spaces under construction or maintenance offers interns a concrete view of the challenges and demands of the sector, from design to execution of the work.
The field experience, which includes tasks such as measurements, budgets, reading technical documents (written and drawn) and monitoring schedules, complements academic training and allows students to also develop interpersonal skills, such as communication with teams, suppliers and customers, as well as the ability to adapt and solve problems. An internship at Horto do Campo Grande thus represents a complete opportunity for learning and growth, bringing students closer to their future as landscape architects.
How do you view collaboration between universities and companies, particularly between ISA and Horto do Campo Grande? What benefits do you see in this type of partnership?
This collaboration, through internships between universities and companies, is very important throughout the academic course, both at undergraduate and master’s level, as it enriches the knowledge acquired at university with professional practice. In the case of Horto do Campo Grande, by combining design, construction and plant nursery, these internships offer an integrated view of all phases of a landscape architecture project, which is very enriching for the training of a professional.
It is an opportunity that complements academic training, prepares students for the challenges of the market and contributes to the construction of a solid professional identity in Landscape Architecture.
In your opinion, what impact does an internship have on students – both in terms of enriching their CV and applying the knowledge they have acquired at university in practice? And for the organisations that take them on, what advantages can they gain from having these young people around?
An internship is a fundamental step in the training of a landscape architecture student, with a clear impact on enriching their curriculum and on the practical application of the knowledge acquired throughout their bachelor’s or master’s degree. During the internship, students experience everyday professional life, developing a concrete understanding of the demands of the job market. This practical experience allows them to apply the theoretical content studied at university in a critical and contextualised way, such as landscape architecture design, the use of appropriate plant species or the reading of drawn and written pieces.
In addition, the internship allows them to develop cross-cutting skills, such as teamwork, time management and the ability to adapt to different situations and challenges on site. In terms of the curriculum, it clearly enhances the student’s profile, demonstrating proactivity, a sense of responsibility and contact with the real world. It can also serve as a gateway to future opportunities through the establishment of professional contacts and recognition by the host organisation.
For organisations that host interns, this collaboration also represents added value. In addition to contributing to the training of new professionals, they benefit from the energy, creativity and up-to-date knowledge that students bring with them. Interns often introduce new approaches, familiarity with recent digital tools or perspectives that complement established practices. The internship also serves as a period of observation and training, allowing promising talent to be identified who may join the team on a permanent basis in the future. It is, therefore, a valuable exchange between generations, knowledge and experiences.
Is there any message you would like to leave to Horto do Campo Grande and/or the students who are currently interning or who will intern in the future?
I would like to leave a message of appreciation and encouragement, both to Horto do Campo Grande and to the students who are currently interning or who will do so in the future.
To Horto do Campo Grande, sincere thanks for the role it has played in training young professionals. The willingness to welcome interns, share technical knowledge and allow them to experience the day-to-day life of the profession is of enormous value. It is contributing directly to the growth of Landscape Architecture in Portugal, training professionals who are better prepared, more aware and connected to the reality of the sector.
To the interns, make the most of this opportunity. This phase is a bridge between school and the professional world, where knowledge takes shape, becomes useful and gains depth. Every task, no matter how simple it may seem, is a learning opportunity. Cultivate respect for the practical and technical knowledge of your more experienced colleagues, but also trust in your training and the vision you are beginning to build as future landscape architects.
An internship is more than a curricular requirement – it is a time for personal and professional growth. May your enthusiasm, dedication and curiosity accompany you throughout your career.
And Ana Luísa, did you also have similar experiences during your training at some point in your career? How did these experiences contribute to your professional path?
Yes, I had the opportunity to do a very memorable internship right after finishing my degree in landscape architecture, at the National Trust’s Powis Castle garden in the United Kingdom. This experience was extremely enriching and had a profound impact on my professional career. During the internship, I participated in various practical gardening tasks, from daily maintenance to more specialised work, which allowed me to consolidate much of the knowledge I had acquired during my academic training.
n addition, I also had the opportunity to collaborate in the preparation of planting plans, which was an excellent way to apply the principles of plant composition, species selection and spatial organisation in a real context. Being a contributor to a historic garden with an experienced and dedicated team allowed me to learn not only techniques, but also to develop an aesthetic sensitivity and a deeper respect for the history and identity of cultural landscapes.
This experience abroad, in a demanding and culturally distinct professional context, helped me grow as a professional and as a person, broadening my horizons and reinforcing my certainty that I had chosen the right field. It was undoubtedly a decisive moment in my career and a solid foundation for everything I have developed since then.
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