The key to a successful Architectural Internship program lies in the relationship between the intern and his or her mentor. Shifting the focus from cataloging experience to relationship provides more accountability to the intern and produces more knowledgeable and experienced architects. A good mentor has the opportunity to profoundly influence the career of young professionals. However, in order to do this, mentors need to be empowered to take on the responsibility of developing future architects.

The internship should combine hands-on learning with continued education about the field. The practical experience gained in the field is invaluable, but the internship should also reflect the fact that the interns are still growing in their knowledge of the field. By strengthening the mentor/intern relationship there would be accountability for the intern to ensure a steady growth of skills needed in the field. Also, integrating the AIA system of continuing education into the intern program would prepare interns for that is expected of them after they become registered while also fostering an ethic of lifelong learning.

The internship should be collaborative. The program, as set up now, doesn’t provide any way for interns to come together on a regular basis, share their experiences and things they have learned, and enjoy the company of their fellow interns. Gathering several interns under one mentor would be a good way bridge the gap between the classroom and the work environment as well as enhance the experience of the program. With regular group gatherings, interns could benefit from hearing about the experiences of the others interns and the insight given by the mentor. I would also recommend larger regional or city wide conferences for interns and mentors to gather together.

This model is not with out its drawbacks. Relying more heavily on the mentors would require more oversight by NCARB on the interaction between the mentors and interns. Perhaps some formal training on how to mentor and some way to hold mentors accountable for their oversight of interns would need to be developed. It is also worth noting that having multiple mentors in the course of the internship would be a good way to ensure that interns get the full picture of the field. As an incentive; perhaps Continuing Education units could be given to reward successful mentors.