The success of architectural internship is largely based on chance. Where every graduate aspires to race to the nearest firm, log hours of real architectural experience, and complete their licensing exams with ease, it is soon discovered that completion of such a process is more challenging than it had appeared. Although NCARB provides the framework for interns to apply fresh school education to the many facets of the built world, this transformation from student to architect is determined simply by where the inexperienced end up for their first job. If an intern is armed with specific mentor and firm support at work the chances of architectural success are much greater.

Mentor support is crucial to the development of a new graduate. NCARB recognizes this, as each intern is responsible for selecting a designated mentor that will help them through the process. To aide in making a better choice, NCARB requires that this mentor be licensed in the state in which you are practicing architecture. Where this ensures that your advisor has had experience, it does not guarantee that they will be invested as a "teacher". Often times, supervisors will provide interns with just enough information to complete the tasks at hand but do not share valuable lessons that will contribute to their long term development. Perhaps instead of leaving the choice to the intern, mentors should be appointed by NCARB. Mentors that recognize themselves as instructors that are assisting the crucial development of the profession are often times more emotionally invested in the intern. These individuals will never miss an opportunity to provide a lesson and, in turn, make better use of time logged.

NCARB also recognizes the need for interns to have experience with all facets of design. Unfortunately, many firms are not able to provide interns with diverse architectural experiences. Commonly, interns are limited to the areas of architecture that they have already proven to excel. Although a give and take process, the success of an internship is greatly influenced by the firm's willingness to allow for exploration. Firms that are the most supportive are aware of which areas interns need to experience and make that a possibility when the opportunity presents itself. Successful completion of an internship will be made better if firms are provided with a system for making themselves aware of an intern's outstanding requirements. Perhaps NCARB could provide a spreadsheet for this sort of organization.

Taking the road to becoming a licensed architect is no easy undertaking. Where NCARB provides a good springboard for such a process, the success of an internship is still somewhat luck of the draw. Where there are some controls in place that aide in the selection of a mentor, there is the possibility of doing more to appoint "teachers" instead of supervisors. Perhaps if firms become more aware of their interns' needs, they will be capable of providing opportunity for well-rounded development. With minor alterations to the system that is in place, the architectural internship could be greatly improved.