The origin of an architect's educational foundation is instituted at the level of academia. Academia is enriching, for the student investigates and discovers the fundamental ideas pertaining to design, theory, structure, as well as the appreciation of history. The learning and understanding of architecture is perpetual, for the process comprises of continuous scholarship, research, experience, and sharing of ideas pertaining to the architectural language.

Further education for an aspiring architect includes training in the field - an architectural internship. Such professional practice provides the individual with comprehensive career training. This educational transition functions as a fusion of theory and practicality, for architect Maya Ying Lin once said, "Architecture is like a mythical fantastic. It has to be experienced. It can't be described. We can draw it up and we can make models of it, but it can only be experienced as a complete whole." As an intern, one deepens their passion for knowledge and foremost, assuming responsibility for their growing ability, skill, and talent in the art.

As a member of the Internship Development Program, one experiences the many stages of training that are vital to everyday, architectural practice, such as design development, construction management, as well as site and environmental analysis and planning. Professional training is an opportunity to be open minded! The experience provides an intern the ability to formulate his or her own professional judgments, desired style, as well as further develop their career path.

While on the path for certification, interns should feel comfortable in their learning environment. As a college intern, I am pleased to be at a firm that recognizes interns as emerging professionals, helping hands, and ultimately, a team player in firm projects. From my superior experience, I am able to recognize the importance of an architectural internship and what it should entail for the individual as well as the firm. For example, interns offer fresh ideas and knowledge from college; therefore they should unquestionably be recognized for their talent and not be subject to need-base, non-architectural tasks.

Through the internship process, one will develop contacts and business relationships with fellow co-workers as they train under the close supervision of one or several registered architects. Such mentors offer guidance and advice, providing interns with information and recommendation that supercedes the knowledge basis one learns in school. With this contentment, the intern should be forward about receiving their best architectural internship and never be afraid to ask questions.

Although I am yet a college graduate, I can fully credit my summer internship as the foremost construction of my career path in receiving my architectural license. A working environment with professionals challenges the individual: What are the objectives I want to achieve from this internship experience? How will I make certain that such desires will be considered and performed? This opportunity will ultimately be the chance to acquire the knowledge and expertise in preparation to perform professionally. Consequently, as an architect, wisdom continues to grow though enriching experiences; after all, the learning process is never-ending!