A schism exists within architectural practice and architectural education programs. Far too many times interns embark on the transition armed only with horror stories and anecdotes of the growing pains from friends or colleagues that look upon them with pity. Having only graduated last year, I am in the middle of the awkward assimilation into office life myself. What's been clear to me thus far is that architectural internship as it exists today is out of synch with the realities of our profession. Due to being outdated it fails to reflect the dynamics of current professional procedures.

What would I change? What should internship be?

For starters I suggest integrating internships during school. I had the advantage of working on a studio during school that was in reality work for my professors firm. Though questionable ethically, the reality is when I later began working at this professors firm I had no difficulty in becoming acclimated to the office. Working there was like continuing to be in school and work on a studio project. Albeit the initial work was not formally an internship, it highlights how engaging internship early on will help both an intern and a firm. An intern is seamlessly integrated into the office culture and the firm benefits by gaining an efficient and productive member of a team. This is what the first goal of an internship should be.

The long hours I spent on my studio project allowed me to assimilate the work methods this firm employed; thus helping me immensely as I was gaining first hand experience with professional work and practices. Additionally it is immensely satisfying to be able to work in school on something that will actually get built. Furthermore, incorporating built work within my school portfolio has helped open many doors for me.

I have since left this firm because the second goal of the internship process was lacking. I am now working at a corporate firm. Sacrificing design for financial security, benefits and a strong IDP program that will help me fulfill my learning credits quota and pass the ARE examination. Only to later leave once I am licensed. Unfortunately within the current climate of our profession the dynamics are such that sacrifices must be made and parties are exploited.

My hope is to help aid in making the future of our profession stronger by making the internship period a more productive and efficient one for all parties involved. There are two major goals of internships, each serving separate parties. Concurrently interns encounter one of two scenarios. The first is equated with long hours, for little pay, with no semblance of an IDP program. Producing gifted designers that lack the well-rounded know how to execute their own designs. The second is financially rewarding, aesthetically deficient, and well-structured; producing individuals that understand the whole process and can execute designs that lack passion. Accordingly, the solution to these problems involves sacrifices from both parties and is ultimately in the interest of both.