An architectural internship should be a continuation of the foundation of one’s collegiate edification. It should be the continuation of the dialogue that began in one’s school of architecture, and the continuation of the optimism of the future in the profession of
architecture.

As it stands today, there seems to be a disconnect that occurs when you graduate and when you enter into the profession as an intern architect. The internship process should become this bridge into architectural licensure that effectively brings together the academic knowledge the intern has cultivated over the course of their studies with the knowledge the professional licensed architect passes on through mentorship. Why the disconnect? The difference in reality? It begins with a blur of responsibility.

We as interns must take ownership of our own education. We must project a voice and not be timid to the sometime overwhelming tasks laid out in front of us. Yet, how can we be heard amongst the licensed professionals, amongst the mentors? We do this by creating a network of support. With a support system established not only within the office environment, but within the community of associates in the area, the role the intern plays within society becomes validated and strengthens the end goal of the intern – the A.R.E.

Forging a culture for the interns keeps the conversation of architecture from becoming stagnant, and the internship process from seeming like an unattainable goal. To further strengthen the necessity of licensure, and the critical internship process that is invaluable to passing the A.R.E., the architectural profession as a whole needs to be redefined in the eyes of the intern through their mentor and through their community of associates. By mentors focusing on cultivating an environment of erudition for the intern, they then become the catalyst that spreads the optimistic energy into other co-workers and back in to their community of associates.

I propose interns be introduced to a broad range of experiences into related disciplines. For example, not only observing on the side lines of the job site, but partaking in the planning and processes of construction with the general contractor. To know the contractor’s role in relationship to the architect’s role fulfills an experience crucial to the development of the intern. Another beneficial educational opportunity would be to sit with an engineer of any discipline to experience there perspective of a project regarding development and coordination of drawings. The collaboration of various disciplines would develop a cross-culture for the intern and overall enrich their internship experience. Additionally, the exam material for the A.R.E. should be introduced immediately to the interns upon graduation or even slightly before. There is so much valuable knowledge to be gained by reading this material throughout the internship process in lieu of waiting until near the completion of your IDP years as so many interns tend to do.

The architectural internship should be the most valuable tool developed for the intern because we ARE emerging professionals.