I'm not convinced that architectural internship is broken. I meet too many interns who enjoy most of what they do to broadly declare their early working years unduly troubled. While it can be difficult making ends meet if you are employed by a well known urban design firm, intern pay doesn't seem to lag overall professional pay based on experience. The financial health of the profession is challenged by its struggle to balance design quality with marketplace realities - salaries are inextricably linked to firm billings. Yet architecture is a performance art, oftentimes a calling for idealists eager to make a bold statement. Eager to be recognized. Eager to be celebrity designers. That really isn't a recipe for high salaries but is money really the point?

Not the point exactly but arguably a significant factor shaping the profession's membership; one that may explain why it lags other professions in diversity and overall growth metrics. Money does seem to matter and if design maters, why shouldn't interns be able to earn living wages in any city they choose? Can anything be done about the pay issue?

Early this year Tamara Redburn, Assoc. AIA and I had the opportunity to address an enthusiastic group of future interns at the AIAS Forum in New Orleans on behalf of the National Associates Committee. We argued that interns should improve the profession by improving their place in it. That they should work to hone their business skills, proactively differentiate themselves and maintain a big-picture mindset. Here is an outline of our suggestions:

Network to Build Social Capital

• Join the AIA or a related organization like the ULI or APA and actively participate
• Seek a leadership role on your local chapter Board or committee
• Network with peers in other firms

Be a Leader in Your Community

• Match your strengths to your community's needs
• Volunteer for organizations like Habitat for Humanity or the local parks department
• Help good candidates seek public office
• Seek planning board or other appointments
• Write letters to the editor

Be a Lifelong Learner

• Take continuing education courses in subjects such as construction management, law or general business
• Read AIA and other industry publications
• Familiarize yourself with legal documents like the AIA A20 General Conditions contract document
• Develop a resource library for your firm
• Get a certification, like LEED, that demonstrates expertise or specialty knowledge

Don't Get Pigeon-Holed

• Skills like 3D rendering or spec-writing can become limiting if overly utilized
• Seek diverse experience - it's important for licensure and future opportunities
• Think long term - hone skills you will need to excel at the next level
• Monitor nature of assignments and compare with IDP framework

Manage Upward

• Select the right mentors; especially those with different perspectives
• Actively position yourself for increased responsibility - build strong client relationships and seek out projects that will benefit you

Maintain a Long-Term, Broad Focus

• Consider alternative career paths that are aligned with your strengths and interests
• Respect for developers, contractors and other project stakeholders as their feedback can greatly improve your craft
• There are no sexy shortcuts - be patient and persevere!

Internship will never be easy but for the proactive and pragmatic should be a rewarding segue into a fun and meaningful career.