On Apr 8, 2005, at 8:42 PM, Bitter Intern wrote [to a group of peers]:

Today I feel like a moron.

I do not know if I missed the tutorial on construction detailing or if my employer just thought it was not important to review. However, I do know that I am sitting here, staring at a computer screen that is slowly sucking the life out of me. I am at a loss as to how to draw a "relatively" simple post and beam detail, yet asking for help seems like an admission of my lack of intelligence and a ticket to unemployment. Thus, I am forced to accept my ineptitude and role of office “CAD monkey”, which I am sure to remain until I am struck by lightning and become incredibly smart (phenomenon) or I invent something as useful as noiseless Velcro and leave this profession. The only thing that keeps me and my fellow intern architects from entering a complete and utter state of depression is knowing that there is a fresh batch of morons entering the architectural profession every year that helps us to look better.

On Apr 10, 2005, at 11:52 AM, Onething IWouldChange wrote:

Everyday, remind yourself that if you want to be an effective and progressive contributor to this profession be humble, rigorous, courageous, gracious, and do not expect your job as an architect to be easy. With this said, one of the most critical components of the architectural internship process needing improvement is the working relationship between intern and employer. It is important for you to understand that your professional internship should not just be about getting you to know everything, but encouraging you to become a critical thinker and problem solver who not only relies on the cushion of knowledge, but the courage of exploration to get the job done. If
I could change one thing about the architectural internship process it would be to ensure better communication of knowledge, leadership, and skill expectations between intern and employer.

As architects and interns, we must openly address development of professional strengths and assessment of weaknesses. Yet, the emergent professional must also assume responsibility for his or her own career, ask questions, and relentlessly consider the welfare of both client and the general public. For it is not the passion of others that will ultimately stir us to give wholly to the internship process and aspiring professional goals. This should be aplan of our own individual design.