One Architect's Story: Internship
Cross discusses the second step toward licensure, the Intern Development Program (IDP), and why it is important to focus on getting the diverse experience necessary to complete the process.
When and where did you do your IDP?
I could have registered for the IDP and started tracking my hours after my third year of undergraduate work at Colorado. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that at the time, so I didn’t get credit for the work I did for a year beginning the summer following my junior year until I left for graduate school. I registered for the IDP after I moved to New York and started working. Even then, while I did track my hours, I didn’t focus on completing the different training areas required for IDP. It was not until I moved back to Virginia and took a look at where I stood in the process that I started to seek opportunities to fulfill the various categories where I was deficient.
Interns now have the electronic Experience Verification Reporting (e-EVR) system, which allows them to go online at any time and see the training areas they have completed and where they still need experience. I think this will really help interns stay on top of the process and complete the IDP faster.
What factors did you consider when selecting your internship?
I began tracking my hours while in graduate school. At the time, selecting an internship was mostly based on who was doing the most interesting work. This made for a great work experience, but the office I worked in had little knowledge of the IDP and didn’t focus on the program. Consequently, I didn’t get the variety of experience I needed to complete the IDP. After that, I worked at a larger corporate firm that provided more structure and had a culture that fostered professional growth in terms of IDP and licensure.
How long did it take to complete the IDP?
If I do not count the time worked in college that was not used toward the IDP, it took me four to five years to complete the program.
How did your supervisor help you in the process?
Toward the end of the process my supervisors were all very helpful in working me into projects where I could gain exposure in areas that were not part of my regular role.
Did you have any difficulties completing the program?
I’d have to say that I was my own biggest obstacle. Even after failing to register for a few years after working and loosing that time, I was not diligent in tracking my hours with the attention required in order to move through the process systematically. Once I was committed and focused, the largest delays I had were getting signatures from supervisors who were focused on much larger issues.
Did you have a mentor?
I consider the architect for whom I worked those few weeks one summer in high school to be my mentor. He has continued to provide support and advice along the way. Additionally, I’ve stayed in touch with two former bosses who still offer their advice and support.
How did your internship prepare you for your career?
I am a huge advocate for diversifying one’s experience, and the IDP requires this type of diversity of experience within professional practice.
Are you now, or have you been, a supervisor? If so, how did completing the IDP make you a better supervisor?
I have only served as a supervisor for the past year or so. I check in with my intern regularly to see how he is progressing in the program and remind him often that filing frequently is critical to accounting for the time worked.
Do you have any advice for interns on how to get the most out of IDP?
Register early and stay on top of the program. All too often people get caught relatively far along in their careers with no IDP record and little time to devote to it due to increased responsibilities at home and work.