When it comes to sitting for the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE), I’m not sure if the words reason, goal and motivation are equally interchangeable. There are different techniques to keep motivation up. Professional goals may be achieved before attaining the license, so I think underlying reasons for taking the ARE may change.
Don’t over evaluate your reasons prior to taking the ARE. Embrace those one or two reasons. A reason I come across often is professional accomplishment to prove yourself to yourself and amongst your peers (peer recognition). I am surprised of this general consensus, I come across again and again.
Having a license presents an architect with more risk, particularly when used to stamp a drawing. Sometimes this license doesn’t seem worth this risk. A license does not really confirm your experience. It states you’ve passed a test and that you know how to interpret state zoning, building codes and other laws. Proving yourself as an architect is still an everyday, project-to-project challenge.
Sometimes the license seems like a liability to avoid. Embracing your reason(s) helps as your efforts to succeed become challenged. Clear reasons (initial motivation and goals) help avoid an early falter in the beginning and probably keeps you on track near the end.
If an obscure reason starts you on your journey, like somehow finding the time during a maternity leave or after a break up to help forget the loss, embrace this reason. Let it start your journey to an achievement that holds opportunity, risk and hopefully reward.
Choose your reasons, motivations and goals, quickly evaluate them and take strong hold of them as the basis for taking the ARE. As little challenges present themselves your final goal or initial reason may not motivate you as much as a stinking PASS letter. Your reasons, motivations and goals may diverge, but keep them in focus as you move towards your license.
My reasons:
“The kid in me wants to be an architect.”
I am very likely to get a raise.
A professional education scholarship (from HESC) requires me to work as a NYS licensed architect.
Feel free to leave your reasons as comments!
PPI