I always thought that the National Council of Architect Registration Boards’ (NCARB) naming of the Intern Development Program (IDP) should have included an A for Architect somewhere. Anyways this very important Intern Architect program is undergoing very significant category changes. They qualify as extensive and I strongly encourage you read up and make yourself aware of them here http://www.ncarb.org/~/media/Files/PDF/Direct-Connection/2010-2/IDP20TheFinalPhase.pdf (pdf).
Stop. Go back and click the above link. It is more important than the rest of this post. After you read the pdf, come back here to read what’s below.
Below are two positions in dealing with IDP. Whether you agree or not, review the coming IDP changes to understand how they affect your future. This way you can feel prepared and plan accordingly.
Maintain your records on a vigorous basis. Even more things could change. Not just with IDP rules, but the RA or PE who was about to sign off on your work verification could have a stroke. How would you feel going up to him/her in the hospital with your laptop and asking, “Could you please login and approve my last 6 months?” You don’t know what could change around you. Find some common ground communicating with your supervisor and submit employment verification requests much more frequently than every 6 months. This may mean staying 20 minutes after work to organize your past job categories, or pulling a few timesheets home to go over on the e-EVR interface. Take the time and effort to make the process easier for your supervisor to approve.
Do your best to plan where you categorize your work experience. This is important for two reasons. You need to use these guidelines as a balance for becoming a well rounded architect. You need to finish IDP. Most tasks are clear. But there might be some that are not. If something you’re doing can be categorized in two places, then place it where it benefits you. If you’re lucky and have a willing and supportive mentor (or supervisor), then go over your work duties with him/her. Consider where they belong. Review your work, review your IDP categories, and review your possible future.
These two suggestions encourage you to be aware and active in your Intern Development Program. Review the oncoming changes and know what they mean in your process of becoming an architect. Good luck.
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