course summary
course
requirements
making the most of
the internship
professional protocols
list of questions
salary negotiation
letter of agreement
legal issues
"Diplomacy at the Office"
- Attitude critical and observe professional protocols
- Call in advance, give advance notice, work out problems in advance
- Put in 8 hours a day, every day. If you go to a SPUR meeting at noontime--work early or late
- Don't waste staff billable time
- Make your interview appointments early in the quarter!!!
- Do not put negatives in writing--facts, yes--opinion, no
- Ask for recommendation letter near the end of the internship
- A personal tahnk you letter to your supervising architect is essential!!!
Your internship firm has obligated themselves to act as Adjunct Faculty to you. They are trading some of their time--since you will require much more explanation than an experienced architect--for some of your time. (In fact, many firms refuse to hire anyone with less than 1 years' experience because the training time is too much of a drain on their billable time.) Your internship now and after graduation will be more successful if you learn the professional protocols which are expected.
ATTITUDE:
"It's not the problems; it's how you handle them..." H. Friedman
During your architectural internship, it is important that you have a hard-working, positive attitude. Anytime you know you will be mission work or have any other problem, call immediately or discuss the problem immediately. If a firm is depending on you and you do not show up,they will be left short-handed. Any days missed in the last week of the internship will require a doctor's note.
QUESTIONS:It is essential that you ask enough questions to accurately carry out your assignments and opportunities. however, be aware that anytime you engage a staff member in a overly long conversation, you are using up "billable time"--which the firm pays for. If that person "bills out" at $100-$150 per hour, this is an expensive converstation. therefore, try to arrange these longer, informal conversations for lunch time or after work.
OFFICIAL INTERVIEWS: Your firm will expect you to
use regular office hours for an official interview with
the principal, the marketing director, etc. unless they
suggest otherwise. Friday lunch is a good time when people
are more relaxed.
NETWORK: This is an opportunity to learn about 16 other firms. Try to visit them after work or at lunch time.Research all yuou can about these firms.
RECCOMENDATIONS: 2-3 weeks before the internship ends, ask for a recommendation letter for your portfolio.
THANK YOU LETTERS: Your internship is a unique opportunity for you. Compile or keep a list of everyone in your firm for the future (the phone list may do). It is very important that you write a personal thank you to your supervising architect and any others who have helped you substantially. Keep up you contact with the office by follow-up visits of cards. This program gives you the opportunity to establist a mentor relationship with your firm. That relationship can be tremendously valuable to you in the future--getting advice about other firms, starting your own office, etc. even if you are never hired permanently by your mentor firm.
