Sharing the Work: Interactivity

The Emerging Professional's Companion is designed primarily for use by interns to gain IDP credit. The AIA and NCARB worked closely during its development to ensure the Companion would be useful to interns at many experience levels in many types of training settings. To become familiar with the EPC and its many uses, visit The Learning Environment.

The Companion is planned to reflect the kind of collaboration and exchange that enriches practice for all professionals. Each chapter section encourages individual effort, interchange with peers and experts in related disciplines, and critical review. The intern will do some independent research and work but will work closely with the IDP supervisor and/or IDP mentor on every exercise and activity. Allied professionals such as consultants, contractors, and code reviewers may be asked to participate to enhance the learning experience for the intern. Interns may also choose to work in teams to increase their breadth of study. Peer review is strongly encouraged, particularly between recent graduates and more seasoned interns, who can develop significant mentoring relationships through their work together.

All work done with the EPC must be reviewed by the supervisor and mentor before the intern can receive credit. For more information about receiving credit for your work, visit Submit for Credit.

Education Opportunities for Firms and AIA Components

Firms can use the Emerging Professional's Companion as a resource to develop their in-house education programs, and AIA local components can use it to enhance their programming for interns and young architects.

Firms and AIA components should encourage interns to form study groups to work on Companion exercises and activities together. Discussion forums may be organized in which young professionals and seasoned pros can exchange ideas about a Companion exercise.