A Guide to the Emerging Professional's Companion
What is the Emerging Professional's Companion?
The EPC is an online resource for emerging professionals. Primarily intended as a means for interns to earn IDP credit, this resource also can be used by educators in professional practice courses, by young architects seeking continuing education credit, by AIA components developing programming for emerging professionals (e.g., mentoring programs, study groups), and by firms looking for in-house curricula.
Students, Interns, Supervisors, Mentors, Firm Educators
Intern and professional development credit for IDP: Interns can receive IDP supplementary education credit for work completed in the EPC. It will be particularly helpful for interns who have found it difficult in their work setting to earn sufficient credit in a timely manner, or who simply want to build up their skills and competency in the IDP training areas.
Interns will work closely with their supervisors, mentors, and peers to review their work at regular intervals. The opportunity to analyze the work, one-on-one, is a major distinguishing attribute of the EPC. Verification of work performed will be submitted to NCARB, and IDP training units will be granted based on a table of credits established by NCARB. Practitioners can receive continuing education credit for their integral participation in this process with their interns.
Students, Educators
Classroom assignments: The EPC is an excellent tool for professional practice instructors to use with students. Students can be directed to the Web site to download and complete exercises either as an individual or a team assignment. Topics such as ethics and design and construction liability provide real-world scenarios for students to engage in and learn from.
Firm Educators, Interns
AIA Components: Study groups and networking Intern study groups have formed at some components around IDP topics. AIA components, firms, and individuals can build on this idea and start discussion groups on the topics included in the Emerging Professional's Companion. Interns earn credit in IDP, and licensed professionals can self-report for continuing education credit with their AIA component provider.
AIA Components Parallel workshops: AIA components are encouraged to develop a parallel workshop series for Associates and Young Architects based on the content of the Emerging Professional's Companion. The AIA can provide you with a list of potential speakers, or you can use your own local resources. These courses, developed for AIA continuing education credit, will provide your membership with the latest practice information and draw nonmembers who see significant value in component programs.
Firm Educators, Interns, General Membership
Firm education curriculum: The AIA has developed the Emerging Professional's Companion with firm education programs in mind. Whether your firm is just starting its in-house program or is looking to supplement an existing program with fresh content, the EPC will be a valuable resource for developing new, interactive programs. Our goal has been to provide you with the latest information about the profession, and we encourage you and your staff to think critically about how that information affects your everyday practice. Experts from your firm can lead the sessions, or the AIA can provide a list of experts who may be able to help you develop a program.
Firm Educators
AIA Components General Membership Continuing education: The AIA is developing a national model program to encourage practitioners to self-report continuing education credits for their integral work with interns and the Emerging Professional's Companion. In addition, young architects will be able to self-report their credit for EPC work done on their own time. We encourage components and firms to serve as providers for their local programs, including workshops, discussion groups, and mentoring programs. Contact the AIA for more information on these programs.
