Next-Gen Architects: Tips for Gen Z Professionals in Architecture
- 3 min read
- July 10, 2023
Architectural firms hire interns for their valuable contributions to the profession. Interns bring fresh perspectives, acquire practical skills, and lay the foundation for a successful architectural career. Through internships, aspiring architects bridge the gap between academe and professional practice, gaining the necessary experience and exposure to become competent professionals.
During an architectural internship, participants have the chance to contribute to various stages of architectural projects, including design conceptualization, drafting, construction documentation, and project management. However, many have left the field despite the immersive experience that these internships offer. Here are a few possible factors that can contribute to interns deciding to leave their internships:
Long working hours and demanding workload
Architecture entails long hours and tight deadlines, making it a demanding profession. Interns are consistently overworked or subjected to an unmanageable workload without proper work-life balance, they may experience burnout and choose to leave.
Inadequate compensation or benefits
Inadequate compensation and benefits can cause interns to quit if they struggle financially or feel undervalued. Architectural internships in the Philippines usually pay less than licensed architects or experienced professionals, with amounts ranging from minimum wage to a modest stipend.
Career mismatch or reevaluation
Some interns may realize during their internship that architecture may not align with their long-term career goals or personal aspirations. This self-discovery process can lead them to reevaluate their career path and choose to explore other fields or pursue different interests.
Unfulfilling or limited tasks
Limited growth opportunities can leave architectural interns feeling disengaged and undervalued when assigned repetitive or menial tasks. Without meaningful responsibilities and exposure to diverse projects, interns may feel their potential is underutilized.
Lack of mentorship and guidance
Sufficient mentorship is vital for interns to grow their skills and succeed in architecture. Without proper support from experienced professionals, interns may feel frustrated and unmotivated.
The overall culture and environment of the organization can greatly impact an intern’s experience. If there is a lack of inclusivity, communication issues, or a toxic work environment, interns may feel uncomfortable and opt to leave for a more supportive and positive work setting.
This is why in MGS, we stimulate a positive work culture that promotes a supportive and sympathetic environment. A supportive culture enables not only to interns, but to every MGS employee to ask questions, seek guidance, and explore their interests, allowing them to reach their full potential.By prioritizing a positive work culture, architectural firms can create a nurturing and rewarding experience for interns, setting the foundation for their future success in the field.
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