The second component of "becoming" an architect is experience! Using a more legal definition as regulated by the state registration boards, there is a training standard that must be met in order to practice architecture. In most states, this training standard is met by completing the requirements as set forth by the intern development program (IDP) (Check with your state requirements or NCARB). However, using a broader definition, experience can begins when you begin your formal education and for all intensive purposes, will never end. For this reason, it is critical that you understand the career development process in order to maximize your success as an architect.

This section on EXPERIENCE is divided into five subsections as follows:

Designing Your Career - provides a summary on the career development process helping you plan your career as an architect

Gaining Experience - provides more detail on how to gain experience while an architecture student.

After Graduation - provides more detail on how to gain experience after graduation

Internship (IDP) - provides more information on the internship phase of becoming an architect with a great deal dedicated to the Internship Development Program (IDP).

A.R.C.H.I.T.E.C.T - provides a quick summary on the job search process using an acronym spelling architect.