So I just got done with 12 months of my training in KGD Architecture - Delhi. This was my first experience in an architectural firm, and to my utter delight, it turned out way better than my expectations, or apprehensions, if I may say!
So for all those who are aiming for an internship/training in the coming year, I have some gyaan to share. What working as a Trainee/Intern Architect taught me!
1. Life is going to change completely
Okay so in the first month, everything is going to be new but exciting to you - the place, the people, even the AutoCAD layers of the firm's template also, for that matter :D You weren't used to spending long hours in front of the computer or sitting on the same chair in the same position for 8-9 hours earlier, so your eyes will hurt a little, and the power of your specs which was constant for the last year will suddenly change in a month!
but again, its okay, embrace this change and understand that all of it is a part of your growth.
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| Incase you think you've bid goodbye to hand drafting, let me tell you that in most probability, it will come back to you! :P |
2. Don't shy away from doubts
NEVER say "yes" when you're asked "Got it?", if you haven't really got it. Its okay to feel like a fool for 2 minutes when you ask that silliest of silly doubts, than to make a fool of yourself by working on a file which you had not understood in the first place.
And because a) you are only a baby in this vast field and b) it is human to forget new things, keep noting down everything that comes your way - a new command, how to set layout, new doubt that got cleared..just anything! This will save you the hesitation of going to your trainer again and asking the same thing, and will also serve as a record for your own information.
3. Maintain records
Keep a written record of EVERY thing that comes your way. Coming late to office? Mail the HR. Planning to take a leave? Mail in advance. You completed the files you were assigned but your trainer is in a meeting/has left already? Mail it. It's always best to pre-inform; plus you never know when and how written record might just save your ass.
Maintain your Daily Work log-book right from the very beginning because you'll not remember what did you work on the 23rd of March while you're preparing your training report on the 23rd of December.
4. Ask for site visits, incase you're not offered/asked to. The more visits you make to the site, the better will you understand the project.
5. Be very careful to understand that your personal and professional life are two VERY separate worlds.
Discussing about the feel of a place you last visited, is still okay but talking about how you and your friends got totally sloshed in that party last weekend, and how your almost-happy-story with your ex-girlfriend didnt work out eventually, is just unprofessional. As college go-ers we're used to discussing all this with our friends..but here lies the difference - this isn't college and your colleagues aren't your friends. You will always find people around you talk about such stories.. My advice to you : plug in your ear-phones and refrain yourself from any such talks.
6. Ouch! That hurt!
More than what you do, its important to know the strict no-no's. NEVER, even in jest or fun, just never use a phrase or pass a comment to anybody which can, in any way, be 'personal' in nature.
India is diverse in culture, and more often than not, you'll have people from 10 different cultures working together with you. You'd never know how talking or commenting about a religion/region/caste/sex/
7. There's life beyond office!
Working over-time once in a blue moon if the project demands is okay, but working over-time shouldn't be an everyday thing. You know why? Because you have a life. :P
Well, of course your manager would want you to work every living hour, and every submission deadline may appear to be the most important thing to exist, but you should know the art of saying 'no' if and when required. You might also enjoy working over-time sometimes thinking that "I'm learning so much!" but you have to realise that the kind of work-habits you develop in these initial years pretty much stay with you for the rest of your life.
9. The phone is best kept on charging
Having said that (Point 8), you should ensure that you give in the best of your potential during the hours that you are in office. Excuse your phone, and those thoughts about your crush :P and concentrate on your work to the very best of your ability. Chatting on WhatsApp when you think nobody's looking (they're always looking btw) and trying to work simultaneously, will not do justice to your own potential.
10. Keep that zest for learning
Always always keep new/exciting things going. You can never know too much and every single person, no matter how senior or junior has something to teach. Accept your mistakes, (trust me, you're gonna be making plenty-ful of them! :D ) learn from them and move on.
Most importantly, have fun, you're never going to be an intern ever again. :)
P.S. Thank you dear trainers at KGD - AC, Akshati and Nimisha.. for making this internship enriching, both personally and professionally! :)
P.P.S. Did you find this post helpful? Sharing it will help others too! :)
More than what you do, its important to know the strict no-no's. NEVER, even in jest or fun, just never use a phrase or pass a comment to anybody which can, in any way, be 'personal' in nature.
India is diverse in culture, and more often than not, you'll have people from 10 different cultures working together with you. You'd never know how talking or commenting about a religion/region/caste/sex/
Working over-time once in a blue moon if the project demands is okay, but working over-time shouldn't be an everyday thing. You know why? Because you have a life. :P
Well, of course your manager would want you to work every living hour, and every submission deadline may appear to be the most important thing to exist, but you should know the art of saying 'no' if and when required. You might also enjoy working over-time sometimes thinking that "I'm learning so much!" but you have to realise that the kind of work-habits you develop in these initial years pretty much stay with you for the rest of your life.
8. There will be a lot of "Oh-shutup-you're-only-an-intern" moments that you might face in various ways. My advice to you: Never take anybody's shit. You're learning. Walk and talk with dignity and let your work speak for you.
9. The phone is best kept on charging
Having said that (Point 8), you should ensure that you give in the best of your potential during the hours that you are in office. Excuse your phone, and those thoughts about your crush :P and concentrate on your work to the very best of your ability. Chatting on WhatsApp when you think nobody's looking (they're always looking btw) and trying to work simultaneously, will not do justice to your own potential.
10. Keep that zest for learning
Always always keep new/exciting things going. You can never know too much and every single person, no matter how senior or junior has something to teach. Accept your mistakes, (trust me, you're gonna be making plenty-ful of them! :D ) learn from them and move on.
Most importantly, have fun, you're never going to be an intern ever again. :)
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| My not-so-organised desk at KGD |
P.S. Thank you dear trainers at KGD - AC, Akshati and Nimisha.. for making this internship enriching, both personally and professionally! :)
P.P.S. Did you find this post helpful? Sharing it will help others too! :)
