As an architecture intern, Emily Taonga Cole learned the value of applying classroom learning to real-life projects. She also got the chance to practice using some of the most essential tools of the trade. Tell us about your internship experience. I completed my internship with a company that works mainly on public large-scale competitions and other public commissions, as well as private projects such as residential buildings. As a smaller firm, it provided a more interactive experience with the whole team of four architects. I also had the opportunity to work on a number of assignments, from 3D modeling to putting together drawings in Autocad and using rendering software. Overall, the internship was an amazing experience. I was fortunate to be deeply involved in each project I assisted with. Throughout the two months, I consistently worked on a penthouse renovation project. At the same time, I handled the post-production of renders in Photoshop and used a software called CYPE, which focuses on building installations. I was always learning, even when I wasn’t directly working on a project. What are some key skills you have acquired or improved during this experience? Having the chance to learn about architecture in the real world with working architects and real clients helped me develop key skills. Additionally, working with D5 Render, an industry-standard rendering software, and enhancing my drawing skills will be useful in my career. While navigating the rendering software on my own was challenging, it was also incredibly rewarding. Lastly, I was able to sharpen my existing skills and, in the process, learned so much more. This internship helped me figure out what direction I want to move towards in the future. How did you use the skills and knowledge from your Bachelor in Architectural Studies in this role? When it comes to architecture, it’s essential to take the skills and knowledge acquired during your studies and learn how to apply them in real-world roles, beyond the safety bubble that academic environments provide. For instance, my experience with CYPE allowed me to contribute to a project that other interns couldn’t, thanks to what I had learned in past courses. Can you share a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it? The main challenge was adapting to the work life of an architect, which is quite different from that of a student. The difficulties lay in learning how to adjust and overcome new challenges each day while also understanding that it’s okay to make mistakes and ask questions—you’re not expected to know everything. But in the end, I really appreciated my internship and the learning opportunities along the way. What have you enjoyed the most about your internship experience? I enjoyed everything—the experiences came together to create a truly enriching learning journey. From the early wake-ups to drafting plans, sections and elevations of entire buildings, and the daily greeting from the lovely office dog, each moment enriched my experience. This internship also helped me explore what I might or might not want in my future career. However, I realize I still have much more to learn before I can make a final decision! Applying learnings to the real world