The American Institute of Architects’ Center for Emerging Professionals has announced its newest campaign, called Know Your Worth, which seeks to inform “all generations of architects about the value Emerging Professionals bring to the field, and the importance of getting paid for internship hours.”
While the issue of unpaid internships in the architecture field has gradually been improving, many students and emerging professionals are still faced with the dilemma. Thus, through the campaign, the AIA hopes that it will be able to inform students, architects, and others of federal compensation requirements, as well as to instill a sense of value for emerging professionals and the important work that they do.
The first stage of the campaign emphasizes these ideals through two videos, as well as by providing access to resources like the Fair Labor Standards Act, the AIA Code of Ethics, and the AIA’s intern titling page.
“That’s the legacy and history of our profession—this apprenticeship—but just because it’s an apprenticeship and a time where you’re still learning, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get paid.”
“There’s still this desire by the older generation to train the younger generation, and the feeling is, 'I’m going to take some time out of my day, or my firm is going to take some time out of its day to train you, and in return, you need to do some work for us.' This cuts across all professions. The Fair Labor Standards Act […] requires employers to compensate their employees.”
Coming later in August, the campaign will additionally launch a new salary calculator, which will help workers explore the “compensation information for 17 architectural positions by region and firm size.”
Future stages of the campaign will seek to address topics requested in a survey, which asks for feedback on the existing portions of the campaign, as well as suggestions for upcoming communications.
Learn more about the campaign, here.
News via the American Institute of Architects.
