One of the many ways to give back to the architecture profession is to act as an OAA mentor to intern architects/student associates pursuing the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) in Ontario. Peer-to-peer mentoring is a valuable tool for professional development.

To be eligible, a mentor must be an architect, retired member, or life member of the OAA who is not employed at the same place of practice as the Intern Architect/Student Associate.

The benefits of mentoring in the IAP include:
• Share knowledge and professional advice of architectural practice;
• Provide industry insights;
• Amplify new skills and techniques;
• Build competencies, camaraderie, and positivity;
• Provide valuable insight and new/different perspectives on overcoming challenges;
• Give feedback and advice on how to further professional goals and career objectives;
• Gain personal fulfillment and satisfaction from giving back to the architecture community;
• Earn recognition for involvement in the IAP; and
• Gain up to 10 unstructured learning hours per Continuing Education cycle

If you are interested in becoming an OAA mentor, email your name and contact information to iap@oaa.on.ca.

To access the OAA’s Mentorship Guide, which clarifies the expectations and responsibilities of the Intern Architect/Student Associate, Mentor/Advisor, Supervising Architect, and Place of Employment, click here.