By Diem- Chi Nguyen, Assoc. AIA, EPN Director

Hello AIAVT Emerging Professionals Network!

I would like to thank all of you for accepting me onto the Board as The Emerging Professionals Network Director. I am excited to be a voice for the incoming professionals of the architecture community and hope that I can use my time in this position to address the challenges faced by emerging professionals as well as to provide them with the support and opportunities they need to get to the next step in their career paths.  

We are facing challenging times, and as quickly as the years seem to fly by it has also felt quite slow and almost never-ending. However, we are not in this profession because we shy away from challenges. In fact, these may be the times that we learn and grow the most and that push us beyond our boundaries to bring creative solutions to the table. I understand how easy it is to get lost in a time like this and so I offer the EPN some words of encouragement for this new year:

To those who have just completed schooling and have not yet begun your exams, I want to welcome you into the Architecture community and be there to help facilitate a comfortable shift from the school environment to the work environment. 

To those who are in the midst of exams, I commend you for persevering through trying times and ask you to remember where you started and recognize how far you’ve come. I remind you that you began this journey not to ALMOST become an architect but to BECOME an architect and to keep that in mind when you need an extra push of motivation. 

To those who have completed your exams, I want to congratulate you and push you to continue to grow in your experience and knowledge of architecture.  I ask that you now begin the next part of the journey and that is to find your place, discover your strengths, and apply your skills in contribution to the betterment of the present and the future of this profession.

And to firms who employ our emerging professionals, please remember to show support for these budding and talented individuals and to offer a few words of encouragement from time to time. A little goes a long way and communication during the early stages of one’s career is critical to their development as a professional.

Although it is uncertain what opportunities will be available for in-person gatherings and events this year, I can assure you that there are lots of things happening behind the scenes. A few things to look forward to include an improved ARE study materials library, a strengthened network connecting EPN with emerging professionals of different trades, and new mentorship opportunities. If you have additional thoughts and ideas on how the Emerging Professionals’ Network can be a better resource for you and your peers,  I’d love to help you put them into action.  If you are itching to get involved, I encourage you to reach out to me at aiavt.ep@ gmail.com or to the many AIAVT committees to lend your ideas and stay relevant in the discussions on various topics affecting architecture. AIAVT is always looking for young and enthusiastic minds. 

I can’t wait to hear from you! Stay safe.