Whether
you’re called an architectural intern, architect in training, designer, or just
intern, tackling the ARE requires sacrifice. Even more so when you have a
family. Here are a few tips to help you master the ARE while still maintaining
your sanity—and allowing time to enjoy the nuisances of marriage and
parenthood.
Make It Count
NCARB's
five-year Rolling Clock can approach very quickly. When you have a family, it
may not be feasible to test every month or even two months. So make your study
time count. Only schedule and attempt exams when you feel fully prepared. The
new 60-day retake policy is far better than the previous six-month rule, but
can still be detrimental to your plan if procrastination sets in. Set a
schedule and try to stick to it. But don't kill yourself if you have to
reschedule an exam.
Don't Let
Work Get You Down
Generally
speaking, architectural staff members work long hours, leaving little time for
family before the nightly bedtime routines commence. Sometimes reviewing enough
material to keep the topics and concepts fresh in your mind will suffice. Going
long periods of time without studying can sometimes mean starting over.
Remember, a little at a time can add up.
Be a Weekend
Warrior
Weekends are
usually spent out as a family, and you probably won’t get to sleep in. This
means the weekends can end up being just as busy as the work week. Setting
aside large blocks of time to study can be difficult. Similar to weekdays,
dedicate an evening or morning to studying. A quiet hour or two can make a
difference.
Embrace “Free
Time”
Free time and
children, young children especially, seem to be an oxymoron. When that precious
time does pop up, use it wisely. Though you'd rather catch up on sleep, watch
television, or take on a hobby, you’re better off reviewing study materials.
Don't procrastinate or you will never get done! Remember, these scarifies won’t
last forever—the length of time it takes you to complete the exams is
ultimately up to you.
Discover Your
Study Style
Generally,
each person has a study style that works best for him or her. Think back to how
you completed assignments and aced exams in college. Audiobooks are great for
multitasking; listen to a few chapters while you drive to work. Flash cards are
another great tool for parents on-the-go, especially if you take public
transportation.
Attend Life
Events
Everyone has
important family events like birthdays, weddings, or graduations. Take the time
to go, be present, and enjoy these events. Life's irreplaceable events cannot
be relived. After the confetti has settled, the cake has been cut, and the last
congratulation has been given, make sure to get back on your study schedule.
Just don't let these celebrations turn into procrastination.
Think
Positively
It may sound
obvious, but this needs to be repeated often. Thinking negatively can impact
everything from study habits to your performance on test day. Prepare
accordingly and stay optimistic.
In the end,
family is irreplaceable. The moments shared among those close to you are
indescribable. Navigating the path to licensure requires sacrifice.
Perseverance, persistence, and patience are just some of the qualities you’ll
need to embrace. Nothing is impossible as long as you try.
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR: Originally from the Bronx, Jared W. Smith, AIA, LEED AP, is a licensed
architect in New York. He currently works as a Project Architect at Stantec
Architecture in Manhattan, NY. He juggles his professional life with his wife
Yahaira and two children, Noah (2) and Penelope (1).
Originally
posted on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards' Blog here:
http://blog.ncarb.org/2014/October/ARE-Family.aspx
See more on
the Architectural Registration Exam here:
http://registeredarchitect.blogspot.ca/p/architec.html