IDP Mentors are licensed architects who volunteer to guide one or more interns through the Intern Development Program (IDP). For interns participating in IDP, having a mentor is a requirement.  For information on this requirement, see the "Select a Mentor" section of the Getting Started page on NCARB's Web site. You can also get help finding an IDP Mentor.

Responsibilities

IDP Mentors must sign off on their intern's reporting forms to verify that the intern earns the credit they submit. IDP Mentors are also responsible for suggesting supplementary education activities; conferring, if necessary, with their intern's supervisor; and providing guidance to enhance their intern's professional growth. In order to fulfill these roles, the mentor should be familiar with state licensure requirements and the current NCARB IDP Guidelines, and should meet regularly with their intern- at least quarterly.

Supervisors as Mentors

Often, interns ask their supervisor to be their mentor. According the NCARB IDP Guidelines, a supervisor may be a mentor, but it is not the best scenario for the intern. Ideally, the mentor will work in a separate firm from the intern in order to remain objective and offer more diversity to the intern's training experience. A mentor does not need to be located near their intern. They can engage in mentoring via the internet or phone.