We know that earning and reporting professional experience can seem daunting, especially in a remote setting. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a few tips and best practices for reporting and earning experience while working remotely.
1. Communication
Whether you are using email, instant messaging, or video, for a successful work environment, it’s important to ensure everyone is involved and understands the conversations happening in the workplace. Communicate with your Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) supervisor regularly to make sure your expectations are aligned.
2. Establishing Relationships
In the workplace, it’s important to establish and understand your roles and responsibilities and know those around you. Ask questions and get to know the people you are working with. It’s especially important to develop a relationship with your supervisor that supports both company and professional goals. Use our helpful "Supervisor and Candidate Expectations" worksheet to discuss expectations with your supervisor and establish fundamental goals for your working relationship.
3. Organization
Identify what resources your company has available to help you complete the AXP and build on your skills or projects you could potentially join or shadow to earn experience in hard-to-reach areas. Understanding your company’s systems and processes allows you to better review, communicate, and share your projects and concerns with colleagues.
4. Be Transparent
Your work environment should be designed to help you grow and build on the skills you already have. Be transparent with your AXP supervisor about the information you know and what you may need assistance with—especially when it comes to completing your AXP requirements. Transparency is also important in building trust and creating effective communication in the workplace.
5. Be Intentional
Be intentional about the schedule you create for yourself while working remotely. Ensuring you remain in contact with your supervisor, colleagues, and clients while delivering tasks, meeting deadlines, and earning and reporting experience without hard policies can be a bit overwhelming when working in a remote environment. Communicate and craft your work schedule with your supervisor to ensure you are meeting your goals while having a clear communication path with clients and colleagues.
6. Seize All Opportunities
Networking and professional development opportunities can be the start to gaining the experiences and knowledge you’re missing. With so many virtual networking opportunities becoming available, finding and seizing them as they come is essential. Having the chance to listen in on conversations about the profession can begin to create the foundation for addressing any concerns or filling the gaps of information not yet learned.
Do you have any tips for navigating the AXP in a remote or hybrid environment? Share them in the comments below!
