good question - I'm a pretty new to all this competition stuff, too. Any seasoned veterans out there fancy giving us a run down of thing like how long you devote to each competition (depending on how big it is)? Also, how often you enter as an individual and how often you seem to get a commendation or even a win?

I'm almost constantly doing competitions next to work, together with a friend. I'm very happy where I work, but competitions are a good way to keep my mind fresh during the more tedious parts of a project. We initially did quite small competitions, like idea competitions for single-family housing and small public spaces. The Netherlands has many of these, which unfortunately don't lead anywhere most of the time. We're now getting into larger and a bit more serious competitions, but it quickly becomes evident that there's just very little time left over to manage more complex tasks next to a full-time job.

Sooo... my recommendations would be

- start out with small, manageable competitions

- only do competitions with good jury members

- plan the process and don't let your competition work interfer with your professional life (I admit I could do better here...)

- see the competition also as a way to discover your own "style", whether it's presentation technique or theoretical approach

- don't give up!

a-f has some good advice

i would add also,

dont expect to win, and dont do it for any prize money

if you approach it as something that can be a good portfolio building exercise, as well as a way to keep your mind fresh while doing the tedious parts of your job, you wont ever get disappointed or bitter when you dont win.
a lot of times, i see people react to the winners of a competition and complain how it was unfair and that their entry was better

On that last note. If you're not entering to win, don't pay to enter. Find competitions without entry fees, or very nominal entry fees. Sometimes competitions will release their documentation simply with an online registration, and then require a fee with your submission, which lets you decide if it's worth it to you to send it in. But if they're asking for $50 before you can access the brief, siteplans, etc., skip it.

I agree with guppy. To pay to view is downright criminal, but most of the competitions you find now will let you preview the brief and criteria without charge.

i'm a competition newbie myself. I've entered a few, and usually don't send anything when the due dates come out. I'm not sure why. Those I've entered and submitted I've been success (2no. 2nd place finishes) - so I'm not too sure what my problem is

What boonies did JET stick you in?

fukuoka prefecture! and within that, iizuka. i think i got pretty lucky with my placement. :) thanks for all of the help everyone! if anyone has anything else, post it!