2015 Mentoring Program

The application deadline for our 2015 Mentoring Program is now closed and our program is full. However, we continue to accept applications for both mentors and mentees throughout the year. Some matches may be made on a rolling basis during the term.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to give back to your community by mentoring an emerging designer.

AIGA Philadelphia’s Mentorship Program engages professionals in a short-term, one-on-one mentoring relationship with a design student or recent graduate in our area.

About the Program

The AIGA Philadelphia Mentorship Program is an eight-month mentoring commitment, beginning in January 2015 and concluding in September. Seasoned designers are matched with young designers at 
the onset of their professional careers to provide encouragement, motivation, and guidance.

Each mentoring relationship is unique: partners set their own goals, drawing on the experience of the mentor and the aspirations and interests of the mentee.

AIGA Philadelphia provides support and offers guidelines throughout the year including how to establish goals and practical advice on activities to share. We will also host a kick-off event in late January and a wrap celebration in September for all of our mentors and mentees.

Ground Rules

There is no strict format within the program, but we do have a few general ground rules:
• We expect pairs to make time to see each other as often as schedules and time permits. Generally, our pairs strive to meet once a month for two hours—eight times during the course of the program. Many of our partners meet over lunch or dinner, or at AIGA events or lectures throughout the city.
• Mentees: This is not a job-hunting program. We expect that you will be respectful of the resources and networking that your mentor shares with you—especially their time. It is YOUR responsibility to follow up on meetings and communication.
• Mentors: Thank you for sharing your experience, your wisdom and for making a commitment to be a mentor to an emerging artist.

Who Should Apply?

Mentors and mentees must commit to being engaged, committed to fully participating in the mentoring relationship for the full eight months.

Mentors: Active professionals—employed or retired—in the field of graphic design, communications, advertising, visual arts, digital or interactive media, or related areas with a minimum of five years of professional experience. Mentors are encouraged, but not required, to be members of AIGA.

Mentees: Emerging designers in their first three (up to five) years of practice. Students in their last year of school (undergrad or graduate) may also apply. However, our first priority is to place practicing designers in the field. Mentees must be members of AIGA.

While we do our best to place most applicants to the program, we do have a limited number of slots available each term. All applicants not matched in January will be placed on a waiting list.

What is the cost?

There is no fee to join the program.

Interested? Our initial 2015 application process is now closed. However, we continue to accept applications for both mentors and mentees throughout the year. Some matches may be made on a rolling basis during the term.

Click here if you wish to apply as a mentee.
Click here if you wish to apply as a mentor.

Questions about the program? Please email rdisanto@philadelphia.aiga.org.

By aigaphiladelphia
Published November 27, 2014
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