The AIGA Philadelphia Chapter has offered a Mentorship Program since 2010. Initially, we engaged with practitioners primarily in the Philadelphia area, but in recent years we’ve begun offering this program to anyone in the United States to be taken advantage of in the virtual sense. Each mentoring relationship is unique: together mentors and mentees set their individual goals, drawing on the experience of the mentor and the aspirations and interests of the mentee.
How it works
This program is a self-paced 6 month program that runs from January to June. The expectation is that pairs will meet for a minimum of one hour once a month, and what happens from there is up to the pairs to decide what they’re capable of taking on. We offer in-person, hybrid, or remote one-on-one mentoring. This allows participants a chance to not only learn valuable skills but gain a network going forward. Participants across all design disciplines and experience levels are welcome.
The following is a brief overview of our process:
Mentees and mentors fill out online applications.
Participants who are selected are paired based on concentration, geography, interests, and other parameters. Participants who are not selected are placed on a waiting list.
Mentee-mentor pairs are introduced at a mandatory Kick Off Event where they establish goals and expectations to tailor their experience.
Pairs are encouraged to connect at least once a month. However, most pairs choose to do so more frequently.
AIGA Philadelphia provides ongoing support to you during the term and will host a few optional virtual or in-person events.
Pairs meet again at our Closing Event, where they are invited to share jointly produced projects and/or their thoughts on the program.
What is the cost?
For Mentees A fee of $25 is due upon being accepted into the program and paired with your mentor. This fee goes towards the cost of upkeeping the chapter, which includes paying for event spaces, speakers, advertising, and food provided.
We have a limited number of free spots set aside so that cost is not a barrier to anyone’s participation. Please contact hstrayline@philadelphia.aiga.org for more information.
For Mentors A $25 donation is suggested upon being accepted into the program and paired with your mentee, but is not required. Mentors donating their time is very valuable to our program. All donations go towards the cost of event spaces, paying event speakers, food or drinks provided, and chapter upkeep.
Why is the program no longer free? Unfortunately, the way we fund our programming has changed, and this cost ensures our chapter is well-funded to continue offering the Mentorship Program and keep our chapter running.
Who Should Apply?
While we do our best to place most applicants in the program, we have a limited number of slots available each term.
Mentee Qualifications All mentees are required to be AIGA Philadelphia members, but outside of that all are encouraged to join. We welcome students in their last years of school, established designers looking to change their field of design practice, and even non-designers looking to pivot their careers into design. Whomever you are, if you seek mentorship, apply!
Mentor Qualifications It is encouraged that mentors are AIGA Philadelphia members, but not required. We are seeking active professionals—employed or retired—in the field of any design practice, communications, advertising, interactive media, or related areas. Even mentors who are just starting out in their careers can provide valuable insight for mentees who have not yet started their careers.
Program Benefits
The Mentorship experience can unlock a host of benefits for both the mentee and mentor. In addition to connecting with like-minded individuals, the potential to boost your knowledge with co-learning opportunities. Mentees learn skills from experienced mentors–and mentees can share skills, knowledge, and understanding of most recent practices.
Empowers Relationships. This is an amazing opportunity to make connections and lasting relationships that may not have normally happened.
New Opportunities. Provides a place to network and get to know about other companies, skills etc. You never know where your next adventure might lead.
Breaks Down Silos. Every type of co-learning is guaranteed to promote knowledge sharing. The program offers a community to lean on.
Promotes Diversity and Inclusion. Mentorship can be a powerful tool in representing and supporting those typically underrepresented to ensure opportunities are visible and no one gets overlooked.
Events Calendar. The program hosts mentorship exclusive events, virtually and in-person, as well as offers a calendar of design related events in the Monthly Newsletter.
What this program does not offer
This program is not a replacement for higher or continued education. Our mentors can advise on paths to education and career planning but are not expected to be full time educators.
Networking is an aspect of the program but should not be the sole focus. We ask that participants are respectful of the contacts that our mentors and mentees have.
Sometimes participants are in search of a job after improving on specific skills. It is a possibility, but not a guaranteed outcome of the program.
Can I participate more than once as a mentor or mentee?
Both mentors and mentees can participate in the program multiple times in multiple roles. We limit mentees to two times to allow room for new mentees in the program each year. Mentees are encouraged to pay the experience forward by participating as a mentor in future programs.
Questions?
If you have more questions, please contact our Mentorship Director Hannah Strayline.
Sponsor this program
Partnering with AIGA Philadelphia as a corporate sponsor is a beautiful way to show your support for our organization and take advantage of an excellent advertising opportunity for your business.
For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact our mentorship director Hannah Strayline.
