The 2021 AIGA Philadelphia Mentorship Program applications are now closed. However, through the Mentorship Program, we’ll be hosting a series of virtual, pay-what-you-wish events that will be open to the general public and provide the chance for attendees to get inspired and network with other creatives. Keep an eye on the AIGA Philadelphia site and its social media for updates!
About the Mentorship Program
Launched in 2010, the AIGA Philadelphia Mentorship Program pairs seasoned designers with emerging designers at the onset of their professional careers to provide encouragement, motivation, and guidance. The 2021 term began in January and will end in June. The application period for the program opens annually in December.
Each mentoring relationship is unique: you set your individual goals with your partner, drawing on the experience of the mentor and the aspirations and interests of the mentee. Meeting schedules are fully flexible to your schedule—though we hope you will be able to meet at least once a month.
AIGA Philadelphia provides ongoing support to you during the term and will host a few optional (virtual) events where you can meet up with other mentors and mentees in the program (if you would like!).
Download the 2021 Mentorship Guide PDF
Who Should Apply?
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 of any age in their first 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 program. In light of the past year and the challenging financial situation it has imposed on many, for 2021 we’re waiving the requirement for mentees to be AIGA members, and participation is free.
While we do our best to place most applicants to the program, we have a limited number of slots available each term.
What is the cost?
There is no fee to join the program.
Are in-person meetings required?
Due to pandemic health concerns, it’s perfectly acceptable to have an entirely virtual mentoring partnership. Mentor and mentee pairs are welcome to meeting in a socially distant setting if both are comfortable with it, but there is no mandate to do so.
Questions?
Please contact our Mentorship Director, Maria DeFazio, at mdefazio@philadelphia.aiga.org.
Sponsor this program
Partnering with AIGA Philadelphia as a corporate sponsor is a wonderful 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, Maria DeFazio, at mdefazio@philadelphia.aiga.org.
Illustration courtesy of Pat Fennessy
