IIDA, as an organization, makes this process a lot more manageable through its mentorship program and so many other great opportunities. Priceless. Invaluable. Unparalleled. These are words commonly used to describe situations that bring value to the user. Although they cannot begin to measure the experience provided to me during IIDA’s mentoring sessions.
I count myself blessed to have been partnered with Tanya Schneider from Prevolv. Tanya was so quick to respond when I made initial contact and was so gracious with her time. We chose to meet virtually as her office and showroom were undergoing a remodel, but she has planned to invite me out the moment it is complete.
No matter how busy she was I was never made to feel rushed in our meetings, nor did I feel like she was distracted. Total commitment to helping newer professionals coming up has always been my MO in life, and to see her showing what true mentorship and leadership is was heartwarming. On a professional level she was invaluable, ope, there’s one of those words. She took time to go through my resume and cover letter providing priceless (Hey! There’s another one.) feedback on how to save space and make it more marketable at a glance.
She is currently investing her time in mentorship looking over my portfolio as well; I am beyond excited to hear what she has to offer! I look forward to the day I build a career as a designer and can pay it forward. I want to give others the same unparalleled (Yay, there’s the other one!) experience I have benefited from. On a personal level, she has been so supportive with what has been a trying time. In the current climate, as an adult with responsibilities, finding an internship has been challenging. She was so great staying in contact and offering information on places to look for internships.
Tanya is a great listener; through our conversations I shared that I am absolutely in love with lighting schemes. I truly feel like light is simultaneously passive and assertive in our lives. When done well, it fades into the background to offer comfort and warmth but can step forward when accentuating wayfinding is necessary. Within hours of our first meeting, she sent me a link to a professional event centered around commercial lighting and its applications. In closing, I thank you all at IIDA for putting together this amazing program, for a new person entering the field, it is truly life-altering! I just wish dad was here to see graduation.
Home
