Design is a collaborative craft—and mentorship is often a fruitful source of collaboration. For mentors, joining the IIDA Student Mentoring Program isn’t just about giving back; it’s an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, develop leadership skills, and foster lasting professional connections. For mentees, mentorship can provide the tools, insights, and guidance to navigate the transition from the classroom to the industry with confidence. In today’s rapidly evolving design world, mentorship is proving to be a powerful catalyst for creativity, inclusivity, and professional growth—for students, mentors, and firms alike.
Why Mentorship Is Massively Valuable
Mentorship bridges the gap between design education and real-world practice—it fosters critical connections that help students navigate the complexities of entering the design field while equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive. For the industry, mentorship is a way to attract and cultivate diverse talent, pass down valuable knowledge, and ensure the next generation is prepared to address challenges with resilience and creativity.
In a field where innovation thrives on collaboration, mentorship isn’t just a one-way street. Both mentors and mentees learn and grow from the experience, creating a symbiotic relationship that strengthens the entire design community. Enter the IIDA Student Mentoring Program. It’s a win-win!
The bottom line? Mentoring is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a must for design professionals, emerging designers, and firms eager to build new talent pipelines.
What’s in It for Mentors?
Mentorship isn’t just an act of service—it’s an opportunity for mentors to evolve in their own careers. Guiding a mentee not only reignites a passion for design, but it can offer mentors a chance to see the profession through fresh eyes. In fact, many mentors report gaining new perspectives on their own work, finding inspiration in their mentees’ curiosity and creativity.
IIDA’s Student Mentoring Program also serves as an effective talent pipeline, helping firms identify and connect with emerging designers early in their careers. It’s a chance to shape future professionals who may one day join your team, bringing their unique skills and viewpoints to your projects.
The bottom line? From sharing expertise to finding inspiration and building professional connections, mentoring benefits every participant in multiple—and meaningful—ways.
How the Program Works and How to Join
The program is designed with flexibility in mind, making it easy to integrate into your busy schedule. Mentors and mentees are matched based on shared interests, and mentors commit to meeting with their mentees for one day in person or at least three times virtually (for at least one hour per meeting), though participants are encouraged to stay connected beyond those parameters. Activities like office tours, project walkthroughs, or portfolio reviews create meaningful and actionable experiences for both parties.
Joining is simple: just sign up online. Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, you’ll find all the resources you need to make the most of the experience.
The bottom line? Now’s your chance to shape the future of design. Take the leap—we promise it’ll be worth it.