The IIDA Student Mentoring Program is one of the most dynamic mentoring programs in the interior design industry. Every year, IIDA pairs more than 500 students across the U.S. with mentors that work in the interior design industry as interior design professionals, manufacturer representatives, dealers, interior design educators, and more to take students out of the classroom and into the real world of interior design.

This year the mentoring program will be offered in-person and virtually, giving mentors and students the flexibility that they need for a successful mentoring experience. Mentors and students may create a hybrid mentoring experience, blending an in-person meeting with supplemental virtual mentoring sessions throughout March and April. Please continue to follow your company or school's rules and local COVID-19 guidelines. If there is no available in-person or hybrid mentoring match for you, you will be matched virtually instead.

Important Dates:
Registration Opens Winter 2023

Why Participate?

IIDA Student members should take advantage of one of our most popular member programs that offers the benefit of connecting with professionals working in the industry today. Participation in the IIDA Student Mentoring Program can provide you with tools, connections, and advice for entering the workforce—in addition you will qualify to submit an essay of your experiences for a chance to win $1,000 through the Wilsonart Essay Competition.

For design professionals, take advantage of this chance to give back to the design community. The IIDA Student Mentoring Program is an opportunity to inspire young upcoming designers and possibly make a connection for potential employment opportunities in the future.

Eligibility

Students must be current IIDA Student members to register and participate.

Mentors must be employed or active in the commercial interior design industry as a professional, manufacturers rep, educator, architect, or dealer. Mentors are encouraged to be IIDA members but are not required to be.

Visit the Student Mentoring Program FAQ for more information.

For questions or more information, contact Melissa Cook, Student Engagement Manager at mcook@iida.org

Form or be active in an IIDA Campus Center to connect with students, educators, and administrators on your campus. You'll work closely with your local IIDA chapter on programming, educational opportunities, and events while gaining valuable leadership opportunities and professional connections.

Learn more about forming your own campus center by reading the Campus Center Handbook here.

You can apply as a IIDA Campus Center using this application.

For questions or more information, contact Melissa Cook, Student Engagement Manager at mcook@iida.org.

QUAD is designed exclusively for our IIDA Student members keeping you up to date on competition and awards programs with opportunities for cash prizes and peer recognition, campus center events, and much, much, more. QUAD is your quarterly resource for IIDA programs and opportunities just for you.

For questions or more information, contact Melissa Cook, Student Engagement Manager at mcook@iida.org.

The Wilsonart Student Essay Competition awards IIDA Student members that have participated in the IIDA Mentorship program. Student participants gain invaluable professional development and mentorship from professionals in the interior design industry.

The Wilsonart Student Education Fund created this scholarship to offer students the opportunity and incentive to further reflect on the value of their experience. The winner of the competition receives $1,000 courtesy of the Wilsonart Student Education Fund. Wilsonart will also provide the winner with roundtrip airfare and a two-night hotel stay in Chicago during NeoCon in 2022. If NeoCon is postponed or canceled, an alternative experience in 2022 will be created

Eligibility
IIDA Students that participated in the 2022 IIDA Student Mentoring program are encouraged to apply.

Submissions
Submissions open: Spring 2024

For questions or more information, contact Melissa Cook, Student Engagement Manager at mcook@iida.org.