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 designers, manufacturer representatives, dealers, educators, and more, to take students out of the classroom and into the real world of interior design.
It offers IIDA Student members who are actively enrolled in an accredited design program or school a chance to gain and share insight into a career in the interior design community by shadowing a professional for a day. 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 emerging designers and possibly make a connection for potential employment opportunities in the future.
Registration opens: December 1, 2024
Registration closes: February 15, 2025
Matching email sent: March 3, 2025
Program Kickoff Webinar: March 3, 2025
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 real life experiences, 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, the program provides an opportunity to nurture emerging talent, share resources, and be a part of changing and growing our design community.
Zane Land, Ind. IIDA, shares her experiences as a mentor and the importance of mentoring emerging designers here.
"Throughout the years, the IIDA Student Mentoring Program has provided me with amazing opportunities to connect with multiple well-established firms and highly experienced professionals, to understand the day-to-day task of a designer, and ask questions on an open platform. As a result of this program, I have broadened my horizons and my design ideas are no longer limited only to what I’ve learned in class. It’s served as a stepping stone in my career that has led to three internships and multiple awards."
Jen Khor, Student IIDA
Who is eligible?
Student participants must be actively enrolled in a design program or school to register and participate in the Student Mentoring Program. This program is free for members and $60 for non-members. Renew or join today!
How does it work?
The Student Mentoring Program offers an in-person, virtual, or a hybrid experience based on the preferences and abilities of participants. All pairings will be based on a first-come, first-serve process that will incorporate the student and mentor’s areas of interest and expertise. We do our best to incorporate all of your submitted information when pairing you with your student or mentor.
Each student will be assigned one mentor. Design professionals can select the option to mentor multiple students if they are able.
Resources
- You can download a copy of the 2024 Student Mentoring Program Guidelines
- Visit the Student Mentoring Program FAQ
- 2023 Kick-Off Webinar:
- The IIDA Student Mentoring Session is Now Over, What Comes Next:
For questions or more information, contact Melissa Cook, Student Engagement Manager at mcook@iida.org