Career & Professional Development’s Mentorship Program

 

Applications Open on April 4th 2024

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Applications Open on April 4th 2024 〰️

About The Program

CPD’s Mentorship Program is a yearly application based opportunity that thoughtfully pairs ArtCenter students with established creative professionals for 10 weeks of one-on-one mentorship where creativity, career, and life can be explored.

Benefits of Participating

  • Receive guidance and advice from someone who is interested in shaping future creatives

  • Gain unique exposure to your desired creative field

  • Access to a one-on-one relationship with a successful creative professional

  • Discover various career paths and opportunities to lead you to your future career goals

  • Get tailored feedback on your work and professional materials

  • Grow your creative network and gain invaluable support throughout your career journey

Mentorship Program Overview

Program Dates

Applications open Spring Week 12 and are due Summer Week 5. The Mentorship Program officially runs in the Fall term kicking off Fall Week 1 and ends Fall Week 10.

 

Application Materials

Students must apply to participate in the Mentorship Program. Applications must clearly state defined professional goals for the the program. A complete application includes the following:

  • Resume

  • Portfolio Website

  • Answers to 5 application question prompts

  • Mentor Preferences

Download the full application instructions

Eligibility

Applications are open to all currently enrolled ArtCenter students, undergraduate and graduate. You must be enrolled during the application term. You may participate if you are in your graduating term or in an off term. The Mentorship Program is neither a class, nor an internship. It is a volunteer experience for both students and mentors.

 

Time Commitment

Participation in the CPD Mentorship Program requires a commitment to ensure a positive and valuable experience for all participants. Meetings with Mentors can be flexible based on personal schedules but on average you should expect to dedicate at least an hour a week to meet with your mentor. We understand that both mentors and mentees have many other commitments, so the program will inevitably look different for each pair.

Application & Process

Students must apply to participate in the Mentorship program. Once the application period closes, CPD reviews the applications and makes selections. All students will be notified whether or not they were accepted. CPD then begins matching students with mentors based on preferences listed in the application. Once matched, mentees will attend a mandatory orientation session with CPD and will then be introduced to their mentor to begin their experience in Fall Week 1.

 

Dates to Remember

Spring Week 12 • Applications open to students
Summer Week 5 • Deadline for student applications
Summer Week 8 • Students receive acceptance notifications
Summer Break Weeks 1-3 • Students introduced to Mentors
Fall Week 1 • Mentorship Program begins
Fall Week 10 • Mentorship Program concludes



 

What to Expect as a Mentee

  • Meet and Greet

    In Week 1 Mentees will set up an initial meeting to kick off the mentorship relationship, set expectations, and make an action plan for the 10 weeks. This meeting may be done via Zoom, on-site, by phone, etc.

  • Feedback and Critique

    Professional feedback is an important component of the program. Mentees will share their work, resume, portfolio and/or website with their mentors and receive feedback and critique on the materials.

  • Industry Insight

    Mentors will provide mentees with exposure to their industry and if possible to a professional environment, which may include job shadowing, an on-site tour, invitations to company events, etc. This allows mentees to learn how organizations are structured and run on a day-to-day basis.

  • Professionalism

    Mentees are expected to display a certain level of professionalism in various areas such as in-person meetings, email and phone correspondence, connecting with mentors if plans change, etc. At the conclusion of the experience, we encourage mentors to have a conversation with their mentees regarding the level of professionalism they have exhibited and offer areas for growth and improvement.

  • Goal Setting

    Mentees are asked to identify three professional development goals to work on or discuss with mentors during the duration of the program. These goals will help structure your meetings, identify learning points, and allow you to track what you’ve learned.

  • CPD Support

    The Career & Professional Development team is here to support you through the entire Mentorship Program process - from application through Week 10 and beyond. During the program Mentees can expect a mentorship orientation, mid point check in, and end of program celebration.

 

Learn More About the Mentee Experience

 
 

  • "It has been amazing, and one of the most valuable experiences I've gotten out of ArtCenter. I am grateful for all my mentor has taught me, and I look forward to what more I have to learn. Thanks to him, doing art as a full-time career feels far less foreign and scary."

    -Mentee, FA22

  • “I learned a lot more about management and different career paths and options. Learning more about how to navigate different situations through my mentor’s own experiences.”

    -Mentee, FA17

  • “What I gained from this program is generally feeling more knowledgable about post-school life. There are many things that we aren’t taught or necessarily prepared for in school. Talking to an alum helps.”

    -Mentee, FA17

  • “I gained more confidence in how to navigate my own thoughts as it relates to my profession, as well as in my decision making abilities. I grew less afraid of the nearing “end” of my ArtCenter career as I transition out of school and into the industry, and I know I have an awesome connection to the industry, as well as skills to make my own connections if/when necessary.”

    -Mentee, FA18

  • “I think the ability of showcasing your work with someone who is currently working and keeping up with standards within the industry was the biggest plus for me. Otto was extremely patient and quite honest with me when it came to the harsh and beneficial realities of the industry which i found very eyeopening and extremely helpful.”

    -Mentee, FA18

  • "There are a lot of resources to get mentors, but CPD works really individually and does the heavy lifting as far as finding someone perfect for me."

    -Mentee, FA20

  • "I learned a lot about the ins and outs of the industry, including specifics about companies and agencies that I may want to apply for once I am graduated. I also gained a new connection and a mentor that extended past just the program—My mentor and I are still in contact and working together."

    -Mentee, FA20

  • "My mentor and I discussed what it was like to be a young Asian American woman in a traditionally white male workspace, and she also set up a meeting with her friend who worked at a studio to give a different perspective. I've also set up a proper portfolio thanks to her, and have approached my work through a new lense."

    -Mentee, FA20

  • "No matter what happens in the future, I have gotten an inside look and have a guideline or a beacon to research, explore, and attempt, by gearing down and working hard, learning on the go and being flexible and adaptable."

    -Mentee, FA21

  • "My Mentor taught me to be innovative and to expand my safe zone. I learned that standing out from other peoples work and trying new and different things will help me stand out in a competitive job industry."

    -Mentee, FA21

  • "The most valuable part of the mentorship is being able to make a new friend. My mentor and I still keep up with each other and having being able to ask about the industry you're interested in is always a plus!"

    -Mentee, FA21

  • “My perspective on how creative teams work together in a professional setting was expanded with my mentor’s sharing. Although I have yet to be in his shoes, I am appreciative of the wider gamut of ideas that his experience has provided. My perspective / expectations of the mentorship program has shifted a bit as well. I was used to a class setting, where the curriculum has been planned out beforehand. But this was refreshing to have an opportunity to be more flexible”

    -Mentee, FA22

  • “I think the ability of showcasing your work with someone who is currently working and keeping up with standards within the industry was the biggest plus for me. My mentor was extremely patient and quite honest with me when it came to the harsh and beneficial realities of the industry which i found very eyeopening and extremely helpful.”

    -Mentee, FA22

  • "I learned a lot about the ins and outs of the industry, including specifics about companies and agencies that I may want to apply for once I am graduated. I also gained a new connection and a mentor that extended past just the program—My mentor and I are still in contact and working together."

    -Mentee, FA22

  • “I feel more confident communicating my project with a professional. I gain knowledge and perspective on the importance of storytelling.”

    -Mentee, FA22

Program FAQs

  • Yes. You do want to be mindful of your overall workload. The program has a flexible structure with flexible deadlines and touch points, but you still need to have the bandwidth to give your attention to mentor-mentee relationship and take full advantage of the program. Previous participants have mentioned that they underestimated the amount of time needed to have a robust experience. They felt that with a lighter course load, they would’ve been able to work on more projects with the guidance of their mentors.

  • Yes. However, graduating students already have a heavy workload, and we have found that often they are not able to also dedicate the necessary amount of time to make the most of the program. Your focus in your graduating term should be on your job search and wrapping up your experience at ArtCenter, which includes preparing for recruitment and Grad Show. We are happy to work with graduating students on an individual basis and talk about informal mentorship opportunities.

  • No. The Mentorship Program is neither a class, nor an internship. It is a volunteer experience for both students and mentors. The takeaway from the program is the experience and guidance you receive from your mentor.

  • Yes. You may participate in the program even if you are taking a leave of absence. However, you must actively check communication from the CPD office so you do not miss any important information.

  • Yes. Priority will be given to students applying for the first time, but if there is space in the program, we will consider applications from previous mentees.

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