Career & Professional Development’s Mentorship Program

 

Applications Are Open Now for Fall 2024!

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Applications Are Open Now for Fall 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

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

 

Learn More About the Mentee Experience

 
 

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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Ready to Apply?