Creating connections between students and design professionals.

Building on the wisdom of professionals to open pathways of success for students.

The AIGA Houston Mentoring Program connects students and professionals for growth and professional success. Mentoring is a rewarding experience for both mentors (professionals) and mentees (students):

• Students benefit from the guidance of experienced mentors in order to further their knowledge of design and set career goals.

• Professionals get an opportunity to share their expertise and advice – helping to shape the next generation of designers.

What is Mentoring?
Mentors are special people who invest time and energy in developing the skills and growth of another person. The relationship between mentor and mentee must be based on mutual trust, respect, and integrity. Mentors and mentees are expected to respect and value the confidence of each other.

The Mentoring Relationship?
The ideal mentoring relationship is one that goes beyond fact-finding and delves into personal and professional knowledge and experience. A partnership between mentor and mentee must be developed in order to promote a good mentor relationship – the more committed the relationship, the more satisfaction is gained.

Student Mentee Requirements
• Full-time Junior or Senior student at a greater Houston area college or university
• Active AIGA membership
• A commitment to contacting or meeting with mentor once per month
• Submit application to AIGA Mentor Program chair and email proof of enrollment

?Professional Mentor Requirements
• Minimum of 8-10 years of design industry experience (print, web, 3d/interactive, packaging, copywriters, printers, etc.)
• Active AIGA membership
• A commitment to contacting or meeting with mentee once per month
• Submit application to AIGA Mentor Program chair

Mentor Roles and Responsibilities
In your role as a mentor, you agree to:

• Communicate your expectations of the mentee clearly
• Create an environment of open communication and active listening
• Share knowledge about your education, career path, successes and failures and what your experience has taught you
• Take the lead in supporting a student’s interest in the design industry
• Serve as a positive role model and strive for mutual respect
• Build self esteem and motivation
• Help set goals and work towards accomplishing them
• Ask a mentee to visit your studio/office, or invite him/her to appropriate functions such as meetings or events
• To provide guidance and answer questions of design related issues within reason
• Look for opportunities that your mentee should explore and encourage her/him to explore them
• Assist your mentee in conducting successful networking
• Gain experience in coaching and advising
• Deepen knowledge of the current college academic programs as well as their goals, values and culture
• Sign a Confidentiality Agreement (PDF)

Mentee Roles and Responsibilities
In your role as a mentee you agree to:

• Develop and enhance your career strategy
• Deepen your knowledge of the design industry, ex. software, trends, professionalism, etc.
• Seek advice and insight from a real world professional
• Receive and accept advice and feedback constructively
• Sharpen communication skills
• Enhance professional effectiveness
• Gain skills in networking
• Express appreciation to your mentor regularly
• Be respectful, have an open mind and willingness to learn
• Ask questions about design related issues such as colleges, reference materials, ideas, etc.
• Sign a Confidentiality Agreement (PDF)

Mentor and Mentee Combined Responsibilities
In both roles, you agree to:

• Appreciate and respect the relationship that exists between mentor and mentee. Trust and openness are essential to a strong relationship. Confidentiality and integrity are requirements for success.
• Determine the appropriate level of structure in the relationship
• Communicate regularly
• Contact the Mentor Program chair if you are experiencing difficulties meeting with your mentee/mentor or if your situation changes impacting your ability to participate
• Provide candid feedback to the Mentor Program chair regarding your satisfaction with the mentoring program and the opportunities for improvement

Mentor and Mentee Do’s and Don’ts
Mentor

• DO make efforts to keep appointments with your mentee
• DO establish preferred methods of communication (email, phone, personal meetings)
• DO encourage discussion/feedback
• DO attempt to meet your mentee’s needs
• DON’T hesitate to contact your mentee if you have not heard from them in a while

Mentee

• DO accept responsibility for contacting your mentor
• DO keep appointments with your mentor and be on time
• DO openly receive feedback from your mentor
• DO maintain trust and confidentiality
• DON’T expect your mentor to help find you an internship/job
• DON’T neglect to contact your mentor
• DO thank your mentor regularly for their assistance

Contact Dianne Sawyer for more information about the Mentoring Program: mentorprogram@houston.aiga.org