Mentorship Program Pilot

The Student-Alumni Mentorship Program connects alumni in the art and design industries with current juniors and seniors.

Each student will be matched with one dedicated mentor. Students are matched with an alum whose professional experience aligns with the student's field of interest. The Student-Alumni Mentorship Program will offer opportunities to promote career and scholarly success, help in career exploration, and build important, lasting relationships with others. The program will pilot with 30 mentor/mentee matches. 

The mentor/mentee relationship will provide support and guidance on what is necessary for students to feel successful and prepared for life after RISD. Mentor/mentee matches will meet monthly throughout the spring semester. Monthly meeting highlights will be collected from the mentors in order to track the development of the mentor/mentee relationship. 
 

Pre-launch

November
Program promotion and recruitment

December
Match mentors and mentees 
Notify accepted participants

January
Orientation to meet all participants and review program expectations
Mentors will receive resources to learn about existing RISD programs that support students

Program Timeline & Recommended Discussion Topics for 1:1 Meetings

January
Building a Relationship and Discuss Program Expectations

  • Discuss past experiences, future aspirations 
  • Review resume and portfolio
  • Set up goals for the semester

February
Career Exploration

  • Discuss potential career opportunities;
  • Discuss current skill set 

March
Networking and Outreach

  • Create plan to reach out to companies and organizations to learn about career pathways, informational interviews using RISD Network and personal network 

April
Mid-Semester Check-In

  • Program participants meet with their respective group and discuss progress, challenges and hopes for the remainder of the semester 

May
Review goals and assess progress

June
Program participants complete program survey

Thank you for your consideration to serve in this meaningful role as a mentor to support students.  If you have ant questions please contact Elena Mendez Lewis at emendezl@risd.edu.