This event will include dinner, drinks and conversation! Each mentor and mentee will converse for 3-5 minutes during the speed conversation portion of the event. The key takeaway is to find a great connection that you want to stay connected with through Spring semester. Notebooks will be provided to help remember who you’ve talked to. At the end of the speed conversation portion you will submit a list of your top three potential matches. The insight committee will review everyone’s lists and email you at a later date with your match!

Watch out for an email from insight@iida-northland.org. You will be notified via email with your match and their contact information!

Students, it is your responsibility to reach out to your mentor. Once you have received notification of your match, you are encouraged to call or email your mentor to set up a time to connect.

To get the most out of INSIGHT, we encourage you to continue to meet and get to know each other outside of formal events. Give a few of these ideas below a try!

• meet for coffee
• portfolio, project or resume review
• tour mentor’s office
• job shadow
• host a mock interview
• provide access to sample library
• attend industry events together, such as IIDA Forums, an Advocacy event, Vision or FAB
• make introductions to other design professionals
• involve mentor in academic critique sessions
• explore other creative outlets such as a concert, play, or art class

We want to remind you about IIDA’s annual Career Prep Workshop! Stressing out about your portfolio or resume? We got you covered. We are hosting this workshop to help mentees prepare for internships and beyond. This event includes portfolio/resume reviews and an optional mock interview with various INSIGHT mentors. Don’t have a portfolio or resume? No problem! This is a great event to learn what upperclassmen are working on and give you ideas on how to start yours! This event is open to INSIGHT mentor and mentee participants only.

Who does the student‐professional matching?

The IIDA Northland Student Affairs committee members review the student and professional applications to best match each based on application content. The committee puts great consideration into the goals, interests, and experiences of all those who apply to ensure a cohesive pair.

What is the time commitment? I’m busy.

The application asks for desired commitment level, which the committee will take into consideration when making the match.

Are you a recent grad and unsure of which role you would take?

Recent grads are given the choice of registering as a student or a mentor. The decision is up to you based on your individual experience and comfort level. If you are a recent grad wanting to be a mentor, the committee will pair you with a first or second-year student in order for you to share your experiences thus far.

Why would I be a good mentor? I’m too new/experienced/boring to be relevant.

Everyone has unique experiences to share. Students are looking for feedback on their projects, someone to attend industry events with them, but most of all an approachable mentor to act as a sounding board. And they have things to teach you as well!

Do I have to be an IIDA member to be a mentor?

No, the program is open to design professionals regardless of membership status.

Do I have to be a student IIDA member participate?

No, the program is open to design students and design professionals regardless of membership status. However, priority is given to student members when making matches.

How do I become a student member of IIDA?

Joining is easy! Membership follows the calendar year, from January – December. Students who join in September get the next four months for free! To learn more about membership, please visit the IIDA National website.