IIDA Pilot Mentorship Program

IIDA Northland Pilot Mentorship Program- Wrap Up Party / Forum Pre-Forum Networking Event

The IIDA Northland Pilot Mentor Program Wrap Up Party will be part of the May Forum. This event is a time to meet with your student/mentor as well as other professionals and celebrate your participation in this pilot program.

This wrap up party is not required but we encourage all mentor matches to attend.
Also attendance to the Forum tour of the CBRE Two Marketpoint project is free for students and mentors in the Pilot Program.

If you have any questions please contract Betsy Vohs: betsy_vohs@gensler.com

This pilot program is to help foster mentorship and connections between students and IIDA Professionals and Industry Members. The program is voluntary and the relationship between student and mentor is to develop on its own. IIDA members who participate should be open to sharing their insights and guidance with their student mentees.

Making the Match
Students and mentors are matched based on a student's goals and interests, and a mentor's background and experience as listed on the applications. A mentor is not guaranteed to all students – this is a Pilot Program and the first 25 students that apply will be matched. Space is limited.

Finding the Match
Be open and honest on the application and we will do our best to find you the right match. Students, be open to what the design professional can offer you and view this as a networking opportunity. Mentors, be honest about your experience and what you have to offer a student mentee.

Notification of a Match
Students – If you are matched with a mentor for this Pilot Program, you will receive a letter by e-mail at least one week before the kick off program. This e-mail will include an electronic copy of your mentor's application and contact information. Your mentor will also receive a copy of your application.

Once you receive information about your mentor, you are encouraged to call or e-mail him/her immediately to introduce yourself and confirm whether or not you will both be able to attend orientation.

If you are not matched, you will be notified by email.

Applications are not being accepted for this program at this time.

Pilot Mentoring Program—Conclusion
The next steps after this Pilot Program ends is up to each mentor/student. Some mentoring pairs may decide to plan a few more activities or keep in touch with periodic e-mails, calls, or visits. Others may choose to end the mentoring relationship along with the program. Whatever you choose to do is fine; just as long as you are both in agreement about what happens next.

Next Steps:
Mentors, do you have other suggestions of colleagues or contacts your student(s) should meet?
What specific areas should the student consider exploring or developing in the coming months?

Another step to take is reflecting on the experience of being a mentor or mentee. Was the program highly productive or less than you’d hoped for, mentoring experiences offer the opportunity to learn, grow as professionals and gain insights about ourselves. The questions below can help you process how the mentoring experience went.

Both Mentor and Student
What did you learn from the mentorship program?
Would you consider participating in this program again?

Student Questions Only
Did your Mentor’s experience and background make a positive impact on your mentoring experience (was the match right?)
Has this experience confirmed your choice of major and career interest? If it made you change your mind, what path will you choose next?

Thank you for your interest in the IIDA Pilot Mentorship Program.

PROGRAM DATES:

Kick Off Event in February
Closing Celebration in May

PILOT PROGRAM CONTACT:

If you have any questions about the program, please contact:
Betsy Vohs, IIDA Northland Student Affairs Chair
Betsy_Vohs@gensler.com or 612-215-6175