Creative Careers Mentorship Program

Apply to the Fall 2026 Mentorship Program

HERE!

Creative Careers’ Mentorship Program is a yearly application based opportunity that thoughtfully pairs ArtCenter students with established creative professionals for 10 weeks of mentorship where creativity, career, and life can be explored.

Benefits of Participating in Mentorship

Personalized Guidance 🤝
Get support from an experienced professional in your field who can provide tailored advice, answer your questions, and help you set meaningful goals.

Career Insights 💡
Gain insider knowledge about industry trends, career pathways, and real-world expectations that you won’t find in a classroom or textbook.

Expanded Network 🌐
Build connections with your mentor, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Skill Development 🛠️
Strengthen essential career skills such as communication, self-advocacy, and goal-setting while learning how to navigate the creative industry with confidence.

Confidence & Support 🚀
Receive encouragement and constructive feedback throughout the program, helping you build confidence in your work and resilience in your career journey.

Earn a Digital Badge 🏅
Showcase your participation and commitment by earning a verified Creative Mentor Badge, which you can add to your LinkedIn and portfolio to highlight your professional growth.

Mentorship Program Details

    • Spring Week 12 – Applications open

    • Summer Week 5 – Applications due

    • Summer Week 8 – Acceptance notifications sent

    • Summer Break Weeks 1–3 – Mentor introductions

    • Fall Week 1 – Program begins

    • Fall Week 10 – Program concludes

  • Students must submit a complete application that includes:

    • Open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate ArtCenter students

    • Students may apply in their graduating or off term

    • Must be enrolled during the application and program term

    • The program is not a class or internship—it is a volunteer experience for both mentors and mentees

    • Expect to spend ~1 hour per week meeting with your mentor

    • Meetings are flexible based on schedules but consistency is encouraged

    • Each mentorship will look different depending on your goals and your mentor’s expertise

    • Applications are reviewed after the deadline by Creative Careers

    • Students are notified whether or not they are accepted

    • Matches are made based on student goals and mentor preferences

    • Accepted mentees must attend a mandatory orientation session before kickoff in Fall Week 1

What to Expect as Mentee

  • Orientation & Kickoff

    You’ll complete a mandatory orientation module asynchronously before the program begins in Fall Week 1 to set expectations and get prepared.

  • Week 1 Meet & Greet

    During the first week of the Fall term, you’ll be introduced to your mentor and hold an initial meeting to get to know each other, share goals, and start shaping how your mentorship will work.

  • Goal Setting & Growth

    You’ll work with your mentor to set clear professional goals for the 10-week program. Conversations might focus on your career path, portfolio, networking, or industry insights.

  • Feedback & Guidance

    Your mentor will provide constructive feedback and advice, helping you refine your work, build confidence, and prepare for the next stage of your career.

  • Industry Insight

    Learn directly from professionals who understand the realities of creative industries, from emerging trends and career pathways to professional expectations.

  • Professionalism in Practice

    Develop and practice key professional skills such as communication, accountability, and self-advocacy in a supportive, real-world context.

  • Ongoing Support from Creative Careers

    Our team is here to guide you throughout the process, answering questions, troubleshooting challenges, and ensuring you get the most out of your mentorship experience.

  • Program Wrap-Up & Celebration

    At the end of Fall Week 10, you’ll reflect on your mentorship journey and complete a short evaluation. You’ll also be required to complete an offboarding module to help you close out your experience, and will be invited to a dinner celebration with all Mentors and Mentees.

Learn More About the Mentee Experience

READ: Strong Bond: Creative Careers Mentorship Program Pairs ArtCenter Students with Mentors

READ: Mentorship Program pairs students with mentors: Francesca Liu and Greg Tada

READ: Mentorship Program pairs students with mentors: Giah Kim and Nicci Yin

READ: Mentorship Program pairs students with mentors: Jerron Hess and Karen Kuo

What Past Mentees Are Saying

  • "From the application process to the end dinner, it was an extremely reflective process. It will be a highlight for me at ArtCenter. Every goal was met, and in the end, I became a more confident artist, learning the steps I must take to transition from being a student to being a professional artist".

    Fall 2024 Mentee

  • “At the start of the mentorship, I was nervous about interacting with an industry professional. Over time, I became more comfortable communicating with my mentor, which has significantly boosted my confidence in networking and engaging with other professionals.”

    Fall 2024 Mentee

  • "The Mentorship Program did meet my expectations in several ways. I gained valuable insights that spanned both personal development and professional knowledge. On a personal level, I learned about effective communication, self-awareness, and the importance of setting goals. Professionally, I acquired skills related to my field, including industry-specific knowledge, networking strategies, and practical tools that I can apply in my career. Overall, the program provided a well-rounded experience that significantly contributed to my growth."

    Fall 2024 Mentee

  • "The ability to talk to someone who has entered and is navigating the current industry landscape has lifted many of the pressures and anxieties that I had about the industry. I've been able to gain a better view of where my skills may be useful and have a better idea of how I need to organize and plan my last year at ArtCenter."

    Fall 2024 Mentee

Program FAQs

  • Pairings with a mentor may be one-on-one or in groups of 2-3 other mentees, based on shared interests and professional goals and based on availability of mentors. Creative Careers cannot guarantee a one-on-one mentorship as part of the program, and will notify accepted students of the structure of their mentorship experience at the time they are notified of their mentor. Accepted students who are not interested in group mentorship experiences are not required to commit to the program. Accepted students placed in group mentorship structures should anticipate a mix of individual and group meetings with their mentor.

  • 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 Creative Careers’ 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.

Have more questions about the Mentorship Program?

Fill out the form or send us an email at careers@artcenter.edu