Mentorship Program
The NYC UXPA Mentorship Program provides a way for members and the community to work together to advance professional goals in user experience.
The program pairs UX professionals looking to take the next step in their career with a mentor who has insight or experience with facing challenges and reaching their goals.
Thank you for your interest in the Fall 2023 Mentoring Season! The program will run from September through November. We are hoping to begin the program again in 2024. Please join our mailing list and follow our social media for updates.
How the Program Works
1. Apply: Apply when the Mentorship Program resumes
2. Get matched: Mentees are matched to mentors based on overlapping interests, goals, and experiences.
3. Make a plan: Mentors and mentees consider how they can maximize their experience by creating a plan or setting milestones along the way.
4. Orientation: Mentors and mentees meet virtually for an online orientation at the start of the program, giving participants an opportunity to get to know one another and finalize their goals for the program.
5. Meet: Mentor and mentees meet according to their agreed upon schedule and attend two events put on by the NYC UXPA during the three month program.
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
As a mentor you have an opportunity to share knowledge and experience while giving back to the UX community. You will not only develop and practice a more personal style of leadership, but also enhance your skills in coaching, counseling, and active listening.
Who can become a mentor?
Do you like helping others?
Do you have professional UX / Design experience?
Can you invest at least 5-6 hours per month over 3 months?
Interested in Becoming a Mentee?
As a mentee, you will gain a sharper focus on the skills needed to grow professionally. From career development opportunities to assistance with ideas, and feedback on projects and portfolios, as a mentee, you’ll gain invaluable UX skills.
Who can become a mentee?
Are you committed to advancing your UX skills or career?
Are you committed to working with a mentor for 3 months?
Are you an NYC UXPA member? (You don't have to be a member when you submit your application, but you need to become a member if you're accepted.)
Want to learn more? Check out the FAQ, or send us an email.
Become a NYC UXPA member to be the first to hear when applications open.
Program Goals
Community
To give motivated NYC UXPA members more opportunities to take part in the UX community.
Leadership Skills
To help experienced members further hone their leadership and other professional skills.
Professional Development
To provide social interaction and professional development opportunities for members, regardless of experience.
Guidance
To offer help to our less-experienced members looking for UX guidance and practical experience.
General FAQ
How long is the program?
This is a three-month program. Though many of the relationships built last much longer.
How are mentors + mentees matched?
Mentees are matched to mentors based on overlapping interests, goals, and experiences; the duo is then encouraged to build a close professional, mutually beneficial, relationship over a period of time.
How does the program work once I have a match?
Both mentors and mentees should consider how they can maximize their experience by creating a plan or setting milestones along the way.
Mentors and mentees meet virtually for an online orientation at the start of the program, giving participants an opportunity to get to know one another before making their final decisions about the program.
How often will I meet with my mentor/mentee?
Mentors and mentees will determine their own meeting schedules. We don't have any formal requirements, but we suggest touching base at least once a month.
Do I need to be a member to apply?
You don't have to be a member at the time you submit your application. But because the program is only for NYC UXPA members, you must sign up for an NYC UXPA membership before orientation if you're accepted into the program.
Is it possible to be a Mentor and a Mentee at the same time?
In theory, yes. In reality, the demand for mentors far outweighs the supply. A potential mentor is much easier to match with a mentee than the reverse, based on numbers alone.
What if I just started my first UX job, can I still be a mentor?
Even if you've just landed your first job in UX, you can still be a mentor. Your experience and insights will be valuable for someone who's still trying to break in.
I missed the sign-up window for this cohort. What do I do?
Not to worry! We have several cohorts each year. To be the first to hear when the next sign-up window opens, become a UXPA member.
What if I have a question that's not answered here?
You can email the Mentorship Program Coordinators at mentorship@nycuxpa.org.
NYC UXPA Mentorship Program is proudly sponsored by Mastercard and Bloomberg.
