What is it?
AGDA’s Professional Mentorship Program
brings together experienced design professionals, providing help and support for those seeking practical career guidance and professional advice.
This program is designed to ensure both participants — mentor and mentee — can tailor the experience to their individual strengths, goals and interests. It's a valuable opportunity for genuine two-way learning and professional growth. Participation is free and open to current AGDA members with a minimum of four years’ industry experience in one or more of the following areas:
Career1 Guidance
Strategy Business Development
Staff ConceptManagement Development
Small Business Practise
Professional 2 Advice
Leadership Skills Presentation Techniques
Project CreativeManagement Research
Creative Process
Strategy
Support in developing skills that assist in an approach that is anchored in solid strategic insights and frameworks. Increasing the value of design.
Business Development
Staff Management
Networking, marketing, niche markets, business focus, assessing, competition, techniques. Recruiting, management techniques, briefing techniques, staff retention, team building, staff education and growth opportunities.
Project Management
Processes, time frames, deadlines, invoicing, admin, client management.
What you will learn
Small Business Practice
Business registration, business development, cash flow, client management, business resources, industry participation, invoicing.
Concept Development
Briefing, researching, brainstorming, sketching, processes, techniques, technical skills, presentation.
Creative Process & Research
Design ideation techniques, creativ e mood boards, design rational advice, digital reference sources. Briefing, research skills, methods, resources, processes, research presentation.
Presentation Techniques
Researching techniques, presentation processes, focus, client backgrounds, tools & methods.
Howcanit help
AGDA will aim to match mentors and mentees according to their areas of interests to ensure a ‘best fit’ of personality, skills and expectations.
This professional-level mentoring is tailored to provide participants advice and training for issues relating to those currently employed, seeking development of professional skills, and advancement within the industry.
Career progression
Portfolio review & development
Leadership skills
Creative process & skills development
Topics may
include
Presentation techniques
Small business practice
Personal marketing and networking
Business development techniques
Client service approach
Starting a business
Signmeup!
You will be matched with a mentor or mentee for 6 one on one sessions, each lasting up to an hour, over a six week period. Sessions can take place online or in person, depending on what suits you both best.
Weekl Review Setti g Objectives Sessio s Reflect &
Duri g the first week, me tor a d me tee will work together to determi e a suitable a d practical outcome, looki g to broade the me tee’s skills a d expertise i their chose areas of i terest.
Use this week to get to k ow each other a d defi e the followi g
Curre t challe ges/barrier
Developme t goal
Agree o achievable focus area for duratio of progra
Discuss da a d time for future sessio s a d schedule for meeti gs.
The followi g weeks will see the me tor a d me tee worki g together either o real-world or co ceptual exercises, coveri g the agreed topics a d explori g subject matter i detail. Meeti g dates, time a d schedule to be orga ised b i dividual pairi gs at their co ve ie ce.
Use these weeks to Keep track of set goals a d reflect o progress weekl
Tr to atte d all scheduled meeti gs, a d mai tai regular commu icatio Share updates, i spiratio , a d etworki g ideas to keep each other motivated a d mai tai mome tum.
The fi al weeks should comprise of a progress review a d wrap-up. The review of the program helps e sure the agreed goals have bee met, a d to provide a fi al advice for the me tee.
Discuss a fi al advice a d recomme datio s
Reflect o objectives a d progress si ce week
Review lear i gs a d program highlights, both shari g experie ce of the progra
Discuss a o goi g relatio ship or self-developme t suggestio s.
Program Requirements: to ensure the program is a positive and enjoyable experience for all, mentors and mentees are encouraged to proactively contribute towards a successful outcome.
Mentees Mentors
Mentors must prepare and attend a minimum of 4 sessions over the 6 week period. It is encouraged that the mentor will be available to provide advice, assist mentees in self initiated work, answer their questions and offer advice and critique. Mentors will be advised to make initial contact before the commencement date for personal introduction, suggested meeting details and to listen and guide the mentee on their program goals and outcomes.
Mentees are expected to attend all meetings organised with their mentors, to show enthusiasm and to make the most of the program with defined goals and outcomes. Mentees will also be expected to respect confidentiality, to accept challenges and practical exercises and to be proactive and passionate in their sessions.
Application Process: The Program has limited positions available and is by successful application only. Mentee applications open on 15 August each year. Applicants will then be matched with mentors selected by the AGDA Mentoring Program Committee.
If successful, each applicant will be contacted by email.
Step1
Complete the AGDA Mentorship application form via the AGDA website
Step2
Attach or include a link to your website, Instagram, Behance page or PDF portfolio demonstrating work relevant to your areas of interest
Step3
Include your current AGDA membership number