What is a mentor?

A mentor is a professional advisor who can give advice about the design field and professions as well as help to enrich the student’s education/training and job-readiness.

What is expected of me as a mentor?

At a minimum during the school year we hope you will:

• Meet your assigned student at the Fall Mentorship Mixer.
• Participate in the Spring Mentorship Program Event.
• Invite the student to your office for a tour to show your work, introduce him or her to colleagues, and talk openly about the professional and business sides of your organization.
• Offer to give your student a desk critique at studio or to participate in their mid-term review.

What else can I do to be a better mentor?

We recommend that you plan at least one of the following per semester:

• Meet at an architecture, planning, or landscape lecture series event.
• Offer to review and comment on your student's portfolio or one of his or her project presentations.
• Offer to review his or her resume.
• Arrange for him or her to visit a construction job site.
• Discuss job search strategies and job opportunities.
• Give advice about career objectives and how to achieve them.
• Discuss alternative professional paths open to CED students.
• Meet at a museum or exhibition of interest to both of you.
• Arrange for a guided tour of another professional office.

The CED Alumni Association wishes to thank all of its continuing professional participants in the mentorship program. Your dedication to the program serves the needs of students as well as enriches the college and the profession at large. If you are not already a mentor, sign up to be one today!

For additional information, contact Christina Huang at (510) 642-5971.