2013 Program Cycle   The DV UPA Mentoring Program is a great opportunity for emerging and established UX professionals to continue their professional development through a formalized mentoring relationship. The program matches selected mentees with mentors based on skill set and career path compatibilities. It is a 12 month program, kicking off in May 2013 and running through May 2014. The formal program includes a kick-off orientation, ongoing match support, mid-point check-in, and anniversary. Program Timeline

As a small program, the number of matches we can make each year is very limited. While we do our best, not all applicants will be matched in every cycle. We are looking for highly motivated mentees with a passion for user centered design.

Program Mentees

• Live in Philadelphia, South Jersey, or Delaware

• Would like to be matched with a recommended mentor in their area

• Have a passion for user centered design and would like to establish (or further) a career in UX

• Will take their commitment to the program seriously, making time to establish and maintain the mentor/mentee relationship

• Are willing to meet (in person, call, Skype) at least twice per month for 12 months, with at least one in-person meeting per quarter

• Are looking for the full range of professional development support that a mentor can offer

Mentee Application

Registration will be open through April 15th 2013.

The mentor/mentee relationship can be a highly rewarding one. By leveraging your expertise and wisdom to “pay it forward” to someone earlier-on in their career, you can better understand how far you’ve come, what you’ve learned along the way, and how you’d like to see your own career further progress.

Program Mentors

• Live in Philadelphia, South Jersey, or Delaware

• Have worked in UX or closely related field for 5 years or more

• Love what they do, and have a strong desire to share their passion for the field and user centered design

• Will take their commitment to the program seriously, making time to establish and maintain a positive supporting relationship

• Are willing to meet (in person, call, Skype) at least twice per month for 12 months, with at least one in-person meeting per quarter

• Are willing to share their expertise, network, and involve their mentee in appropriate industry events

Mentor Registration

You don’t need to be a “luminary” to be a mentor. Many people who would otherwise make phenomenal mentors shy away from it because they simply don’t realize how far they’ve come in their careers. In fact, patience, an open mind, and an honest desire to help as a person who’s “been there” will be more valuable to someone looking to make a career in our field than a list of industry accolades.

• If you would like to be a program mentor, please email us and we will follow-up with you for more information.

• If you’re established in UX but would still like to be matched with a mentor who can help you as you move to a next step in your career, please fill out our mentee application for the 2013/14 cycle.

• Registration Open, February 22nd – April 15th

• 2013 Matches Finalized, April 15th – May 3rd

• New Match Orientation, May 15th

• Mid-Point Check in Event, Late October or early November

• Anniversary event, May 13th 2014 (program ends)

*Specific event dates subject to change

Here are some artifacts from last year's program. All documents are in PDF format unless otherwise noted.

• Orientation PowerPoint
• Mentor Tips
• Mentee Tips
• Mentorship SMART Goals Worksheet