MENTORING AIMS TO PROMOTE THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS CONCERNING THE MENTOR:

— Development of mentoring, coaching and interaction skills

— Connections with students in the field

— Connection with USC School of Architecture

— Development and expansion of the professional network

WHAT WE EXPECT MENTORS TO DO:

— Spend one-on-one time with the mentee once a month, on average

— Set targets and agree on practical matters with the mentee

— Support the development of the student’s working life skills, as a mentor

What we do not expect mentors to do:

— Offer a job or an internship to the mentee

— Give answers to all the mentee’s questions

— Share all his or her own contacts with the mentee

MENTORING AIMS TO PROMOTE THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS CONCERNING THE STUDENT:

— Building of a professional network

— Development and increase of professional and communication skills

— Cross-disciplinary networking with USC School of Architecture students, alumni and industry professionals

— Generation of new ideas and interests

— Finding of career choices and paths as well as job application skills

WHAT WE EXPECT MENTEES TO DO:

— Spend one-on-one time with the mentor once a month

— Have an active role and take the initiative in relation to the mentor

— Set targets and agree on practical matters with the mentor

— Agree on mentoring expectations and goals with the mentor

— Understanding that mentoring relationship is not about getting a job offer or an internship

RELATED LINKS: Career Week, USC Architectural Guild Charrette

"Historically, the making and building of architecture has involved not only formal educational knowledge transfer, but also a more vocational or hands-on teaching or mentoring. The instances where practitioners with experience and perspective lend advice, offer a different point of view, or afford a look into some aspect of our trade are as important to a young professional’s development as the formal studio exercises and class exams. Mentoring on a professional level has shaped our industry for centuries, and will undoubtedly continue to do so well into the future. The successes I have had over the last 25 years of formal architectural education and professional practice are not solely mine. In fact credit must also be given to a handful of people, both educators and professionals, who have helped guide me through the ever changing and constantly challenging world of the design and construction. I could not have taken this journey alone, and I owe a debt of gratitude to those who have taken the time to mentor me."

— PAUL C. (MENTOR)

"Having participated in the Mentorship Program in previous years, I could not recommend this program more highly. The time I spent with my mentors were very valuable and the things I learned extended beyond what could be taught in a classroom or studio setting. I was able to form authentic relationships with professionals that have not only helped me as a student, but even now as a recent alumna and working professional."

— CRYSTAL W (MENTEE)

"The USC Architectural Guild mentorship program allowed me to see a softer, more personal side of the architectural industry by connecting me one-on-one with professionals. I also really appreciated that my mentors helped demystify and ease the transition from academia to the working world."

— PAULINA S. (MENTEE)