Mentor FAQ
Questions
- How does the application process work?
- How does the program work once I have a match?
- Do I need to be a member of Triangle UXPA to apply for this program?
- What are the qualifications for becoming a mentor?
- What are my obligations as a mentor?
- What are some options for meeting with my mentee?
- What are some things mentees need from a mentor?
- What will I get from participating in this program?
- How am I matched to a mentee?
- What happens if I'm not matched?
Answers
How does the application process work?
Step 1: Apply
We are accepting mentee and mentor applications until Friday, April 26th, 12pm (noon) EDT for Spring 2019 program. We’ll be reaching out with information on matches the week of April 29th.
Step 2: Get Matched
The Director of Mentorship will match accepted applications using a combination of:
- Shared interests or experiences
- Communication preferences
- Location
- Availability
Step 3: Accept
We’ll notify mentors of their match with a mentee. After the mentor approves the match, we’ll make introductions via email.Step 4: Attend the Kick Off
The mentorship program runs from May 13th to August 13th. On Saturday, May 11th, we’ll be hosting an in-person kick-off event. Although it’s not mandatory, it’s very strongly encouraged that everyone attend. We'll discuss what the program is, what it isn't, and how to get the most out of it. This helps set expectations, which will help participants define realistic goals. This is also a good opportunity to meet the mentorship cycle’s cohort, which you can consider an extended network of peers during the mentorship program.
How does the program work once I have a match?
This is a three month program from May to August. 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 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 of Triangle UXPA to apply for this program?
Mentors don't have to be a member, but it's strongly encouraged. Membership is only $29.95/year for professionals and $14.95 for students.
What are the qualifications for becoming a mentor?
We’re looking for a wide range of mentors from those new to seasoned in the UX field. Qualifications include:
- 1 year professional experience practicing UX design, research, strategy, or other related disciplines in the UX field
- Eagerness to help others, in this case, by giving your mentee's career momentum
- Desire to challenge yourself and further develop your leadership and other professional skills.
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. Additionally, you will grow and learn from your experience as a mentor.
What are my obligations as a mentor?
The key is that you are able to spare at least 1-2 hours per month during the course of the program and to commit to 3-months of working one-on-one with a mentee.
After you are paired, we’ll have a program kick off, where all mentor/mentee pairs will be invited to meet in person. This will be a great opportunity to break the ice with your mentee and discuss some basics, like how often you will me and how you’ll communicate.
As a mentor, you’re also agreeing to the Triangle UXPA Code of Conduct.
What are some options for meeting with my mentee?
There is a lot of flexibility in how you and your mentee meet up. Some examples include:
- Grabbing coffee to chat and check in
- Meeting for lunch to talk and review work
- Joining you at a Triangle UXPA even
- Emailing back and forth
- Video chat (Google Hangouts, Skype, etc.)
- Chatting over Slack
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your mentee how often you want to communicate and if you would like to do so in person. We find that each pair has a unique dynamic that starts to take shape 1-2 meetings in.
What are some things mentees need from a mentor?
During the kick off, you and your mentee will talk about their goals for the program. As a mentor you can help provide guidance based on your experience in the field.
Some topics a mentee might be interested in, include (and definitely aren’t limited to):
- Your work experience in the past, current company, your current role, etc.
- Career guidance and coaching
- Networking
- Identifying opportunities
- Career guidance and coaching
- Tools, books, and methods to help them improve their craft
- Pursuing management
- Hiring practices
What will I get from participating in this program?
Besides giving back and contributing to the UX community, benefits include:
- Opportunities to meet and interact with other mentors and mentees from your cohort.
- Chances to further hone your leadership skills
- Reinforce your knowledge of the field. For example, sometimes when you explain something new to a mentee, you might want to quickly skim resources to provide them. As you skim them, you’re also reinforcing your knowledge.
- Priority access to registering for some Triangle UXPA events
How am I matched to a mentee?
We do our best to find a matching mentee based on information in your application. The application will ask for your interests, experience, location, availability, communication preferences, and more.
The week of 4/29, we will let you know who we think would benefit most from your experience and interests. You can either approve this match, or choose another mentee from those still available. Once you and your mentee approve the match, we'll introduce you via email.
On 5/11, we’ll have an in-person kick off meeting in Downtown Raleigh. All mentorship pairs will meet to go over details of the program, then you and your mentee will have a chance to meet, set goals, and go over logistics.
What happens if I’m not matched?
It’s rare that mentors are not matched to mentees. We usually have several more mentees apply than mentors. If you aren’t matched, it’s by no means a reflection of your qualifications. Our first priority is making sure our matches are high-quality matches so pairs can make the most out of the session.
Things aren’t working out with my mentorship, what should I do?
We try our best to match pairs that will hopefully work out. If you feel like things aren’t working with your mentorship pairing, you or your mentee could choose to end the mentorship. If this happens, please notify Michelle (michelle.chin@triuxpa.org). You’re also welcome to reach out if you have any concerns about your mentorship pairing.
Please note, if you are matched twice and both mentorship pairings don't work over the full, three-month session (i.e., they end before the session ends), then Triangle UXPA reserves the right to not match you again. We do this because we want to make sure the our mentors/mentees have a solid, high-quality experience.