Mentees FAQs
What qualifies me to become a mentee?
You are an NYC UXPA member. (Note: you don't have to be a member at the time you submit your application, but you will have to become an NYC UXPA member if you're accepted.)
You have specific career goals that need help from a more experienced UX professional.
You're ready to make the most of your opportunity over the course of the entire four-month program.
Past mentees we've accepted into the program include:
Recent graduates, UX students, or non-UX professionals, transitioning into to UX.
UX professionals in one area of UX who want to transition to another (e.g., from UX design to UX research).
UX professionals moving into leadership or senior roles in their workplace.
How can I get the most out of having a mentor?
Be clear about what your goals are going into the program.
Your goals will drive your experience throughout the program. Make it easier for your mentor to help you.
Prepare an agenda with specific topics for your meetings or discussions with your mentor.
Suggested topics for discussion include:
networking
identifying opportunities
innovation
hiring practices
work experience
company structure
client relationships
workflow
tools of the trade
productivity
impact of their work
It's up to you what questions you ask.
This program has few official requirements — so it is what you make of it.
The only requirements are: attending Orientation and joining the Slack channel. After that, you shouldn't rely on your mentor or the program coordinators to make a plan for you. The mentees who have gotten the most value out of this program are the ones who take the initiative.
Take responsibility for fostering the relationship with your mentor.
Mentors have applied to this program because they want to help you further your goals. But mentors are not mind readers and are often busy (a side effect of advancing in this field). You, the mentee, are responsible for keeping the lines of communication open.
Respect your mentor's boundaries.
Many mentors are often forthcoming and candid about their work. But your mentor is not required to share sensitive or private information with you.
What are my obligations if I take part?
Attend Program Orientation. Mentors and mentees meet virtually! The exact date and invitation will be informed at a later time.
Join our Slack Channel. Our private Slack channel is the main way we'll communicate as a group. This includes the sharing of articles, local events, job postings, general knowledge, and more. You will receive a Slack invitation shortly before Orientation.
Just like in school, your success will depend on how much you take advantage of this opportunity. Take some time to establish your goals, so your mentor knows what you're hoping to achieve. The four months will go faster than you think! We find that each mentor/mentee pair has their own unique dynamic based on the mentee's goals.
What will I get out of participating in the program?
Personalized attention and feedback from an experienced UX professional.
The chance to develop professional relationships by meeting other mentors/mentees at the optional meetups.
Other gifts after completion of program as a token of our appreciation.
How am I matched to a mentor?
The only information we have to match you with a suitable mentor is what you provide on your application. The more detail and personality you can provide, the better your chances are of being matched. For instance, one word answers to open-ended questions won't give us much to work with to try to find you a match.
Matching criteria include your interests, experience, availability to meet, communication preferences, and more.
Prior to the cohort start date, we'll let you know which mentor, if any, matches your experience and interests.
Once you and your mentor approve the match, we'll introduce you via email prior to the cohort start date.
What if things don't work out with this program?
Sometimes it's not a perfect match... Or sometimes, life happens and you need to cut back on your commitments. But we're here to help. Email us at mentorship@nycuxpa.org, and we'll help you figure out the best solution.