USC School of Architecture
Mentor Program
Since 1993, the USC mentor program has paired students with professionals in the field of architecture in order to foster an association between education and the industry.
General
Questions:
What is there to gain from participating?
What do mentors gain from participating?
How do the mentors and the students spend time together?
How do I become involved in this program?
What is there to gain from participating?
Students ("mentees") find the experience invaluable. It provides them an opportunity to learn about the profession and to meet someone outside of the classroom who can provide guidance, share personal and professional experiences, and serve as a role model. When students have concerns about the direction they would like to take in their profession, they can pick up the phone and call their mentor for guidance.
The mentee often brings a portfolio to the meeting with the mentor to discuss design studio projects in progress. The mentor may attend the final review, giving the student support and feedback on their work. When the mentee is preparing for a job search, the mentor can provide assistance with resume, cover letter, and portfolio preparation. They can also assist the student with obtaining informational interviews and practicing interviewing techniques.
"The mentor program helped me to get an outside opinion about the direction the field of Architecture is heading in. It was really interesting to visit my mentor's firm and learn about how offices are run. I'm looking forward to future meetings with my mentor." - Curt Austin Peters, USC Architecture student
What do mentors gain from participating?
Mentors are personally rewarded by the opportunity to become involved with the School and to participate in a student's learning process without a significant commitment of time or personal financial resources. Observing the student progress through his/her studies from year to year is gratifying, having the knowledge that one has been an integral part of the student's development as an architect. The program also keeps the mentor in contact with the School, providing opportunities to visit the campus and attend lectures and exhibits. For those mentors who are alumni, the program invites them to come back to the school, to witness the improvements, and to offer suggestions for future change.
"Becoming a mentor was a great way for me to continue to be involved with the School and get in touch with the current thinking of architecture students. I found it rewarding to be able to offer different perspectives and insight into my mentee's projects at school." - Cory Ticten, DMJM, USC Architecture Class of '85
How does the program
work?
Applications to the program are received and assignments are made based on geographic location and interests. Where possible, mentors and mentees are matched up based on common interests. A representative from the School contacts the mentor and the mentee and arranges a first meeting. From there, it is up to the pair to decide when and how to proceed. Each pair will have their own idea as to how often they would like to get together. Some pairs contact one another weekly, others monthly, and others once per semester. The goal is to keep an open dialogue so that students can turn to the mentor when they need someone to talk to.
How do the mentors and the students spend time
together?
Each pair establishes how often they wish to meet and where. Some activities they share could include meeting on campus for coffee or for dinner; attending School of Architecture reviews or exhibits; meeting at the office of the mentor for lunch and a tour of the office; attending a game or cultural event; or simply talking on the phone.
What might they discuss?
Some topics to help you get started include: personal and career goals, time management, how conflict is resolved, setting goals, portfolio preparation, graduate study, job search strategies, and any other topics related to being a student and future professional in architecture or other related fields.
How do I become involved in this program?
To become a mentor to one of our students, or to seek a mentor, simply fill out an online application form or submit a FAX to the School of Architecture.
Mentor Program Applications
Student
Application (Online registration
form)
Student
Application (FAX form in HTML format)
Mentor
Application (Online registration
form)
Mentor
Application (FAX form in HTML format)
The School will attempt to match your interests as closely as possible, and will be available to discuss any issues you have related to the program. We will set up the first meeting and future meetings will be arranged independently.
For more information, contact Academic Advisement at (213) 740-2090.