Alumni Mentoring Program
Inspire and empower CCAD students by becoming an alumni mentor.
The Alumni Mentoring Program at Columbus College of Art & Design connects current students to established alumni to receive career guidance, professional development, and more. Share your perspective and knowledge of industry best practices—and reconnect with CCAD in the process!
Alumni have the opportunity to mentor students on a voluntary basis each academic year, starting in the fall semester and ending in the spring semester.
This flexible, self-directed program is designed to accommodate mentor and mentee schedules. Mentoring sessions typically happen once per month, and they can be held in person, over the phone, or online. No two mentoring experiences are the same, but you’re likely to offer industry insight, provide portfolio feedback, and provide other creative and career-related pointers.
While the mentorship engagement lasts a single academic year, many pairs have continued to stay in touch personally and professionally, even collaborating on creative projects.
It really gives an opportunity to foster learning for both participants, and possibly build towards a future where both mentor and mentee could become peers…. It’s fascinating and wonderful to see the world through the eyes of a new generation and to share that moment when discovery or realization happens.
Jeff Carlisle (Illustration, 1997)
Alumni Mentor
Check back for details about future Alumni Mentoring Program opportunities.
Alumni Mentoring FAQ
For Alumni Mentors:
Mentors provide services to students in the CCAD Alumni Mentoring Program on a volunteer basis.
Mentors must be alumni who are graduates of CCAD; we define a graduate as an individual who has earned a CCAD degree
Alumni interested in becoming a mentor must apply to the program
Alumni who are specifically interested in mentoring graduate students should discuss mentorship opportunities with Kelly Malec-Kosak, Chair of Master of Fine Arts, who can be reached at [email protected]
For Student Mentees:
Undergraduate students are eligible for this program once they’ve completed their first year; transfer students are not required to complete one year before being eligible
Students who are interested in being mentees must apply to be part of the program
Graduate students should discuss mentorship opportunities with Kelly Malec-Kosak, Chair of Master of Fine Arts, who can be reached at [email protected]
Mentors and mentees are expected to meet at least once per month during the length of the program. The duration of each meeting is determined by individual mentor and mentee pairings.
A professional relationship between mentors and mentees must be maintained at all times.
If mentors and mentees meet in person, these meetings must occur in public places.
Any form of harassment, including comments on race, color, religion, gender, sexuality, national origin, ethnicity, disability, or age will not be tolerated and will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the mentoring program.
Mentors and mentees should be specific about what confidentiality means to them, and what they might want to remain confidential throughout the mentoring relationship.
Mentorship opportunities are limited depending on the number of participating alumni and students each academic year. We will do our best to confirm pairings for all interested alumni and students; however, if we are unable to confirm a pairing for the current mentoring session, we will keep application information on file for the following academic year.
I’m grateful that my mentor put faith in my passion and potential, and I feel as if this is one of the many big steps I’ve taken towards my goals. I encourage others to branch out and connect with the world and take the steps we’re often too afraid to take…The mentorship program can be a good start for many so I always encourage others to apply.”
Other Ways to Support & Engage With CCAD
Alumni mentoring is just one way to stay engaged with CCAD after graduation. Here’s how else to get involved:
Vince Notaroberto (Advertising & Graphic Design, 1971) came to CCAD to find community with people like himself—those unseen. At CCAD, he built a chosen family. After a thrilling career, he’s making a gift to ensure generations of students have the same opportunities.
A short about Emily Dickinson has won a prestigious Telly Award—and Columbus College of Art & Design filmmakers helped make it happen.
Meet Serenity Strull, a Columbus College of Art & Design Film & Video alum carving her own creative career path as an editorial illustrator for the BBC.
For more information on the CCAD Alumni Mentoring Program, contact the Alumni office at [email protected].
