Join one of these programs to see what a mentor can do for you.

At the Over My Shoulder Foundation, we are advocates of “Designing the Next Generation,” which is our national conversation about mentoring in the world of design. If you really think about it, there are a lot of similarities between designing a room and “designing” healthy and productive people. By looking over your shoulder to the rising generation and offering a guiding hand, you can make a positive impact in that person’s life.

The International Interior Design Association understands how important a mentoring relationship can be for an aspiring designer and therefore spearheads mentoring programs for students that are currently enrolled in design school.

Each year, the organization puts together Student Mentoring Week, which pairs International Interior Design Association student members with local design professionals to offer them a hands-on taste of what a true day-in-the-life of an interior designer looks like. This invaluable experience not only helps to give students a brief look at their future, but also helps to foster long-lasting mentoring relationships.

Participating students also have the opportunity to partake in the Lloy Hack Essay Competition for a chance to win $1,000. Each contestant is to write a two to three page essay about his or her experience during Student Mentoring Week and the impact that this important mentoring relationship has created.

To learn more about Student Mentoring Week and how you can become a part of it, please be sure to visit the International Interior Design Association webpage.

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