Ed Fed:

SyncUp Student Mentorship Program

What is the SyncUp Program?

The Spokane AdFed's SyncUp program is intended to give motivated college students extra insight into the advertising field. It gives students one-on-one time with an industry professional during the last year of their respective program. Additionally, it gives mentors the opportunity to contribute to the learning experience of upcoming ad professionals. Through monthly meetings the mentor and the student will create learning goals to enhance the student's marketable abilities.

How is This Different Than An Internship?

Internships are focused on learning through working for a company. This program doesn't involve real industry work. It is more like a one-on-one AdPro-Student advisory program.

Student Requirements for Consideration:

• Student degree must be enrolled in an advertising or graphic design program

• Student must be in their final year of their program

• Student must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA

What to Expect Your First Sync:

It is encouraged that the first meeting take place at the Mentor's workplace and include a tour.

• Students should share why they are in the design program and what excites them about design.

• Students should should explain their strengths and areas they would like to improve. Students should explain what kind of job they would like when graduating (web, print, illustration, production art, etc).

• Mentors should give some background on themselves including their job role, where they graduated, other industry related jobs they've had, etc.

• Mentors should be prepared to give advice.

• Mentors should help set up obtainable goals on how to get the dream job and how to improve their work according to what the student would like to accomplish with their career. (e.g. If student wants to improve typography create goals to improve typography and steps to achieve those goals.)Setup the place and time of your next meeting. Each additional Sync: Discuss the student's current school projects. Sharing samples with the mentor is encouraged.Discuss current challenges student faces Mentors should answer questions and tell stories to get a better idea about the advertising world.
  

• Check in to see how the student is progressing in achieving their educational goals set up in first meeting.

Advice for Students:

• Be presentable. You are a representative of your school.

• It's okay to ask about typical salary ranges, but don't ask how much your mentor makes. It's rude.

Become a Mentor:

Being a mentor can be rewarding and it also gives you a chance to meet fresh young talent entering the industry. To become a mentor, visit www.spokaneadfed.com and answer a few questions about yourself and your role in your company. We ask that you have at least two years experience in the advertising/design industry to become a mentor.

Advice for Mentors:

Don't be negative or critical. Stay upbeat and give constructive advice on how to improve your student's skills.