The CONVERGE Jr. UX Mentorship Program was built to uplift Jr. UX designers and help them land their first job.
It is an 8-week program that meets Thursday nights for 1hr. I created a robust curriculum that focuses on a different part of the job process each session using interactive breakout rooms, feedback sessions, reflection activities, mock interviews, and weekly assignments.
This program does NOT teach UX. It teaches career related things for landing a UX job. You must already have a portfolio to participate.
Note: This is not a school. I'm just a designer that wants to see a world with more designers so I made a hands-on program to mentor emerging UX professionals.
I went into this mentorship thinking this was my last chance to get into UX before giving up. After participating in it, I was able to fix my portfolio and learn why I was not getting any interviews. I was also able to meet and make amazing connections with likeminded individuals, who I can reach out to to talk with. It was amazing receiving advice and learning from Elena, especially with how to network, present yourself and make your brand memorable.
- Cohort #2 Participant
FAQs
How does it work?
- In each cohort, I’ll directly lead a group of 15-20 people.
- Peter Pham will be there assisting with the group.
- There will be a 1 hour meeting, once a week for 8 weeks.
- Weekly homework assignments to work on different topics that are discussed at each session - things you’ll already be doing anyways (ie. Edit resume, create list of questions for interviews, participate in a coffee date)
- There are volunteers that are professional in various industries will be helping with portfolio reviews and networking.
- Note: This program is covers ALOT. So be ready to hit the ground running. We want you to make the most out of it, so that’s why there’s assignments outside of our weekly meeting. You’ll be expected to complete everything BEFORE the next session.
Mentee Requirements
- Must have a UX portfolio already
- Must be able to attend at least 7 sessions.
- If selected to join, must complete these activities before the start of the cohort (no expections)
- Must agree to do all the activities every week (Updating portfolio, writing questions, etc.) - Expect 1-2 hrs/week of outside work.
- Understand, that those that miss assignments or a session more than 3 times total will be asked to leave the program.
Who is the program for?
- The program is currently only open to Jr. UX designers that have not landed their first job.
- All ages are open.
- BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks are encouraged to apply!
- Bootcamp grads, students, career changers are welcome
What is an ideal applicant?
- You must be a UX designer/product designer
- I’m looking for motivated folks who are ready to learn more about themselves and grow their careers
- Someone who is open to complete weekly homework activities (ie. Edit resume, create list of questions for interviews, participate in a coffee date - things you’ll already be doing anyways)
- I’m not looking for someone who is the world’s best designer or networker.
- Name-droppable past internships won’t get you anywhere here. In fact, I want to work with people who may not have access to opportunities, or didn’t go to a fancy school; and have tried their best but still feel like they need guidance about what to do next.
What will you walk away with after the program ends?
- Ways to stand out as an applicant
- Ready to go elevator pitch and personal narrative for interviews
- Connections with fellow UX designers
- Portfolio feedback
- Fine-tuned bio for About Me page and Linkedin
- + more
Key Topics Covered (subject to change depending on cohort specific needs)
- Personal branding (Bio, interview intro, Linkedin bio)
- Portfolio feedback and optimization
- Interview question prep and mock interview
- Portfolio presentation prep
- Misc: Negotiations, accessibility, real world v. bootcamp
What does this cost?
The program is free for mentees.
What if I’m not selected?
If you are not selected for the program, I will notify you (No ghosting here!). There will be (hopefully) future cohorts you can be involved with. And I’ll send an email to see if you want to be considered for another opportunity.
Mentee Expectations
- Attend all weekly check-ins; if cannot make it, give heads up at least 24hrs in advance to reschedule
- Come prepared with any assignments
- Be present and active during sessions
- Ask questions
- Try new things
- Support fellow mentees and mentor
- Be respectful of fellow mentees and mentor’s time - be on time
Who will be my mentor?
I will! My name is Elena Haskins. I founded CONVERGE because I wanted to have a tangible resource that everyone could use to feel more prepared for life after college. I have experience with 5+ years experience mentoring programs, leadership trainings, and professional development.
Various UX professionals will be around to help with different activities and give feedback as well :)
After being accepted into the 1st cohort and working with Elena, I said to myself "I don't wanna leave." Elena is like that cool friend who gives you great constructive criticism and isn't afraid to tell you the truth (we all need someone like this). She's not a high-level boss lady, she's just a normal person like you.
Not only did I learn a bunch of new things to level up my skills as a designer, but also leveled up my personal branding and landed my first full-time job at a NYC creative agency.
- Cohort #1 Participant
