Donor Impact Report 2022–2023
Career and Professional Development
Through their invaluable gifts of time, knowledge, experience and mentorship, ArtCenter alumni and industry partners motivate, inspire, and shape the next generation of art and design leaders.
The Career Chats series and Mentorship Program of ArtCenter’s Office of Career and Professional Development are pivotal in fostering meaningful connections among students, alumni, and industry leaders. By engaging with guest speakers and dedicated mentors, students gain invaluable insights and cultivate essential skills for their future careers. These platforms serve as catalysts for personal and career growth, empowering students to explore a variety of career paths and navigate the complexities of the job market with confidence. By facilitating interactions and providing guidance, mentors equip students with the tools and resources necessary to excel. This supportive environment encourages exploration and fosters a sense of community, where our students can envision themselves as future leaders, ready to make impactful contributions to their respective industries.
ArtCenter has a long history of building strong industry partnerships with employers from around the world.
The Mentorship Program in Career and Professional Development is not only important for our students and their future careers, but also for our generous mentors, for whom it’s a meaningful way to give back and help shape future creatives.
Alysia AlexDirector, Career and Professional Development
Mentorship Program pairs students with mentors: Francesca Liu and Greg Tada
Volunteer Mentor Spotlight: Katerina Kopytina, Industrial Designer
ArtCenter contacted me and asked me if I’d like to mentor a graduating student. Personally, I never had a mentor, but I loved the idea of mentoring, so I agreed. What I realized over those weeks with my mentee, Adeline, is that something completely natural for me can be eye opening for someone else. And that can be a big step forward for a student. Being a highly skilled designer doesn't guarantee you open doors or any sort of success. It’s also about personal attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn new things that help you get where you want. Eventually, Adeline won a Core77 award for the best student project in the Furniture & Lighting category. That’s not because of me, of course. All I did was give her the confidence to apply. Inspired by this new experience and Adeline’s gratitude, I now have a whole bunch of new ideas for myself. Truly, giving is receiving!
It was an honor learning from Katerina as a mentee! I truly appreciated the guidance and support she gave me throughout our time together. Her insights were invaluable in shaping my mindset and growth in my design career!
Adeline KouBS 23 Product Design
I was so happy to have been connected with Tatiana. It was a joy to get to know her and see her incredible work.
Emilie Hahn BFA 18 Graphic Design
Senior Designer, Jones Knowles Ritchie
Mentee Spotlight: Tatiana Khoury, Graphic Design
I was really interested in gaining more insight on the industry and possible jobs that I would be interested in. I was also curious about freelancing. My mentor was Emilie Hahn, senior designer at Jones Knowles Ritchie. At her job, she creates brand identity systems and packaging design. I learned a lot about the workplace, how different studios operate, how to set up my website, setting up my resume, freelance quotes, contracts and invoices. I also learned how to maintain a professional relationship outside of school. Through this wonderful opportunity, I gained not only new information about the graphic design industry but also a friend who I can look up to! Overall I learned so much and have a better understanding of the industry I am going into.