AIA Chicago BRIDGE 3.0: a Leadership and Mentorship Program for Young Architects

Bridge 3.0 is the third installment of the highly successful mentoring program sponsored by AIA Chicago, the College of Fellows and the Young Architects Forum. An article on the program was recently featured in Chicago Architect. It was created to provide Young Architects and Associate AIA members with access to local AIA Fellows (FAIA), leaders and designers from the Architectural community.

This training and leadership program requires active participation in a mentorship setting. Emerging Professionals interested in participating should have proven leadership and a willingness to learn. The Bridge program participants can range from recent graduates to Young Architects licensed 10 years or less.

Mentoring

This program intends to Bridge the gap between the need for mentorship in our profession and the ability of experienced Architects to pass on what they have learned to the future generation of Architects. Each selected Bridge participant will be paired with a local AIA Fellow acting as their mentor. The program will incorporate informal social events and organized mentorship discussions focusing the conversation on past experiences, career development, and the future of the Architectural profession. Throughout the program, the mentors and their mentees will also meet in a one-on-one setting to informally discuss specific professional goals while further developing and strengthening their relationship.

Schedule

Meet-Up #1: September 18th, 2012

Kick-Off Bridge 3.0! Program introduction / Meet and pair-up with the FAIA mentors.

Venue: AIA Chicago

Meet-Up #2: Early October 2012

Discussion: "In Review"—Mentors share their experiences of the profession.

Venue: TBD

Meet-Up #3: Late October 2012

Discussion: "Look Ahead"—Mentees share about themselves / the future of the profession.

Venue: TBD

Meet-Up #4: Early November 2012

Fire-side Chat: Open discussion with mentors / mentees + program wrap-up celebration.

Venue: TBD

We encourage a minimum of two (2) informal, one-on-one meetings between mentor and mentee.

Results

The purpose of this program is to prepare emerging, young Architect leaders for their role in shaping the future of their communities and the Architectural profession. The program benefits include an opportunity to be mentored by experienced professionals and FAIA members. Participants will develop communication and relationship skills, advance professional skills, expand professional and personal networks, experience team performance, and develop community leadership.

Selection

A maximum of 16 participants will be selected by a committee made up from members of the AIA Chicago Board. Individuals who submit an application will be notified no later than September 5th by email if they have or have not been selected to participate in the Bridge program.

Deadline

If you are interested in participating in this program, please submit the application form and your resume to bridge@aiachicago.org or fax it to 312.670.2422 no later than 5:00 pm CT on Wednesday, August 29, 2012.