WENTWORTH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHES ALUMNI-LED INDUSTRIAL DESIGN MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Industrial design is a field that thrives on collaboration, feedback, and real‑world experience. Yet many students still come across a chasm between the studio and the senior design floor. In October 2025, the School of Architecture and Design at Wentworth Institute of Technology turned that gap into a bridge by unveiling an alumni‑led mentorship program. For students, it offers guided career pathways; for alumni, it provides an opportunity to give back and shape the next generation.

Why Mentorship Matters for Industrial Design Students

Design is iterative, context‑driven, and heavily reliant on industry knowledge. Traditional coursework teaches fundamentals, but the day‑to‑day realities—managing client brief changes, navigating team dynamics, and selecting appropriate tooling—are best learned from those who have been there. A structured mentorship program supplies:

• Direct access to seasoned professionals who can share practical insights.
• Hands‑on guidance on portfolio development, technical documentation, and prototype workflows.
• Expanded professional networks that can lead to internships or job offers.
• A safety net of supportive accountability that reduces the risk of project setbacks.

These benefits help students transition smoothly from student prototype to industry‑ready professional.

Program Design: From Concept to Launch

The mentorship initiative was born from a shared frustration felt by two co‑chairs of the Industrial Design Program Advisory Committee (IPAC). Haik Tokatlyan ’12 and Courteney Di‑Domenico ’19 both recalled how isolated they felt during their earlier years at Wentworth. Their solution was simple: create a structured network where current students can connect with alumni who have traversed the same journey.

Key design elements of the program include:

• A well‑curated roster of approximately 17 mentors—many of whom are Wentworth graduates—who publish detailed profiles on the program website. Those profiles detail the mentor’s area of expertise, preferred meeting format, and contact details.
• A “speed‑dating” style onboarding event that let students sample several mentors in short, focused conversations. This enabled quick refinement of match‑making to ensure the mentoring relationship is a good fit for both parties.
• Clear expectations outlined for mentors and mentees: a minimum of three structured meetings per year, open communication channels via email or Slack, and periodic progress reviews.
• Ongoing support from the School of Architecture and Design, including technical resources for meeting scheduling, mentorship training workshops, and annual mentor recognition.

Dean Sedef Doganer praised the model, noting it could serve as a template for other departments. The program is intentionally inclusive, making it easier for mentees to find mentors aligned with their specific interests—whether that’s automotive design, consumer electronics, or sustainable packaging.

Getting Started: How Students Can Join

Students interested in the mentorship program should first visit the official site: IPAC Mentors. There, they can:

• Read mentor bios and filter profiles based on specialty.
• Submit a brief application outlining their design interests and career goals.
• Schedule initial “check‑in” meetings with chosen mentors.

Because “speed‑dating” was such an impactful kickoff, the school now offers a virtual match‑making session twice a year, ensuring that even students in remote locations can participate.

Prepare an Effective Mentor Application

To stand out, students should present:

• A concise resume highlighting design projects and relevant coursework.
• A short portfolio or link to an online showcase.
• A clear statement on what they hope to learn from the mentorship.

Mentors appreciate a focused application because it shows genuine intent and helps them decide if the match is a strategic fit.

Benefits for Alumni: Giving Back With Impact

For alumni, the program isn’t just a voluntary act of goodwill—it’s a strategic investment in the talent pipeline that shapes the industry’s future. Alumni mentors can:

• Influence emerging design standards and practices.
• Stay connected with cutting‑edge academic research that may inform their own work.
• Build leadership and coaching credentials that can enhance their résumés.
• Expand their professional network by connecting with current industry leaders and academic faculty.

Moreover, the alumni community now enjoys a formal recognition pathway. Outstanding mentors receive awards each year, further incentivizing high‑level involvement.

Impact: Early Success Stories

Since the inaugural event, numerous alumni-mentee pairs have reported tangible outcomes. One student, working on a sustainable packaging prototype, received direct feedback that allowed her to refine material choices and win a campus‑wide competition. Another mentee, who had struggled with industry‑style communication, successfully landed a co‑op placement at a leading consumer goods firm, citing the mentorship as a key factor.

These success stories underscore how mentorship can act as a catalyst for both personal growth and professional advancement.

Future Vision: Expanding the Mentorship Ecosystem

Looking ahead, the School of Architecture and Design intends to:

• Increase the mentor pool by reaching out to industry partners across the Greater Boston area.
• Create a quarterly newsletter featuring success stories, industry trends, and tips for effective mentoring.
• Integrate mentorship milestones into the curriculum, making mentorship participation a formal learning objective.
• Collaborate with other departments—such as the School of Engineering or the School of Business—to offer cross‑disciplinary mentorship tracks.

By layering mentorship into the broader academic framework, Wentworth can position itself as a national leader in design education.

Take Action: Join the Mentorship Program Today

If you’re an Industrial Design student ready to bridge theory and practice, submit your application today and connect with an industry professional who can help shape your career path.

Alumni looking to give back, consider registering as a mentor—your expertise can make a lasting impact on the next generation of designers.

For more information, reach out to the IPAC office or schedule a free consultation to explore how the mentorship program can fit your goals.

Have questions or want to share your mentoring experience? Write to us at [email protected].