Identifying the Challenge
In September 2023, Re:Coded launched “The Super-Mentorship Project”, aimed at supporting over 200 bootcamp graduates from the UX/UI Design and Front-End Developer programs during their career transitions. Many of these graduates, who were young talents from various industries outside the design community, were looking to secure employment in the tech industry. Despite completing an intensive education program, there was a need for further guidance for graduates to effectively showcase their skills in the industry.
My Contributions
As a "super mentor" (to be honest, the title makes me feel a bit like a superhero), I had the joy of guiding 14 talented designers through a comprehensive 10-week mentorship program.
While following a well-crafted structure by our career experts, I adopted an intentional and flexible approach to meet each student's unique needs. Having previously been their trainer in their learning process, I was familiar with their backgrounds and expectations. This familiarity allowed me to effectively analyze their strengths and pain points as I created personalized session experiences for their growth.
Sessions progressed as 1:1 meetings with mentees to help their growth in both soft and technical skills. I encouraged them to acknowledge and explore their strengths, and recognize the areas for improvement. As mentees were going through an active job search process, we sometimes shifted the sessions according to their needs, dedicating our meetings to practicing mock interviews with questions based on the job description and the company they applied to.
In the meantime, to build a systematic async communication among mentees and enhance the sense of community during their stressful job search process, I created a Discord channel within our organization server where mentees shared their questions, resources, experiences, small and huge wins, and even some fun memes.
Results
The Super Mentorship Project ended successfully, as confirmed by the metrics we previously set regarding proactive engagements and the employment outcomes of our alumni. The outcomes of this project were:
More than 90% of mentees secured job within four months after graduation.
Mentees provided positive feedback about the mentorship received, reflected in a personal satisfaction rate of 4.8 out of 5.
We were able to maintain high engagement among mentees.
Graduates reported a 100% increase in confidence when applying for jobs and going through application processes.
Reflections
Adaptability is a mentor’s best friend: Mentorship is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Each mentee is unique, with their own specific needs and background. So, tailoring our existing weekly program to each individual was the best way to offer support.
Setting goals is powerful: The importance of goal setting is something all UX designers are already familiar with. But witnessing its impact as a mentor was also remarkable. Encouraging mentees to set clear and achievable goals not only enhanced their sense of direction and motivation, but also contributed to a more purposeful mentorship experience.
Mentoring is a mutual exploration process: By mentoring people, I also gained insights into my own strengths and areas for improvement. Listening to the mentees' points of view and experiences also enhanced my self-understanding.
