Mentorship

Six-Month Mentorship Program

VRA has a long history of providing leadership and community to visual resource professionals. The Membership Committee offers a one-on-one six-month mentoring program, matching experienced Visual Resource (VR) professionals with new VRA members and new VR professionals. The goal is to connect new VRA members with existing members to act as a guide in the VR profession and VRA organization.

Program dates are January through June 2026.

NEW! The program this year will incorporate monthly group meetings/workshops/presentations with all mentors and mentees, in addition to the one-on-one meetings. Each month will focus on different themes including:

  • Program and VRA Orientation

  • Resume/Cover Letter/Interviews

  • Workplace

  • Publishing

  • Growing at Work

  • Mini Career Day

Eligibility

Mentors are experienced VR professionals who are eager to listen, offer advice about career goals, and have knowledge about VRA organization. Mentors must have at least two years of experience in the VR profession. The program welcomes professionals with diverse career backgrounds. Mentors must be current VRA members.

Mentees may be new VR professionals eager to learn from experienced professionals about their career field. They are prepared to ask questions and engage in discussions about their evolving career path. Mentees must be current VRA members.

Expectations

Mentors and mentees will commit to:

  • Monthly virtual meetings one-on-one with my mentor.

  • Monthly virtual meetings with all mentors and mentees.

  • Responsive in all communication between mentees, mentors, and Program Leader.

  • A six-month commitment (January through June 2026).

  • Completing the survey available in July 2026.

Application Process

Applications open Tuesday October 14, 2025.

Mentors may apply here.  The deadline to apply is Friday November 7th at 9pm EST. 

Mentees may apply here. The deadline to apply is Friday November 7th at 9pm EST.

Administration of the Program

Matches will be notified the week of December 8th.

The first monthly group meeting will be the week of January 12th.

There will be a virtual or email check-in between the Mentor Coordinator and each mentor in April.

Program participants are required to complete a survey in July to help develop the mentorship program for the future.

Questions? Email Julia Murphy, Program Leader, at mentorship@vraweb.org.

Annual Conference Mentor Program

Each year our association has many members who are attending their first or second conference. Even with user-friendly conference programs a newcomer may have questions or need advice. The Annual Conference Mentor Program matches a seasoned conference-attendee (mentor) with such a first-timer. This is a fun and collegial program that has had much success and positive feedback. Both mentors and mentees have found the program greatly enhances their conference experience.

Eligibility

Mentors: VRA members who have attended one or more recent VRA conferences and are reasonably well acquainted with the Association.

Mentees: Any VRA member who is a first (or second) time conference attendee.

Expectations

Conference mentors will be asked to make contact with their mentees ahead of the conference. At that time arrangements can be made to meet for coffee or lunch, etc. on the first or second day to talk about the Association and give tips to enhance the conference experience. Mentors will introduce mentees to others at any and all events to help that person build his or her own network within the Association.

Application Process

You may request a conference mentor or volunteer as a mentor when you register for the conference, or contact the Membership Committee’s Mentor Coordinator.

Administration of the Program

The Annual Conference Mentor Program is administered by Membership Committee’s Mentor Coordinator who will contact participants one month ahead of the conference.