Mentorship

Four-Month Mentorship Program

Updated October 2026

VRA has a long history of providing leadership and community to visual resource professionals. The Membership Committee offers a one-on-one four-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.

UPDATED - Program dates are November 2026 – February 2027.

The program this year will incorporate monthly group meetings with all mentors and mentees, in addition to the one-on-one meetings, and be open to the VRA community.

Each month will focus on different themes. The first month, October, will be a Program and VRA Orientation. The remaining three months will be any of the following topics decided on by the mentee applicants:

  • Resumes, Cover Letters, and Practice Interview skills

  • Grant Writing

  • Publishing in the VRA Bulletin

  • Communication in a Professional Workplace

  • Mid-Career Changes

  • Being a Manager

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 for each mentor and mentee pair.

  • Monthly virtual meetings with all program participants with a rotating theme and guest speakers (3rd Wednesday each month)

  • Two check-ins with the Program Coordinator and other mentors or mentees.

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

  • A 4-month commitment.

  • Completing the survey available in January 2027.

Updated Program Dates

October 23: Application closes

October 26-30: Mentor/mentee pairing notifications

November 16 or 17: Mentor Check-In

November 18: Group Meeting #1

December 15: Mentee Check-In

December 16: Group Meeting #2

January 12: Mentor Check-In

January 20: Group Meeting #3

February 16: Mentee Check-in

February 17: Group Meeting #4

Mentor and Mentee Check-ins are 30mins by Zoom.

Group Meetings are 60mins by Zoom, open to all program participants and VRA community, and recorded for later viewing.

Application Process

Applications are due Friday October 23, 2026 at 9pm EST.

Mentors may apply here.

Mentees may apply here.

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.