The IIDA Student Mentoring Program is one of the most dynamic mentoring programs in the interior design industry. Every year, IIDA pairs more than 500 students across the U.S. with mentors that work in the interior design industry as designers, manufacturer representatives, dealers, educators, and more, to take students out of the classroom and into the real world of interior design.

It offers IIDA Student members who are actively enrolled in an accredited design program or school a chance to gain and share insight into a career in the interior design community by shadowing a professional for a day. For design professionals, take advantage of this chance to give back to the design community. The IIDA Student Mentoring Program is an opportunity to inspire emerging designers and possibly make a connection for potential employment opportunities in the future.

Registration opens: December 1, 2025
Registration closes: February 14, 2026
Matching email sent: March 4, 2026
Program Kickoff Webinar: March 2, 2026

Why Participate?

IIDA Student members should take advantage of one of our most popular member programs that offers the benefit of connecting with professionals working in the industry today.

Participation in the IIDA Student Mentoring Program can provide you with real life experiences, tools, connections, and advice for entering the workforce—in addition you will qualify to submit an essay of your experiences for a chance to win $1,000 through the Wilsonart Essay Competition.

For design professionals, the program provides an opportunity to nurture emerging talent, share resources, and be a part of changing and growing our design community.

Zane Land, Ind. IIDA, shares her experiences as a mentor and the importance of mentoring emerging designers here.