Mentorship

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APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2025

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*SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) serve as an additional resource for mentees, responding to their emails about their area of expertise from January 29 to May 14, 2025. To register, simply fill out your areas of expertise and submit above.

Here’s How It Works:

Before the 1/29 Kick-Off event, CIMA will share a list of SMEs with all mentees and mentors. This list will include your name, email, LinkedIn profile, and areas of expertise.
As an SME, you can choose how to engage with mentees—whether via email, phone, Zoom, Calendar link or in-person—based on their needs.
You’re also invited to the CIMA Mentorship Networking Event on April 2, 2025, to connect with mentees and fellow mentors.

The CIMA Mentorship Program is designed to support students as they transition to their career in advertising and marketing. Our Mentorship program connects experienced leaders with aspiring talent. Undergraduate and graduate students studying or working in advertising, marketing or communications are strategically matched with seasoned digital marketing professionals in a one-on-one, empowering, nurturing and confidential environment. Together you'll identify core challenges to overcome and grow in this mutually valuable experience. Mentors get a sense of fulfillment by developing the skills of their mentees as they navigate their career paths.

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion as a priority-one focus.

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CIMA's Mentorship program is FREE

We require Mentees to register for a free CIMA membership when applying for the program and encourage Mentors to become CIMA Members (Agency & Brand Memberships are FREE).

For CIMA Membership, sign up here: ChicagoIMA.org/page/MembershipSelect

PROGRAM DATES AND REQUIREMENTS

Now Accepting Applications! Upcoming Session: January - May, 2025

Application Deadline:

OCTOBER 23, 2024 (Mentees)
NOVEMBER 14, 2024 (Mentors)

(Participants are limited. Application respondents notified by December 8.)

QUALIFICATIONS

Mentee Qualifications: Undergraduate or graduate student in the Chicago area actively studying or working in marketing/communications, register for a free CIMA Membership, and are available from January – May 2025 to participate.
Mentor Qualifications: This is a volunteer position. We are seeking mid-senior level digital marketing professionals (9+ years of experience) who are actively working in a digital marketing related role, and are available from January – May 2025 to participate.

THE CIMA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Attend a Kick-Off Meeting on Wednesday, January 29 at 6:00 pm with all mentors and mentees
Dedicate two plus hours per month with your mentor/mentee
Virtual Mentee Open House – Tuesday, February 18
Virtual Mentor Open House – Tuesday, February 25
Participate in three surveys (application, mid, and post program)
Attend a Mentor/Mentee Networking Event on Wednesday, April 2
Attend the Wrap-Up Event on Wednesday, May 14

Please note Mentors are volunteers. Availability and accountability are critical for both Mentors & Mentees. This program does not guarantee job placement. Please make sure that you are prepared for the time commitment before applying. Our goal is to have a fulfilling experience for everyone.