Apprentice Program
DIA Design Guild's Apprentice Program is an unpaid, 9-month program that is fueled by goodwill and pay-it-forward.
Our mission is to help designers grow.
Most companies don't have the time to invest in new designers. DIA Design Guild prides itself in providing a safe environment for early career and transitioning professionals to flex their skills and develop their portfolio by pairing them with senior coaches.
Since the beginning, DIA Design promotes apprenticeship and pair design through teaming up a less experienced designer/researcher with a more experienced team advisor. Anyone can apply to be an apprentice at DIA Design. In fact, everyone on the team is assumed to be an apprentice because we believe that everyone is constantly learning and developing their skills.
Compensation
At the moment, DIA Design does not offer paid apprenticeships, unless it is with a paying client or project. We are saving up so that we will be able to offer this in the future.
However, what you will get from an apprenticeship is
- one-on-one weekly or biweekly coaching with a mentor
- experience working on a real project with a nonprofit, open-source, or volunteer organization from project definition to execution.
- letter of recommendation or reference
Selection Criteria
Anyone who has some understanding of UX foundational skills and have some transferable skills in research, design, and or development.
DIA Design Guild
Applications
The DIA apprentice program is on hiatus until 2027. Subscribe to be notified when we're open for applications.
Mentors
We're always looking for mentors to join our program. Whether you're a visiting mentor who's available for office hours or a quick question or dedicated mentor to be paired with an apprentice for the long haul, we welcome you!
DIA Design Guild