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Birmingham Design BFFs scheme

Returning for its third year, BFF is a mentorship scheme where we match third-year students and new graduates with practicing professionals to help them through this difficult time and help develop a meaningful relationship ahead of entering the working world.

Many of our BD team already mentor and find it hugely rewarding, so now is your opportunity to give something back and hopefully enjoy the process.

Applications for 2023 are now closed,  we will be returning in 2024

For Students and newly grads

What to expect

We match mentors and mentees personally to ensure skills and backgrounds match up as best as possible to ensure both parties gain as much as they need to from the mentoring scheme.

Advice and support

Your mentor can help you plan for the next stage of your career with valuable guidance throughout 2022.

A fun, informal relationship

Through getting to know your mentor over the course of the year you’ll hopefully gain a new friend who can help you progress through the industry.

There when you need them

There’s no set expectations for mentors or mentees. You can set up regular meetings, or arrange a call when needed or drop them an email asking for some quick advice.

“The BFF programme has been fantastic, and  so helpful! My mentor followed me closely for a year while I prepared my portfolio for applications and guided me through the ups and downs of working in an agency… I can’t recommend signing up for this programme enough”

Quah Phaik Hoon

“Without sounding cliché, I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without BFF. As a photography graduate wanting to break into the design industry, I was paired with someone who really understood and nurtured me, helping me land my first design job. You definitely get out what you put in, and I’ve gained so much confidence.”

Katie Smith

“Participating in the BFF scheme was invaluable to me as a graduate. I had a number of meetings with my mentor – we worked through improving my portfolio and I received amazing advice on both the industry and my career path. Overall, it gave me a strong sense of stability in what was a very uncertain time, which I will always be grateful for! ”

Jody Woodhouse

If you work in design and have at least 3 years experience, we need you!

Sign up below to become a BFF – we’ll then match you to a design student from our region who will benefit from your support & advice.

All we ask is you pledge a year of (occasional) support, in whatever form you decide works for you both – emails, Skype calls, portfolio reviews, a digital shoulder to cry on if needs be…

Our aim is to offer this to every graduating design student in our region, so please sign up now.

We’re currently in conversation with a number of universities about the scheme. If you don’t spot yours on the list and want to take part, please get in touch.

Please note, we’re only able to support universities in the West Midlands. Students from the West Midlands who studied elsewhere are also eligible to apply!

  • Aston University
  • Coventry University
  • Birmingham City University
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Warwick
  • University of Wolverhampton
  • Stafford University

I’m a student –
sign me up!

Note: You must have graduated in 2022, or be graduating in 2023 to register

Applications for the 2023 student cohort are now closed

I’m in the industry –
sign me up!

Applications for the 2023 mentor cohort are now closed