NEXT CONNECTS: An Animated Mentorship Success Story
NEXT CONNECTS is a bi-directional mentorship initiative developed by NEXT for AUTISM. NEXT matches professionals who have established careers with autistic college students who will soon be seeking entry into the workforce. Mentors will provide support as well as collaboratively set personalized mentoring goals, promote career advancement opportunities, engage in knowledge transfer, and expand neuro-inclusive practices in the workplace.
Below are two amazing people who connected as part of the NEXT CONNECTS pilot program in Winter 2023. To learn more about NEXT CONNECTS, including signing up as an aspiring professional or established professional, CLICK HERE.
ASPIRING PROFESSIONAL
Name: Josh S.
School: Drexel University
Major: Animation and VFX
Graduation Year: 2023
Which part of the program did you find most helpful and why?
The lesson I learned the most from was Goal Setting, but the most impactful part of the NEXT CONNECTS for me was getting the chance to interact with people in my field and network with professionals.
What was one thing you learned from the established professional you were paired with?
I had two co-mentors from the animation field, which was great. I got to learn about the specific ways job seekers find work in animation to expect once I secure employment from a specialist.
What was the biggest benefit to participating in the NEXT CONNECTS pilot program?
Making connections and getting advice was fantastic. Having a professional mentor will be helpful in my job search. I just wish the pilot was longer so I could connect with my mentors more often.
UPDATE! Josh has now graduated from Drexel and is currently seeking employment and internships in the field of animation. Are you or someone you know hiring? Check out Josh's LinkedIn today!
Name: Max E.
Title: Owner and Founder
Business: Wondermation Productions
Co-Mentored with Veronica Dolcich, Animation Director, Wondermation Productions
Which part of the program did you find most helpful and why?
I found the lessons about universal design and intangibles to be the most helpful since they were useful to how our studio should move forward in the future.
What was the biggest benefit to participating in the NEXT CONNECTS pilot program?
I think my biggest takeaway really was the fact that me and Veronica are an inseparable pair when it comes to working together in the animation industry and teaching future generations what to prepare for when they dive into the animation industry themselves. We found it rewarding to participate and would love to do it again. I would most definitely recommend it to my colleagues and peers!
GET CONNECTED. BE PART OF WHAT'S NEXT FOR AUTISM
- A financial gift to NEXT for AUTISM supports the NEXT CONNECTS program. Make a gift today.
- Learn more about NEXT CONNECTS, including how to sign up as an aspiring professional or an established professional.
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