Professional Development

Professional Development groups are opportunities for AIA Chicago members to grow in their career through mentorship and intensive leadership courses. Programs are available for different career stages, from students to emerging and established professionals.

Image

In participating in professional development groups, AIA Chicago members can:

  • Grow their professional networks
  • Expand their professional practice
  • Become better leaders
  • Develop business acumen

Find out which development opportunity is right for you.

Bridge Mentorship

Bridge Mentorship

Founded in 2009, AIA Chicago’s Bridge program connects AIA Fellows and rising professionals within their first five to ten years of practice. It offers an eight-month curriculum of curated programs coupled with informal, one-on-one meetings between mentors and mentees.

WING Mentorship

WING Mentorship

WING is a semester-long program that pairs architecture students with working professionals in one-on-one mentoring relationships. The program aims to provide students guidance on their studies and career direction, feedback on studio projects, portfolios, and resumes, exposure to what architects really do in the office and in the field, and a network to help foster a smooth transition from student to professional.

transFORM

transFORM

AIA Chicago transFORM, is an interdisciplinary, interactive series of classes focused on skill building for the business of architecture. This intensive program centers on transformational leadership, utilizing strategic, tactical and operational skill sets designed to affect change in an architect’s individual career and within their firm.