Investing in the next generation of professionals is an important part of building a strong and sustainable industry. This year, members of the Alessandro Caruso Architects (ACA) team were pleased to contribute to the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme, supporting architecture students from Newcastle University as they explored the transition from education into professional practice.
The RIBA Student Mentoring Programme provides students with the opportunity to connect with experienced practitioners, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the profession beyond the university environment. Through a series of discussions and mentoring sessions, participants can explore career pathways, professional development opportunities and the realities of working within architectural practice.
Programmes such as this play a valuable role in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry experience. They create opportunities for open conversations around career ambitions, portfolio development, project delivery and the skills needed to thrive in practice.
Throughout the programme, ACA's mentors shared insights into their professional journeys, discussed current industry challenges and opportunities and offered guidance to help students develop confidence as they prepare for the next stage of their careers.
Reflecting on her experience, mentee Gabriela Azevedo Gomes de Figueiredo described the programme as one of the most valuable aspects of her second year of architectural study, highlighting the opportunity to gain professional insight, receive feedback on her work and learn more about career development within the industry.
Fellow mentee Nathan Levens also reflected positively on the experience, noting the value of receiving portfolio feedback and gaining a clearer understanding of how architects work with clients, respond to project briefs and navigate the realities of professional practice.
The programme demonstrates the importance of knowledge sharing and mentorship within the architectural profession. By creating opportunities for students to learn directly from practitioners, initiatives such as the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme help strengthen the connection between education and industry while supporting the development of future architects.
ACA are proud to support opportunities that encourage learning, professional growth and collaboration. We look forward to seeing the continued success of students taking their next steps into practice.
