Ball State University’s OneCreative mentorship program pairs graphic design students with recent alumni for career guidance, portfolio feedback, and lasting professional connections.
Students can thrive when supported by those who’ve walked similar paths and share the wisdom they acquired along the way. That’s the underlying premise of OneCreative’s mentorship program, in which Ball State University juniors and seniors majoring in graphic design are paired with industry mentors who are Ball State graduates.
It’s an opportunity for alumni to re-engage with the University, and for students to grow in confidence, skill development, work preparedness, and meaningful connections.
Developed by Shantanu Suman, associate professor of graphic design in the University’s College of Fine Arts, in collaboration with the student-led group OneCreative, the virtual 10-week mentoring program uses a near-peer model. Mentors—strategically selected professionals just 2-8 years into their careers—offer relatable guidance on early post-college challenges like job searches, burnout, and self-doubt, drawing on their own real-world experiences.
This relatability fosters authentic conversations about everything from portfolio prep and presentation skills to managing workplace expectations and imposter syndrome. The program includes one-on-one mentor/mentee meetings, panel discussions, reflection sessions, and regular check-ins.
“As someone who participated in the mentorship program twice, I was fortunate to receive invaluable professional guidance from both of my mentors, and to foster a genuine friendship with my second mentor, Rhianna Sevier (’22),” said graphic designer Abigail Gomez-Aguilar, ’25. “Without OneCreative, I would have never had the opportunity to build these relationships, and I am positive many other students feel the same way.”
Beyond its mentorship program, OneCreative holds portfolio review events. Anna McCreary, ’24 (right), reviews the portfolio of senior Trinity Czarnik, who graduated in Spring 2025.
“The mentorship program fosters confidence, resilience, and connection, creating a community that lives out Ball State’s commitment to students through every mentor-mentee relationship.” — Shantanu Suman
Beyond mentoring, OneCreative’s program offers students practical career preparation. Participating alumni conduct mock interviews, review resumes and portfolios, discuss industry trends, and introduce students to hiring colleagues—opening doors to internships, as well as jobs not publicly advertised but often shared through internal referrals, networking, or word-of-mouth.
OneCreative’s mentorship program is one of many examples of how Ball State prepares students to pursue fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.
“Through conversations with alumni, the students develop emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication,” Prof. Suman said. “These are traits employers demand, and automation and artificial intelligence can’t replicate. The mentorship program fosters confidence, resilience, and connection, creating a community that lives out Ball State’s commitment to students through every mentor-mentee relationship.”
To learn more about this program and other aspects of the OneCreative group, contact Prof. Suman at ssuman@bsu.edu.
