Student story: Josh Kingsbury
Why did you get involved with the mentoring programme?
I decided to get involved with the mentoring programme as I saw it as a valuable opportunity to build stronger connections with industry. At the time, I felt I hadn’t put myself out there enough, and this programme gave me a structured way to do so. For me, it was about making the most of an opportunity to expand my network and develop a clearer picture of the industry I hope to work in.
How did your mentor help you?
My mentor was enormously helpful in supporting my work, particularly with my final project, where having an outside, industry level perspective was incredibly valuable. They provided reassurance and encouragement at times when I was unsure, but also challenged me to think differently about problems I encountered, such as how I approached ideation and explored solutions.
Beyond my project, my mentor also guided me in improving my CV and portfolio, helping me present my skills and experience in a way that would make me more employable. I was also inspired by hearing about their career journey - the range of roles they had undertaken before reaching their dream job showed me that there isn’t just one path, and that adaptability and perseverance are key to success.
What are your future plans?
Looking ahead, I am still in the process of discovering myself as a designer and exploring where my strengths and passions lie. What I do know is that I want to continue developing both creatively and technically, and after taking a year out of education I am planning to undertake a master’s degree in design engineering. This will give me the chance to refine my technical skills further and open up more opportunities for me in industry. I see it as an important step in my journey to becoming a well-rounded designer with both practical expertise and creative problem-solving ability.
What advice would you give to a future student considering taking part in the mentoring programme?
I would strongly recommend taking part in the mentoring programme. It’s a great way to gain insights beyond the lecture hall, build confidence, and feel more connected to the industry. The meetings are not intrusive to your workload, but the guidance and encouragement you get can make a big difference to your projects and future career.
Mentor: Asher Erskine, Head of Design at E1 Series
Why did you get involved in the mentoring programme?
I think it’s very important to give back. I have the best memories of my time at design school and was honoured at the opportunity to contribute. It was a very easy ‘yes’ to being involved.
How did you find the experience? Have you ever mentored before?
I have mentored before, but never quite like this. It was an interesting challenge having the sessions long-distance while juggling work in London, but it wasn’t an issue. Seeing the ideas and designs take form from week to week was really inspiring. The design process is such a fascinating thing, and it’s never linear. Discussing details and bouncing ideas around was also a lot of fun. It’s a privilege to have someone share their thoughts and workings with you. Creative work can be quite a personal and private experience, so there’s a lot of trust placed on you.
What were the benefits of having a mentee?
It reminded me to stay curious and open. Having a mentee encourages you to look at problems with fresh eyes, and it often sparks new perspectives on your own work. It also reinforced the importance of clear communication - being able to explain ideas simply and constructively is a skill that benefits me as much as them. Most of all, it was rewarding to see their confidence and ideas grow over time.
What was a highlight, top moment for you from the experience?
Meeting in person at the Design Exchange and seeing some of their work on exhibition was definitely the highlight.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely. The whole experience has been great fun and very rewarding.
Three top tips for students to make the most out of mentoring.
1. View it as an exchange of ideas from both parties. Ignore the roles of ‘mentor’ and ‘student’ - both should learn from each other.
2. Come prepared or prepare to fail. The sessions are only as useful as the effort you put in. Bring work, ideas, enthusiasm, and talking points.
3. Be open to challenge. Sometimes the most useful feedback is the kind that pushes you to rethink or refine your approach.