If you're new to audio development, exploring a career shift, or looking to grow beyond your current role, and want to expand your network while gaining guidance on your career path, this program is a great place to start.
“I gained great insights into how the industry works and encouragement that I’m on the right track to launching my career.”
— Mack Cooper, Software Engineer & ADC Mentee
If you're an experienced member of the community and want to give back, consider becoming a mentor and helping shape the next generation.
“Programs like this make the industry more accessible and welcoming—for newcomers and experienced folks alike.”
— Jorge Garcia, Audio Software Engineer at Electronic Arts & ADC Mentor
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
May 1 – June 1, 2026
Applications open
July 1, 2026
Mentor/mentee pairings announced
July 1 – December 31, 2026
Program duration
Application deadline: June 1, 2026
Participants will commit to three one-hour sessions between July and December.
What are the goals of the program?
The overall goal is to encourage meaningful interaction between experienced members of the audio community and those who are just entering the field or exploring a career change. Mentors have the opportunity to give back to the community they’ve been part of for years while making a meaningful impact on others’ professional growth. Mentees gain valuable guidance and advice to help navigate a career in the audio industry, whether they are starting out or transitioning into it.
What is this program not meant to be?
From a mentee perspective, the Mentorship Program is not intended to function as private tutoring or a venue for detailed code reviews. Mentors are not expected to evaluate or provide feedback on specific code.
From a mentor perspective, the program is not intended as a means to obtain free or unpaid work from someone seeking an internship or employment.
Is there a fee for the program?
There is no fee to participate in the program—both mentors and mentees volunteer their time. Please communicate in a prompt and professional manner and be respectful of each other’s availability. The ADC Mentorship Program’s role is to provide a structured framework for connecting mentors and mentees.
How are mentors and mentees selected?
Both mentors and mentees sign up via submission forms, and matches are made through an anonymized process designed to create strong pairings. While participants are not formally screened, all are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct (CoC). Any violations should be reported to [email protected].
What is the program structure?
Program matches will be announced on July 1, 2026, and you will receive an email introducing you to your assigned mentor or mentee. From there, you should begin communicating to schedule three one-hour calls over the five-month duration of the program, which runs from July 1 through December 31, 2026.
To get the most out of these sessions, we recommend that your first call focus on introductions and aligning on goals, expectations, and how you would like to structure your time together. Subsequent calls should be guided by questions or an agenda prepared in advance by the mentee. Mentees are encouraged to do some initial research and come prepared to each session to make the most of their mentor’s time and expertise.
How can I prepare for the sessions?
This will depend on the arrangements you establish with your mentor or mentee. While we do not assume responsibility for participants’ behavior, we ask that everyone communicates respectfully and honors each other’s time commitments.
How much time will I be expected to commit to the program?
The expectation for the program is to have 3 one-hour long calls over the 5 month duration of the program. Beyond that, the mentee is expected to drive the agenda for the calls by coming prepared to the sessions with questions, or other topics for the discussion.
What can I do if my mentor/mentee doesn’t respond to my emails or doesn’t show up for our meetings?
Try following up with your match by sending another email. If you haven’t received a response after two attempts over the course of 1–2 weeks, please reach out to [email protected] so we can assist. Keep in mind that participants may be on vacation or temporarily unavailable, and not everyone has out-of-office notifications enabled.
What can I do if I'm uncomfortable with the behavior of my mentor/mentee?
All participants of the program are expected to follow the Berlin CoC (see link here). Please report any violations of it to us by emailing [email protected] and we will look into the situation. If you don’t believe that you will be able to continue working with your match mentor/mentee for one reason or another, please email us at [email protected] and we will do our best, should you wish, to find another match for you. Be aware that finding another match may be difficult once the matches are announced.
What happens after the program?
There is no ongoing obligation, but you can stay in contact with your mentor/mentee should you both decide to do so. You can also help us by spreading the word about the program, and join us again next year! We will be sending out a survey at the end of the program to ask for your feedback, so please take the time to let us know what you liked, what you think could be improved, etc.
What if I still have questions that have not been answered?
Email [email protected] with any questions you may have.
[email protected]