The Talents Mentoring Program kicks off – entry-level fashion and product designers can apply

The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency announces the Talents Mentoring Program for the first time, awaiting dedicated new entrants from both the areas of fashion and design who are seeking professional support to develop and widen their knowledge. University students in their last year, fresh graduates, and entry-level fashion and product designers (natural persons) can apply to the program by sending their applications to the Agency by the 7^th of December. Mentees will participate in theoretical training as well as a professional internship so they can familiarise themselves broadly with the possibilities of the creative segment.

In its operation, the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (HFDA) continuously monitors market needs and the changes in the industry, and optimises its programs accordingly. As a result, the Talents Mentoring Program was created in November 2022 by merging the previous Young Talents and Hungarian Mentoring Programs, and following the international trends, it awaits talented young candidates from both the field of fashion and design. The new program’s aim is that the chosen designers, who are at the beginning of their professional journeys, can develop their skills in brand and career building, sustainability, and innovation through the mentoring program, and can also get support in finding their way in the different dimensions of business life.

Applications are now open for the Talents Mentoring Program; university students in their last year, fresh graduates, and entry-level fashion and product designers can submit their applications to the Agency electronically until midnight, 7 December 2022. University students and fresh graduates must submit the works of the last three years of their training, graduates must send their diploma theses, while entrants have to send a professional portfolio alongside a motivational letter presenting the results achieved so far, professional goals, and sectoral competencies.

The materials will be evaluated by a professional jury, featuring Anita Forintos-Szűcs, Deputy General Managing Director representing the Agency. During the evaluation, besides the content of the submitted documents, the candidates’ dedication and openness towards the industry will be taken into consideration. The applicants who get into the mentoring program will get theoretical training from renowned domestic professionals in connection with the 21^st-century textile, clothing and other creative manufacturing industry knowledge, and get a possibility for an internship at one of  HFDA’s renowned partner companies. The participants can learn about fields of expertise that are especially important from a sectoral aspect such as brand building, the connection between media and fashion/design, and the challenges of international logistics through online and offline workshops and one-to-one consultations. Afterwards, they will participate in thematic days (about innovation, and sustainability), and roundtable discussions (carrier pathways, and industry opportunities in fashion and design), followed by professional training.

“We believe that practical experiences help mentees follow a career path that fits their personality and abilities. The professional internship built into the Talents Mentoring Program carries the possibility of cooperation later on, be it finding a workplace at a mentoring company, or a collaboration resulting in a joint product” –  added Anita Forintos-Szűcs, Deputy General Managing Director of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency.

The Talents Mentoring Program will conclude with project closing presentations with the participation of the Agency’s leaders and professional team and the mentors providing continuous professional support. The mentees will highlight the most useful information and experiences gained during the program, how they will use those in their work, and share their future career plans as well in informal discussions.

Those interested can find all the necessary information about the mentoring program on the Agency’s website, and any questions may be sent to the email address talenst@hfda.hu.

You can download the program’s call for application at this link.

You can download the privacy notice and attachments of the tender at this link.

Deadline for applications: 7^th December 2022 midnight

Email address: talents@hfda.hu