UX Mentorship
Real client projects | Senior feedback | PAID Internship
✅ Work in a small cohort (max 8), with 1:1 & group mentorship
✅ Develop an approved, portfolio-ready case study from start to finish
✅ Take part in live critique sessions with external designers
✅ Learn how to use AI tools with intention, prioritising judgment, strategy, and real UX thinking over surface outputs
✅ Be considered for a PAID INTERNSHIP as a top performer
(competitive, not guaranteed)
💸 Government Funding & Design Skillnet subsidy available, including support for jobseekers and a 25% Design Skillnet subsidy.
Available on backorder
Next round kick-off
September 1, 2026
Applications
August 1 to August 31, 2026
Program Fee
€750 – With Design Skillnet funding
€999 * – Standard price
Junior to Mid
Skill level
4 months
Duration
Degree/Portfolio
Prerequisites
4 hours/week
Commitment
This programme is for you if:
- You have some UX knowledge (course, degree, self-study, or junior role)
- You understand the basics, but lack confidence applying UX in real projects
- Your portfolio feels weak, incomplete, or too theoretical
- You want hands-on experience and real feedback from experienced designers
- You’re serious about progressing in UX over the next 3–6 months
This programme is NOT for you if:
- You’re looking for a watch-only, self-paced video course
- You want shortcuts or guaranteed job outcomes
- You’re not ready to commit time to project work and feedback sessions
- You’re completely new and haven’t explored UX basics yet
Our mentorship graduates work in companies such as
“The mentorship program was fantastic, and I’m so glad I took part in it in round 8. My mentor Ana was brilliant and Valentina, along with all the mentors, were incredibly encouraging and generous with feedback. I came away from every call feeling inspired and full of ideas to push my project further.
Through the program, I was able to take on a project that really showcases my abilities in UX/UI design and ultimately, that’s what helped me land my internship at PGIM. I’m so grateful to UX Tree for playing such a big role in helping me take that step forward.
It’s also great to have such a supportive community in my corner, especially just starting out in my career.”
– Laura Foy, UX/UI Designer | Innovation Specialist at PGIM Ireland
Tailored Mentorship
Nothing is left to chance.
Each mentor and mentee are carefully matched based on your experience, goals, and career direction.
Standout Case Study
Build a portfolio-ready case study you can confidently present in interviews — shaped with expert guidance and grounded in a real company brief.
Real Experience
Work on real company problems, with real constraints and expectations — and experience what UX work actually looks like in practice.
Constructive Feedback
Get clear, honest feedback that challenges your thinking — from your mentor and other senior designers — helping you grow faster and with confidence.
UX Tree Mentorship
How it works
You start by applying through a short Application form. If it looks like a good fit, you’ll be invited to a short interview.
We review applications carefully. Not just for skill level, but to make sure the programme and group are right for you.
Once accepted, you’re paired 1:1 with a senior UX practitioner.
Each mentor works with one mentee only, so feedback is focused, honest, and tailored to your growth.
You’ll work on a real-world UX problem, with real constraints – not a fictional brief.
This means navigating ambiguity, stakeholders, and trade-offs, just like you would in a real life.
PS Projects are not chosen by mentees they’re matched to you, just like in real UX roles.
You’ll meet your mentor regularly for guidance, critique, and direction. The focus is on how you think and make decisions, not just what you produce.
You’ll also have access to AI-supported learning resources to help you reflect on your work, explore patterns, and ask better questions — always guided by your mentor.
Alongside 1:1 mentoring, you’ll take part in group sessions where work is reviewed and discussed.
Means that you’ll:
-
Present your work at multiple checkpoints
-
Take part in group critiques and breakout sessions
-
Get feedback from other senior mentors, not just your own
This helps you learn how to explain your thinking, give and receive feedback, and see different approaches to the same problem.
You’ll finish the programme with a strong, portfolio-ready case study that reflects real UX maturity, from problem framing to final outcomes.
Your case study won’t just show what you designed, but how you thought, including how decisions were made, trade-offs handled, and where tools supported (or didn’t support) the process.
Our UX Tree founder (13+ years in UX) will review your case study after you submit it, and give you a feedback.
You’ll be asked to refine and improve it until it meets a professional, portfolio-ready standard.
At the end of the programme, standout projects are recognised through internal UX Tree awards (such as Best Project, Best UX Thinking, or Best Presentation).
These are based on the quality of thinking, decision-making, and execution, not just visual polish.
One top performer may be offered a paid internship / residency opportunity
(competitive and not guaranteed).
This mentorship isn’t about following steps or learning tools.
It’s about learning how to think like a UX professional.
During the programme, you’ll learn how to:
• Frame the right problems
Learn how to step back from solutions and clearly define what’s worth solving, and why.
• Run meaningful UX research
Plan, analyse, and synthesise research in a way that leads to real insight, not surface-level findings.
• Use modern tools with intention
AI and other tools are part of modern UX work.
You’ll learn where they can speed things up, and where relying on them too heavily can weaken thinking.
You’ll be challenged to explain why a tool was used, not just that it was.
• Turn insights into strong UX decisions
Move from research to clear problem statements, user flows, and design rationale that stand up to critique.
• Design and iterate based on evidence
Test ideas, learn from users, and refine solutions, rather than polishing assumptions.
• Communicate your thinking clearly
Present your work the way senior designers do: explaining decisions, trade-offs, and outcomes, not just screens.
• Build a case study that shows real UX maturity
Your final case study won’t just show what you designed, but how you think, including where tools helped and where human judgment mattered most.
What You’ll Learn
This mentorship is about more than following a UX process or learning tools.
It’s about learning how to think, decide, and communicate like a UX professional.
How to frame the right problems before jumping into solutions
How to turn research into clear, meaningful insights
How to make UX decisions that stand up to critique
How to work with modern tools — including AI — with intention, not dependency
How to balance user needs, business constraints, and real-world trade-offs
How to communicate your thinking clearly to stakeholders and hiring managers
"I think the course was great and well structured. The biggest learning for me came towards the end of the project, I had to do a second round of research and testing that could have been done during the initial research stge giving me more time to design."
"I really enjoyed the programme, although I wish there was a bit more interaction between mentors & mentees, or even mentees and mentees, I understand that it takes a team effort to become a team. But I’d recommend maybe some more ice breakers to get to know everyone else a bit more and soften the tension or shall I say “shyness” in the group chats."
"Getting regular feedback from my mentor and other mentors was very helpful. I learnt a lot about the proper structure of UX projects and how to approach them with them intentionally with the double diamond method."
"I cannot overstate how helpful this program has been. It has raised my whole UX game entirely. What I especially appreciated was the chance to interact with experts as well as other mentees."
"I really enjoyed the programme overall. I liked that we were able to pick a project that was our own choice and we were interested in. My prototyping skills improved significantly, as did my research abilities and knowledge."
"UX tree mentorship was a fantastic experience. Everyone was so nice and supportive. I feel lucky to have been able to meet other designers within this field and this programme provided the perfect way to do that."
"I love the way it is not focused specifically on entry-level/junior designers to learn about UX and more about up-skilling and learning from other highly experienced UX mentors to grow the skills you already have.."
"I have connected with many people from the industry.I have learned so much from other mentors. The most valuable thing was exchanging information when it comes to tools, resources and ideas."
"I loved it! Working alongside my mentor while going through each step of the UX process allowed me to upskill and grow my confidence! Having someone to bounce ideas off of really opens up another perspective.."
"The UX tree program has been a great opportunity for me to learn from others and expand my network. I couldn't have gotten the kind of insight I did from a college course. "
"As a career changer, this program was invaluable to help grown my confidence, skills and network in the UX industry. I improved my design and presentation skills, discovered new methods and became more confident."
Read all Case Studies from our Mentees
Still deciding?
Take a few minutes to explore our Mentees' Case Studies and see real work before applying.
UX Tree & Design Skillnet
Design Skillnet subsidy
How is the co-funding from Design Skillnet allocated?
Co-funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to successful, eligible applicants. For more detailed information, please check the Design Skillnet website.
What if I am not a member of any of the eligible organisations but want to apply for co-funding?
If you are not a member, you should email info@idi-design.ie to find out how to join the IDI.
Who funds Design Skillnet?
Design Skillnet is co-funded by Skillnet Ireland and network companies.
Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund and the European Union through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Who is eligible for this co-funding?
To be eligible for this co-funding, you must be a member of one of the following organisations: IDI (Institute of Designers in Ireland), ICAD (Institute of Creative Advertising and Design), IAPI (Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland), or 100 Archive.
Is there a special membership option for recent graduates?
Yes, if you have graduated within the last three years, you can get started with a special €30 graduate membership with IDI.
What is the cost of a standard IDI membership for non-recent graduates?
The standard/full (non-graduate) membership of IDI costs €197 per annum, plus a one-off €50 application fee.
Meet our Mentors
Rob McLoughlin
UX/UI Lead
Alessia Rossini
Principal UX
Hanah Vickers
Senior UX
Peter Mullen
UX Manager
Riccardo Spina
Venture Consultant
Rebecca Lewis
UX Designer
Dave Jackson
UX Director
Tiago Assuncao
Lead UX
Ana Bramson
Senior UX
“When I launched UX Tree, this mentorship programme was our very first offering — and it’s still one of the most impactful things we do. What’s always mattered most to me is giving designers real experience: working on real company briefs and receiving thoughtful, honest feedback from experienced UX practitioners.
Over time, we’ve intentionally evolved the programme to go deeper, not bigger. Cohorts are kept small (a maximum of 8 participants), so every mentee gets meaningful mentor time, high-quality feedback, and space to grow. We carefully review every application — not just for skill level, but to ensure the group dynamic is right — because a strong, supportive learning environment makes a real difference.”
– Valentina, Founder
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQs provide quick, easy answers to the most common questions about our products and services, helping you find the information you need without hassle
This course is ideal for junior designers, recent graduates, or those who have just started their UX career and want to gain more confidence and practical experience.
To participate in the program, mentees are required to have a degree or diploma in UX, or equivalent knowledge and experience. The skill level for this program is beginner to intermediate, so we expect mentees to be familiar with UX concepts.
This program is ideally suited for juniors who are actively seeking a job or those who have recently started in their role but may not yet feel fully confident in their skills.
We carefully match Mentors and Mentees through a thorough interview process for both. We consider factors like their goals, background, and experience to ensure each pairing is aligned for the best possible learning experience.
This approach helps us create meaningful connections that support both personal growth and professional development, ensuring the best fit for everyone involved.
Yes. AI-assisted tools are used to support learning, reflection, and analysis. All work is reviewed and guided by senior UX mentors.
Yes! Upon completion, you’ll receive a UX Tree certificate, which you can showcase on your LinkedIn and portfolio.
Yes, many of our mentees have successfully taken the Program while working or studying full-time. Based on our statistics, most participants report a commitment of around 4 hours per week.
All of our group calls will take place on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays at 7 PM (IST), so you can plan your schedule accordingly. This flexible structure is designed to fit into your work-life balance while providing the support you need to succeed.
Why UX Tree
The UX Tree mentorship teaches designers how to work with modern tools, including AI, while building the judgment, clarity, and decision-making skills that tools can’t replace.
The focus isn’t on outputs — it’s on thinking, trade-offs, and real UX maturity.
If you’re ready to work on a real UX project, get honest feedback, and build a portfolio you’re proud of — apply below.
Discuss your payment options
Got questions?
We’re here to help! Contact us at +353871607207 or ask below.
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