Dive Industry Young Professionals has opened applications for a new mentorship program designed to connect emerging talent with experienced professionals from across the international diving industry.
The DIYP Mentorship Program will support people seeking to develop their careers, strengthen their skills and better understand the many different professional paths available within diving.
Rather than offering a single networking introduction, the program is intended to build structured professional relationships lasting approximately one year. Mentors and mentees will establish their own goals and communication preferences before progressing through regular discussions, development activities and quarterly check-ins.
Potential subjects could include career planning, professional skills, dive-industry operations, project development, leadership and navigating different sectors of the industry.
Who Can Become a Mentee?
The program is open to young professionals aged 18 to 40 who are working in, entering or actively pursuing a career within the dive industry.
Applications welcome people from a broad range of sectors, including:
- Dive instruction and training
- Dive centres and retail
- Resorts and liveaboards
- Dive travel and destination marketing
- Equipment manufacturing and distribution
- Marine conservation
- Photography and videography
- Media and content
- Sales and marketing
- Nonprofits and industry associations
- Operations, management and entrepreneurship
Mentees are expected to arrive with clear goals, questions and a willingness to take responsibility for their own professional development. Participation in the program does not guarantee employment, business opportunities, introductions, sponsorship or any other specific career outcome.
The mentorship program is currently free for mentees. Applicants should read the mentee expectations before completing the mentee application.
Experienced Professionals Invited to Become Mentors
DIYP is also seeking experienced professionals willing to volunteer their time and share their knowledge with the next generation.
There is no fixed age requirement for mentors. Selection is based on meaningful professional experience and the ability to support someone developing their career.
Mentors could offer practical insight, constructive feedback, accountability and a clearer understanding of potential career pathways. They are not expected to find employment for mentees, provide financial assistance or use the relationship for recruitment or sales.
Prospective mentors should review the mentor expectations before submitting the mentor application.
How Participants Will Be Matched
Applications will be reviewed by the DIYP team, which will consider each applicant’s background, goals, interests, communication preferences and availability.
Prospective mentors may also be invited to an introductory conversation with a member of the organisation.
Matches will be based on overall compatibility rather than simply placing one experienced person with one applicant. DIYP cautions that acceptance and a specific requested connection cannot be guaranteed, and finding a suitable match may take time.
Once paired, mentors and mentees will agree on goals, boundaries and how they intend to communicate. Relationships may include virtual or in-person meetings, career discussions, goal setting, project guidance, skills development and networking advice.
Quarterly check-ins will allow both participants and DIYP to assess progress and address any difficulties. At the end of the formal year, participants may have the opportunity to continue or renew the relationship.
The initiative is part of DIYP’s wider work to connect and support young professionals across the diving industry. The organisation is also scheduled to hold its second annual industry meeting during the 2026 DEMA Show in New Orleans.
Further information is available through the Dive Industry Young Professionals website.
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