Great Mentors and Where to Find Them

By Maddie Walsh ‘20

Surrounding yourself with older and wiser mentors as an undergraduate student can lead to important opportunities and connections, but it can be hard to know where to start. 

Here’s a list of suggestions inspired by people who have helped shape my own USC experience in the last 2 years.

1. Teaching Assistants
You should be looking to connect with your classes’ teaching assistants for a number of reasons. For one, they have the position because they are knowledgeable and passionate about the subject you’re studying, so if you are having trouble in the class then the TA is the first person you will go to for help. Establishing a good relationship with them will make one-on-one meetings less intimidating and less awkward. Through these interactions, they will be able to share advice tailored specifically for the class, as well as general college guidance  (they’re students, too!) If you want to form a meaningful connection with them, however, you need to regard them as more than a tool for a better grade. I have gotten the most out of classes when I take time to sit with my TA and discuss things unrelated to coursework. Take time to learn about their lives, their studies, and their interests– most TA’s are doing some pretty impressive work! This will open the door to an enduring, productive connection that lasts beyond the class. 

2. Professors
Professors can be difficult to network with, especially considering the size of USC. On top of the sheer number of students they’re dealing with, most professors also conduct research in their respective fields. However, that is exactly what makes them such great mentors. Just as you would get to know a TA, you should attend office hours with the intention of getting to know your professor better. Ask them about their research projects and experiences in the fields you’re interested in. They might know of good opportunities or have connections to share. Some professors even take on undergraduate students as assistants for their projects. My freshman year, I was able to work on a really interesting research project because I stayed in touch with the professor who taught my two-day orientation seminar. Something as simple as staying in touch is an effective way to form connections!

3. Residential Advisors
Developing a close relationship with your RA is especially important freshman year. I was fortunate enough to have an incredible RA who was very involved on campus and eager to share advice from her various professional experiences. However, even more importantly, she was able to teach me about the USC social scene. In your first year it can be hard to navigate the unspoken do’s and don’t’s, homesickness, college dating scene, and other aspects of the college experience that your advisors don’t go into detail about. RAs are a great resource for this kind of information, and they are always eager to chat!

4. Organization Coordinators
In my experience, having a mentor-type figure from outside of the USC bubble is extremely valuable. I encountered this when I began volunteering at a local high school. I have been with the organization for almost 2 years now, so I have gotten to know the other educators very well and my supervisor has become one of my primary role models.  Not only has he supported my own career by writing letters of recommendations and being a professional reference, but he has been a true mentor by providing honest advice and moral support. USC is full of great potential mentors, but if you are able to commit to a long-term internship or community service position outside of school, I highly recommend doing so for the sake of forming genuine connections with those who can provide a fresh perspective.

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