T.A. Talk with Ava Lemon
Get to know the senior accounting and finance major, who serves as an ACCT 201 T.A.
They lead some of our classes, teach our labs and grade our exams. Teaching assistants, or T.A.s, are undergraduate students who help faculty with course instruction and student learning. While each course may have different requirements, T.A.s apply and interview for open positions much like ones for internships and jobs, with the course instructor to see if they would be a good fit.
Ava Lemon, a senior studying accounting and finance, is a teaching assistant for ACCT 201 Managerial Accounting and previously worked as a T.A. for the EY Professionalism Program. Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Lemon decided to come to KU because of the incredible atmosphere and unlimited opportunities. Thanks to her experiences with T.A.s in her classes, she decided to apply and give back through the same experience that gave her so much. Lemon says coming to KU and the School of Business was the best decision she made, providing her with lifelong friends and an outstanding professional network.
What were the steps or process you took to become a T.A.?
I am currently a T.A. for ACCT 201 and previously worked as a T.A. for the EY Professionalism Program in BUS 110 Intro to Professionalism and and BUS 120 Emerging Topics in Business. I interviewed for the program the summer before my junior year and participated for a year and a half. I enjoyed serving as a peer mentor for students and working to help them discover their passions and connecting them to various resources to enhance their experiences at KU. It is my first semester as a T.A. for ACCT 201 Managerial Accounting, and I have a lab of 33 students and enjoy making managerial accounting as exciting as possible!
Did you establish a connection with any faculty or people in the academic area to express your interest in becoming a T.A.?
Jana Fitchett, my professor during my study abroad program in Italy, played a crucial role in helping me receive my first T.A. position. I established a great relationship with her during the course and had expressed my interest in wanting to become a T.A. She had an opening and reached out to me asking if I wanted to interview. I am forever grateful for her help as it led to many amazing experiences.
Do you feel you needed to have any prior teaching or mentoring experience to make you stand out as a candidate?
No, while it always helps to have experience when starting a job, you must be new at some point. In my opinion, being a teaching assistant is a learn-as-you-go job. Every group of students is different, and the content is ever-evolving to keep up with the quick pace of the business world.
Were there specific skills or knowledge areas that you found particularly valuable in your role as a T.A.?
Strong communication skills are essential as a T.A. There are three main points of interaction you have: communication with the professor, your fellow T.A.s and the students. Each type is different and requires enormous attention to detail, and the ability to convey content in a concise and technically correct manner.
Empathy is also an incredible skill to have as a teaching assistant. Each person comes from various walks of life and learns in different ways. The ability to utilize an empathetic mindset to apply an equitable approach to your interactions with student’s is key to being a great T.A.!
Can you offer any advice or tips for students interested in pursuing a T.A. position within the School of Business?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If you’re interested in being a T.A. for a certain class, ask the professor if they’re hiring. Additionally, be sure you’re building a strong personal brand. Get to know your professors, classmates, and be involved around the business school. The more well-rounded of a student you are, the more marketable you’ll be when you apply to be a T.A.
Did you meet any specific qualifications or levels of experience that you feel helped you be selected as a T.A.?
I was a junior when I started as a T.A. At that point, I was familiar with the School of Business and the mechanics of the community. That level of familiarity was crucial in being hired, as I understood how different courses related to each other, miscellaneous resources for students, and how to use those resources to secure a great job or internship.
I had some leadership experience when I interviewed, and while that is important, I believe my overall knowledge of the School of Business paired with my genuine interest in the position was the reason I was hired.
What role did your academic background play in securing this opportunity for you?
My accounting and finance majors provided me with a strong problem-solving and critical thinking skill set. Using those skills to become a better student and leader were key to receiving these incredible opportunities. Also, maintaining a strong academic record overall was crucial to becoming a T.A.
By Grace Ludes
