T.A. Talk with Blayne O’Connor
Get to know the senior finance major and international business minor on the pre-law track, who is a TA for BUS 120 and 410
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.
Blayne O’Connor comes from a family of Jayhawks and always had a connection to the University of Kansas. Whenever she stepped foot on the campus, it felt like home. O’Connor is a senior finance major and international business minor on the pre-law track from Wichita, Kansas. She is currently a senior and the head T.A. for BUS 410 Professionalism Capstone, and BUS 120 Emerging Topics in Business. She felt motivated to become a teacher’s assistant because of her goal of being a role model for younger students. O’Connor greatly enjoyed her time as a student in BUS 120 and wished to connect with lower class men as they made their transition into college.
What were the steps or process you took to become a T.A.?
I was in BUS 120 with Erin Whitehurst, lecturer, in the spring semester of my freshman year. I never missed class, participated in class discussions and formed a relationship with her. I then maintained that relationship with her, asking her to be my mentor and consistently communicating with her. In the spring of my sophomore year, I asked her if she had any openings, interviewed, and got the job!
Did you establish a connection with any faculty or people in the academic area to express your interest in becoming a T.A.
Yes, I feel that the most important thing to do if you wish to become a T.A. is to form a relationship with the professor you wish to work with. This starts by putting forth effort in class, asking questions about their experiences and forming a relationship before asking them about any job opportunity.
Do you feel you needed to have any prior teaching or mentoring experience to make you stand out as a candidate?
I was a tutor for Kansas Athletics before I became a T.A. I was able to showcase some of the lessons I learned from that role in my interview for the T.A. position, and I think that made me stand out.
Were there specific skill or knowledge areas that you found particularly valuable in your role as a T.A.?
My time management and communication skills have served me well in my role as a T.A. It can get overwhelming sometimes when you have to juggle your schoolwork and finish grading for more than 60 students. Having the ability to recognize when you need some help and then ask for it is key. It’s important to stay on top of things, but it is also important to lean on your fellow T.A.s when you need some help.
Can you offer any advice or tips for students interested in pursuing a T.A. position within the School of Business?
Start forming relationships with your professors early on. You won’t be in a position to become a T.A. for a while, so this is the time to form relationships, so you have that connection when you’re ready to apply.
Did you meet any specific qualifications or levels of experience that you feel helped you be selected as a T.A.?
I feel that being a tutor for Kansas Athletics was helpful to me while applying.
What role did your academic background play in securing this opportunity for you?
In my academic background, my dedication to the school played a role in my securing this opportunity. I never missed the class that I was applying to T.A. for, and I consistently participated in class. I think it’s extremely important to put effort into the class while you’re taking it if you one day wish to T.A. for it.
By Grace Ludes
