T.A. Talk with Donna Kraja
Get to know the junior accounting and international business major, who is a BUS 120 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.
Donna Kraja is a junior majoring in accounting and international business. From her initial visit to KU from her home of Bar, Montenegro, a country in the Balkans, she knew she wanted to be a Jayhawk. She was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere filled with positive energy, dedication and a passion for learning. KU offered her a comprehensive array of resources and services essential for achieving her academic and professional aspirations. Now, she is giving back to students through the same experience that her T.A.s gave her and is a T.A. for BUS 120: Emerging Topics in Business in the EY Professionalism Program.
Can you share the steps or process you took to become a T.A.?
During my first semester at KU, I proactively reached out to my T.A. and instructor for BUS 120: Emerging Topics in Business, expressing my keen interest in the position. I attended office hours, participated in active class discussions and demonstrated my dedication to the subject matter.
Did you establish a connection with any faculty or people in the academic area to express your interest in becoming a T.A.?
Absolutely, I made deliberate connections within the department to express my interest. Networking with my professors and my T.A.s and engaging in relevant workshops helped me build valuable connections. It brings me so much joy being a T.A. for professor Erin Whitehurst and having a positive impact on business students journeys at KU and beyond.
Do you feel you needed to have any prior teaching or mentoring experience to make you stand out as a candidate?
While prior teaching or mentoring experience is undoubtedly beneficial, I found that my passion for the subject matter, enthusiasm for helping others and dedication to academic excellence were equally valued in the selection process.
Were there specific skill or knowledge areas that you found particularly valuable in your role as a T.A.?
Effective communication, organizational skills and a solid understanding of the course material were crucial. Additionally, being approachable and creating a positive learning environment greatly contributed to my effectiveness as a T.A.
Can you offer any advice or tips for students interested in pursuing a T.A. position within the School of Business?
I would advise students to actively engage in class, express genuine interest in the subject matter and build relationships with professors. Attending department events and seeking mentorship can provide valuable insights and increase your chances of securing a T.A. position.
Did you meet any specific qualifications or levels of experience that you feel helped you be selected as a T.A.?
While there were no strict qualifications, my consistent academic performance and involvement in extracurricular activities related to business played a role. At that time and to this day, I am still involved with organizations such as Student Endowmnet and Alumni Board, Women in Finance, University Honors Program, etc. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, passion for emerging topics in business that challenged me to think about the world and our future and eagerness to contribute positively to the learning environment were key factors.
What role did your academic background play in securing this opportunity for you?
My academic background in business provided a solid foundation for understanding the course content and effectively assisting students. The knowledge gained during my studies allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the learning experience and support the objectives of the BUS 120 course.
By Grace Ludes
