T.A. Talk with Ryan Simonson
Get to know the senior marketing major, who is a BUS 110 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.
Ryan Simonson is a senior from St. Louis, Missouri, studying marketing and is a T.A. for BUS 110 Introduction to Professionalism. Simonson wanted to explore new places and find himself out of his home state. His sister attended KU, and he had the opportunity to visit in high school. It was then he realized that Lawrence was his future. He fell in love with the School of Business and all it had to offer, and he felt drawn to KU basketball. He wanted to become a T.A. because he knew the students who were T.A.s for the Business Professional Development Program and saw that they were a driven group of people constantly looking to expand their knowledge and college experience. The mentoring aspect and ability to find fulfillment in sharing what he has learned at KU to younger students inspired him.
What were the steps or process you took to become a T.A.?
I was recommended to apply for the position by my T.A., so I reached out to Erin Whitehurst, lecturer, about the position. I then sent in my resume and did an interview with Professor Whitehurst, someone from the Business Professional Development Program and a few current T.A.s.
Did you establish a connection with any faculty or people in the academic area to express your interest in becoming a T.A.?
Nothing more than a couple emails to Professor Whitehurst!
Do you feel you needed to have any prior teaching or mentoring experience to make you stand out as a candidate?
No, they are more so looking for people who are involved in extracurricular activites rather than who is a good teacher.
Were there specific skill or knowledge areas that you found particularly valuable in your role as a T.A.?
Communication skills. Understanding how to professionally communicate with a diverse group of students is critical for students’ learning and engagement.
Can you offer any advice or tips for students interested in pursuing a T.A. position within the School of Business?
Once your academics are in check, get involved in as many ways as possible. Look for ways to fill in your free time (clubs, programs, personal ventures, study abroad, etc.)
Did you meet any specific qualifications or levels of experience that you feel helped you be selected as a T.A.?
I didn’t need any specific qualifications, but I believe my social media and entrepreneurial endeavors helped me get the role as it is different from what most are doing
What role did your academic background play in securing this opportunity for you?
Academics definitely played a role in securing this opportunity. If you can’t excel in your own schoolwork, you likely can’t assist in teaching someone else’s. That is why your academics need to be in check before aiming to go above and beyond.
By Grace Ludes
