January is National Mentoring Month
January is National Mentoring Month
Highlighting Students and Their Mentors
Priscilla Galvan
Human Resources Assistant II,
Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo, Inc.
Q: Who was your mentor?
A: My mentor was Tina Tan, business counselor for SDSU Fowler College of Business.
Q: How did you get connected to your mentor?
A: I found out about the Provost’s Undergraduate Mentoring Program (PUMP) program through a friend who had previously participated in the program and knew I was looking for someone to guide me through my career. I joined the PUMP program at SDSU and was paired with Tina Tan.
Q: How has your mentor impacted your career and/or education?
A: My mentor served as a guide throughout my decision-making process as I prepared for graduation and needed to weigh my options on job applications. She was a great source of encouragement and helped me develop the mindset to overcome failure during my job search and always instructed me to develop a back-up plan. She helped me during my job search with tips and advice on my resume, cover letters, and interviewing skills. Tina also served as a role model who reinforced my passion and aspirations to become a professional in Training and Development where I can coach and develop others just like she did with me.
Q: What is the best piece of advice your mentor has ever given you?
A: The best piece of advice I had from my mentor would be to learn from difficult situations and turn them around into a positive experience that can become a benefit in my future. What seems like a weakness can become strength and with the right mindset, any goals you set for yourself can become possible even if they take a while to happen.
Q: Do you have any advice for students who are thinking about finding a mentor?
A: I would encourage them to consider the opportunity to find a mentor whether it be through PUMP, school, or outside of school. It's good to have someone you can rely on for expertise and support when you are a student facing many decisions and options and all your other classmates are in the same situation. Having a mentor really helps bring things into perspective and the best part is that they are there to help you in your path to become the professional you aspire to be and perhaps even motivate you to develop new goals and aspirations.
Lillian Chung
Digital Innovation Researcher
Q: Who is your mentor?
A: My mentor is Dr. Kaveh Abhari.
Q: How did you get connected to your mentor?
A: I initially met him through MIS 306, our information system analysis class. Dr. Abhari is not only an innovative and visionary educator but also an inspirational role model with his way of life. I have learned a tremendous deal from Dr. Abhari through his engaging and practical teaching style.
Q: How has your mentor impacted your career and/or education?
A: Dr. Abhari inspires and encourages students including myself to often think outside the box and to be creative with problems at hand.
Q: What is the best piece of advice your mentor has ever given you?
A: I will never forget he has once said in class to be minimalistic, professionally. A few principles include prioritizing and delegating tasks, listening more, observing more and being intentional.
Q: Do you have any advice for students who are thinking about finding a mentor?
A: To me, I never had a moment where I actively search for a mentor but rather, I have always liked to ask for guidance and support- this has helped me to form strong relationships with professionals and professors overall. So, my advice to anyone who would like to have a mentor is don't be afraid to ask questions when you're lost. Always be clear on the goals you're reaching and then go out to ask for help!
Ryan McCulloch
Finance, Dec 2020
Q: Who is your mentor?
A: Eric Risley, Managing Partner at Architect Partners.
Q: How did you get connected to your mentor?
A: I connected to my mentor via mentor chats, a feature on the Aztec Mentor Program website. I was searching for professionals in investment banking.
Q: How has your mentor impacted your career and/or education?
A: My mentor has actually been working with me to set up an internship at his M&A advisory firm.
Q: What is the best piece of advice your mentor has ever given you?
A: The best piece of advice he gave me is to continue to pursue what you want to do despite difficulties or rejection.
Q: Do you have any advice for students who are thinking about finding a mentor?
A: Don’t hesitate to find a mentor. They will only help. Also reach out to more than one person to get a variety of viewpoints.
