College Experiences That Helped a Professor at CSU Long Beach Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, Herman emphasizes the importance of networking, stating that "the only reason why I got this teaching position was because I was always around and I always helped everyone," and the importance of challenging oneself by stepping outside one's comfort zone, like when Herman overcame shyness to become a TA. Both of which allowed Herman to have good mentors, who poured into Herman with advice, setting the stage for a successful academic career.
Networking, Mentorship, Overcoming Shyness, Taking Initiative, Seeking Guidance
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Herman Singh
Professor
CSU Long Beach
CSU Long Beach
Economics
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Networking was crucial for securing the teaching position; being present and helpful in the department led to valuable connections with staff and faculty.
2. Stepping outside of comfort zone by taking on a TA position despite initial shyness and self-doubt was a good thing.
3. Listening to and trusting mentors who saw potential and offered guidance was important.
Transcript
What did you do in college to set you up for success in your career?
The one thing I tell all my students to do is networking. The only reason I got this teaching position was because I was always around and I always helped everyone. I was in grad school and undergrad, and I'd just be around the department.
I made great connections with our department staff and faculty members. I went to office hours, and I think that just showed my character, and people remember those kinds of things. That's how I got this amazing opportunity, and I've ran with it.
I don't take it for granted. So I think networking and putting myself in situations where I wasn't comfortable. At first, I did not want to be a TA because I was shy. I thought, there's no way I'm going to be able to teach people. I'm barely learning myself; how am I going to teach somebody else?
So I put myself in situations where I wasn't comfortable. And I just listened to the people who pour into me. They're sending it for a reason, and they see something that probably I don't see, and I just need help seeing it. So networking and having good mentors, I'm very thankful for that.
I try to repay that favor to all my students. I know sometimes it's hard for students to talk to faculty members or talk to people. So that's kind of my thing.