Mentoring

“ "The informational interviews offered to sophomores were a prime opportunity for students to engage in conversation with professionals. These professionals were alumni here at Furman University who were once in our very own shoes, trying to determine what major or career path they wanted to pursue. These conversations are great because you hear the positives and negatives associated with the field that you are interested in. Trace Lackey ’25 connected with Jim Bolt ’74, a practicing dentist from 1978-2012 for an informational interview. "

“ "When I was a rising senior at Furman I was introduced to Greenville dentist Dr. Joe Outten. Not only was he a mentor and advisor to me, but ours was also a nearly 50-year friendship until he passed away in May 2021. Joe was the single most influential person in my life and career, and I decided if I could somehow make a difference in a young person’s career, what a great way to pay it forward! Dr. Joe Outten (left), Dr. Jim Bolt (right)"

“ "The informational interview was extremely helpful because speaking to someone who went through the same process I am going through now and relating to me was relieving. I have sometimes felt behind since I do not know exactly what I want to do but the Furman alum I interviewed had a similar experience. She related how I was feeling and took me through the process that she went through in graduate school. Ellie Howard ’25, was connected for an informational interview with Kathleen Tomberg ’07, who works for a research center at John Jay College in the area of criminal justice. "

“ "I signed up to help students because having these types of opportunities as a student were invaluable to me. If something I experienced in my own career path is helpful to someone else, I want to share it. I find it very rewarding connecting with Furman students. I love hearing about all the interesting directions the students are interested in and appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences with them. Kathy Tomberg ’07, who works for a research center in the area of criminal justice, was connected with Ellie Howard ’25, who was interested in learning more about criminal law. "

“ "The most important thing I learned (through the informational interview) about myself and my pathway this semester is the expectation I now have of the remainder of my college career and of graduate school for physics. I learned how I should shape my schedule, prepare for the Physics GRE, take my courses at graduate school, prepare for the prequalifying exam at graduate school, and go about obtaining my research at graduate school. Chris Jungkind ’25 conducted an informational interview with Ray Garner ’18, a Ph.D. student and teaching assistant in astronomy/astrophysics."

“ "I signed up to provide informational interviews to students because I knew that if I had someone like me to talk to while I was at Furman (someone who is in the field, actively researching, and starting on their journey as a scientist) I’d have had a much clearer picture of what to expect as I started my path toward my goals. It’s all part of giving back to Furman and making sure that current and future Furman students have everything they need to succeed.” Ray Garner ’18, current Ph.D. student and teaching assistant in astronomy and astrophysics, was paired with Chris Jungkind ’25."

“ "The informational interview was the most impactful experience that I had during the semester. It allowed me to also specific questions about my worries, hesitations, excitements, and goals for my future career.” Hannah Petty ’25 conducted an informational interview with Josh Tadlock ’13, who is a pediatric orthopedic surgery fellow. "

“ "I was very lucky during my time at Furman to have some wonderful people who invested in me as a student with their time and advice. These relationships helped guide me toward a career path that I find immensely rewarding. I wanted to be a resource for students to help give them my perspective and to give back to Furman students to help them in whatever way I can. Josh Tadlock ’13, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon was paired with Hannah Petty ’25, who was interested in learning more about a career in pediatrics and trauma. "