In celebration of National Mentorship Month, the USC Career Center is highlighting alumni stories that demonstrate the power of connections. Read more about Patrick’s mentorship story!
January is National Mentorship Month! In celebration of National Mentorship Month, the USC Career Center is highlighting alumni stories that demonstrate the power of connections. Alumni on USC’s Trojan Network exemplify how one conversation or connection can positively impact Trojans’ personal or professional life.
This week we are featuring Patrick Becker, Senior Producer at CBS Evening News. Patrick received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2008 from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
We hope Patrick’s Annenberg Mentorship story inspires you to connect with other Trojans and leverage the power of the Trojan Family!
Q: List four words you would use to describe this relationship.
Patrick: Supportive, Honest, Educational, Generous
Q: What opportunities has this connection moved you towards?
Patrick: My mentor constantly promoted the idea of advancement, adding responsibilities or decision-making opportunities when he could have done them himself. When it came time to seek a new job within and outside the company, he was supportive and helpful to point me in the right direction.
Q: How did this connection help you face a challenge, obstacle or roadblock?
Patrick: He would not hesitate to insert himself in the middle of a potentially damaging situation if it meant protecting his staff. Being a selfless leader allows for mistakes to be made – and learned from – in a positive way.
Q: What advice would you give to USC students as they look for prospective mentors?
Patrick: My advice is to seek out someone who has accomplished something that’s standing in your way or has attained a goal you are seeking. Also set realistic expectations, knowing that a mentorship relationship is not meant solely to find a job. Also find someone who is successful but humble enough to devote time to building a relationship. Students can learn to navigate “the real world” so much better with honest feedback from professionals who have managed to overcome many of the same obstacles along the way.
