How to Navigate the T.E.A.M Platform

Students can utilize the T.E.A.M. resource to achieve their networking and career goals 

Yana Kouretas / Feature Editor / The USD Vista

USD students are a fortunate group of individuals privy to opportunities to grow their connections, and job and internship options. 

One resource for students is The Torero Employer and Alumni Mentors (T.E.A.M.) virtual platform. It is a tool that specializes in online networking and mentoring, complete with a job posting board. It is also equipped with a built-in video-conferencing tool and chat function to foster effortless networking and can be accessed through mentoring.sandiego.edu, or Facebook and LinkedIn platforms.

Initially established in 2017 by the Career Development Center (CDC), it wasn’t until 2018 that it was converted into a mentorship platform. A host of alumni, parents, and industry employers were recruited to support the facilitation of student-mentor relationships. 

Though USD students can utilize other tools for career development, such as Handshake – which emphasizes appointment scheduling with CDC counselors – or the Student Opportunity Center (SOC) – which showcase research and fellowship opportunities, T.E.A.M. encapsulates all of these functions and more. 

Aside from the networking and mentorship possibilities with alumni and students, members of the T.E.A.M community can also join affinity groups related to ethnicity, race, or residency within the country to discuss and explore jobs and internships. 

Dee Kayalar, Assistant Director of Alumni Career Engagement, noted how pivotal the formation of these specialized groups were for community engagement on the platform. 

“One thing to also understand is that the portal has specialized communities,” Kayalar said. “For example, USD pride network, Latino affiliation groups, Black alumni and students, among others. T.E.A.M. is also exclusive to USD, yet the networking within the university spans worldwide, which is the allure of it.”

For those who are on the job hunt, T.E.A.M. has the capability to generate a set of alumni users who are compatible with their desired career. 

Kayalar described what this process looks like.

“You can see the alumni professionals that are working at your potential desired company and then you can get in touch with them and ask them if they’re hiring or just for career advice,” Kayalar Polat said. “Students always need industry experts so that they can have that industry-specific knowledge.” 

It is also essential to identify that the current climate makes it difficult to seek a plethora of opportunities. 

Acknowledging this, Kayalar also emphasized having the confidence to put oneself out there on such platforms. 

“I think programs like these are even more important in this post-COVID environment where people feel more comfortable being virtual and want to capitalize on the power of connection,” Kayalar said. “TEAM is low-barrier and easy access; students don’t have to feel nervous about reaching out to people because all the alumni are volunteers, they want to be there and help.”

USD alumna, Chinonye Wamkpah, took comfort in these resources that T.E.A.M. offers. She shared her avenue of success that led her to where she is today. 

“An alumna I made a connection with helped me in choosing which route I was going to take for grad school, and I am hoping to continue to build a relationship with her,” Wamkpah said. “It showed me that there are good people in the USD alumni network that are willing to help and encourage you through your career journey.”

Likewise, Samuel White, Graduate Student Council Chair and President of the Graduate Business Student Association, reflected on his application of the resource and its multifaceted purpose.

“In a time where alumni and career connections are not as easy to come by, T.E.A.M. gives you the business connections that you need,” White said. “I want to do a lot of different things, not just one. So when given the opportunity to chat with people in various industries, I take it. I have emailed, Zoomed, and called several alumni who have now turned mentors.”

T.E.A.M. provided White the space to initiate these conversations, and he harnessed this opportunity to get his foot in the door in different industries.

As USD’s list of platforms that cater to networking and job and internship opportunities grow, it is vital to recognize that these options, such as T.E.A.M., will help individuals begin to blossom again and integrate themselves into their preferred career fields.   

Whether it be an individual looking for advice on their choice of major, or someone looking to attain a  job or internship role through alumni, T.E.A.M. has proven to be a resource best served on a golden platter.