Jayhawk Career Network

Mentor Spotlight: Alexandra Lee

January 4, 2023

We’re highlighting Jayhawks who serve as mentors to fellow alumni and students to celebrate National Mentoring Month.

Alexandra Lee is a program assistant at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. Originally from Olathe, Kansas, she graduated from KU with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications in 2020 and now lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Connect with Alexandra on KU Mentoring+.

What do you do at your job? And how did you end up in your current career?

As a program assistant, I provide overall administrative support to the school as well as collaborate with the different departments at Medill to oversee and coordinate various undergraduate and graduate external learning opportunities.

Although I was a journalism student, I fostered a deep passion for higher education by working at the Undergraduate Advising Center as a peer advisor. Upon graduating, I looked for jobs that would marry my love for journalism and higher education and stumbled upon this opportunity that would allow me to pursue both of my passions.

Who is a mentor for you, and how did they help you?

Someone I’d consider a mentor at KU would have to be Howard Graham, g’08, PhD’19. As a first-year student, navigating a new season of life was scary. But I was fortunate to have someone who helped me understand the university as well as encouraged me tremendously. He recommended I become a peer advisor — and that’s when I fell in love with higher ed.

What advice do you have for current college students or young alumni?

My advice to current college students or even to young alumni is to just show up. Many of the opportunities that were afforded to me were due to the fact that I was present and willing to try something new or different. I think the natural curiosity that Jayhawks have for the things around us is what makes us stand out from others.

What is your favorite KU memory?

My favorite KU memory would have to be working orientations during the summers! Each year, I looked forward to meeting the new Jayhawks and doing it alongside some of my favorite people at KU.

Need a mentor? Want to serve as a mentor? KU Mentoring is open to students, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the University of Kansas. Professionals who are looking for opportunities to connect with KU and provide assistance to Jayhawks are also welcome. Learn more about KU Mentoring.