GRAMMY-Nominated Alum Encourages Columbia College Chicago Students to Find Mentors

Campus Communications Staff / Mar 09, 2026

mary mazurek in front of sound panelPhoto courtesy of Mary Mazurek MFA ’11, PhD
Audio engineer Mary Mazurek MFA ’11, PhD, president of Columbia College Chicago’s National Alumni Board, reflects on her own educational and career path and the value of mentorship.

In February, GRAMMY-nominated audio engineer Mary Mazurek MFA ’11, PhD, returned to Columbia College Chicago, where she earned her graduate degree and taught for many years, to share her experiences and advice with aspiring audio professionals, emphasizing the importance of mentorships in establishing a career.

“I like helping support the next generation of audio engineers,” she says. “And my success certainly didn’t happen in a vacuum; I needed mentors myself.” 

Mazurek, who serves as the president of the college’s National Alumni Board, currently juggles multiple roles in addition to her leadership and mentorship roles with Columbia: she’s an Assistant Professor in Digital Audio Arts at the University of Lethbridge in Canada; she’s the author of the recently published book “Aesthetic Noise: The Philosophy of Intentional Listening;” and she’s a freelance audio engineer, who returns to Chicago each summer to record mostly classical music.  

Her advanced education and professional choices reflect her desire for flexibility and agility in her career. 

“I wanted options,” she says. “I wanted to make sure I had opportunities and could pivot if I needed to.” 

Advice Based on Experience 

During the discussion with students, which was moderated by the Career Center’s Tom Joyce, Mazurek offered practical advice founded in years of industry experience. Her number one tip for a successful recording session: Start long before anyone hits the record button. 

“I don’t skip on the pre-production planning,” she said. 

Whether working in a studio or recording on location, she emphasized not only the value of preparation but communication and problem-solving as well.  

She also spoke candidly about networking, something that doesn’t come to her naturally.  

“I am very much an introvert,” she said. “If you drop me in a room with strangers and say, ‘go make small talk,’ I’m going to be the first one looking for the door.”  

Recognizing that discomfort in these situations isn’t uncommon, she shared her strategy for making the most of networking opportunities, which included having purpose and to just keep doing it. 

The Importance of Mentors 

Mazurek repeatedly returned to the importance of mentorship.  

“You need to be good at your craft, yes, but you also need to find mentors and network,” she said. “That’s how you sustain a career.”  

As president of the National Alumni Board and an active board member for years, Mazurek helps support Columbia’s mentorship initiatives, including ColumAlum Connect, the college’s mentorship community. 

“Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance,” she said. “There will be someone.” 
 
Are you an alum who is interested in mentorship? Join ColumAlum Connect, a program dedicated to promoting student success, encouraging industry exploration, and building lasting relationships. 

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