Introduce Yourself to Your Professors

Getting to know your professors is an integral part of the college experience. Talking to them will deepen your insight into the material covered in class, open up the possibility of a mentorship and may lead to exciting opportunities for internships or jobs. Sure, you don’t want to buddy-up to all your professors, but most college students have at least one or two classes that really excite them and change the way they think on a fundamental level, and professors hold office hours for a reason; why not take advantage?

Make an Impression
The first step to building a relationship with a professor is to get his or her attention. In a small seminar-style class, this may actually happen without any effort on your part, as the professor will try to engage every student in group discussion. In a 400-person lecture, making an impression will require a little more effort. Asking or answering questions in class is a good place to start. If there isn’t time to deal with your questions in sufficient depth in class or if you want to make a more personal introduction, visit your professor during his or her office hours.

Potential Mentors
If your professor responds positively to your questions and comments, you may find yourself making a habit of engaging him or her in the classroom or during office hours. This opens up the possibility of an academic relationship that goes beyond turning in your homework on time. Some professors take pleasure in challenging their students, providing additional academic guidance and really getting to know them on a personal level. On the other hand, some professors are simply too busy or uninterested in providing such guidance. A mentor can be a valuable resource, but the relationship has to occur naturally; it cannot be forced.

Networking
Getting to know an established professional in your field will often open doors. Many professors can hire teaching or research assistants; others might be able to recommend you for a summer internship or even a full-time job. While you should never assume that your tuition payments entitle you to such favors, many professors take pride and pleasure in helping along dedicated and enthusiastic students. If you candidly let your professor know that you are looking for opportunities of a certain variety, you may be pleasantly surprised by the response.

After Finals
Once you have actually connected with a professor, you should not let that connection fade simply because you are no longer required to attend his or her class each week. Drop by your old professor’s office once in awhile, or send him or her an email with an update about your studies or professional work. Building a professional network is a lifelong endeavor, and professors who keep in touch with their former students are likely to know a large number of people working in a single field or related areas. Even if you end up doing something other than what you studied in college, there is no reason not to keep in touch with someone who has influenced your life-path.

Recommendation Letters
Last but not least, the best recommendation letters often come from professors who know you and your academic work well. One of the most common misconceptions about recommendation letters is that a reference from a well-known figure will get a poor student into a prestigious graduate school. This is entirely untrue. A letter from a professor or manager with whom you have worked closely, and who can speak with accuracy and integrity to your personal strengths and skills carries far more weight.