Meeting with your professor

What are the benefits of getting to know your professor? There are many. Here’s a quick breakdown of the short, medium, and long-term advantages of having a connection with your professor.

Short-term benefits

A connection with your professor will help you perform better in your courses. By attending office hours, discussing lectures and lessons with them, and having informal conversations, you will have the chance to explore the course content and improve your understanding of it. Also professors who know you will look at your grades and progress differently. If you are doing well, they may look for more opportunities for you. If you are in need of a little help, they’ll know you and care about your success. No matter what, a good connection with your professor will work in your favor.

Medium-term benefits

As time goes by, a professor or former professor may be able to suggest new courses and other opportunities that your college provides. A professor can also be a reference for internships, study abroad programs, and on-campus jobs, to name a few.

Long-term benefits

No one can argue the importance of connections when it comes to careers and a job search. Connections remain the best currency when it comes to accessing good career opportunities. Professors are likely to know people who work in their discipline’s employer community and may be able to help you meet people in your target career, as well as be references for jobs to which you are applying.

So invest time in meeting you professors! How will you start?

Consider one of the following:

• Ask a question during class/lecture
• Attend office hours
• Tell your professor about something you found interesting in the course material