12 answers
Kelly
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
4
Questions
Asked
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How to build a good relationship with your professors?
I heading into university and due to Covid-19, my first semester is going to be online. Of course, there are going to be many obstacles but the most troubling is connecting with professors. I want to get to know them as well as making myself known and that I want to excel in their class.
But I also don't want to be the student that is labelled as a suck-up or a try-hard.
#professors #firstyear #communication #JULY20
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12 answers
Andrew Osman
4
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Kelly!
The best way to build a strong relationship with a professor is to show that you are truly interested and engaged in their class. Most professors are extremely passionate about what they teach and if you show you are interested as well, it will go a long way. So, always go to class, ask questions, and engage in discussion.
Additionally, go to office hours! This will be even more important with the shift to virtual instruction. Office hours are a great opportunity to have one-on-one time with professors and ask questions about the class or about things outside of class.
Good Luck!
Andrew
The best way to build a strong relationship with a professor is to show that you are truly interested and engaged in their class. Most professors are extremely passionate about what they teach and if you show you are interested as well, it will go a long way. So, always go to class, ask questions, and engage in discussion.
Additionally, go to office hours! This will be even more important with the shift to virtual instruction. Office hours are a great opportunity to have one-on-one time with professors and ask questions about the class or about things outside of class.
Good Luck!
Andrew
Abbie Robinson
Intern at U.S. Bank
9
Answers
Knoxville, Tennessee
Updated
Abbie’s Answer
Hello Kelly,
I love seeing that you are already preparing yourself for your first semester of college. Getting to know my professors was definitely something that I had to get used to when I started college. One thing that helped me is realizing that my professors are humans too and appreciate students reaching out to connect with them. The best way to connect with your professor is through their office hours that they will hold even in the virtual environment. Even if you don't have a question, it can be beneficial to go and introduce yourself and express that you are excited for the class.
If you have a class that really interest you and possible connects your future career plans, dont hesitate to email the professor and ask to discuss more about the subject and your future plans together. Professors are there to help, but you just have to take that extra step to ask for their help.
I love seeing that you are already preparing yourself for your first semester of college. Getting to know my professors was definitely something that I had to get used to when I started college. One thing that helped me is realizing that my professors are humans too and appreciate students reaching out to connect with them. The best way to connect with your professor is through their office hours that they will hold even in the virtual environment. Even if you don't have a question, it can be beneficial to go and introduce yourself and express that you are excited for the class.
If you have a class that really interest you and possible connects your future career plans, dont hesitate to email the professor and ask to discuss more about the subject and your future plans together. Professors are there to help, but you just have to take that extra step to ask for their help.
Jon Alfonso
Engineer
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jon’s Answer
Hi Kelly,
The biggest suggestion I would give you on building relationships with professors is to do it early! Many people (myself included) wait until the end of their college career to build ties with professors, which can limit the number of professors and opportunities you are exposed to. I would suggest that you attend office hours regardless of your academic performance, as this is the primary way to get to know your professors. Doing this earlier in the semester when offices are less crowded will make it easier.
The benefits of doing so are many. For one, professors are much more lenient with assessments if they actually know you. Furthermore if you want to pursue higher education, continue research, or even explore job opportunities, a letter of recommendation can go a long way.
The biggest suggestion I would give you on building relationships with professors is to do it early! Many people (myself included) wait until the end of their college career to build ties with professors, which can limit the number of professors and opportunities you are exposed to. I would suggest that you attend office hours regardless of your academic performance, as this is the primary way to get to know your professors. Doing this earlier in the semester when offices are less crowded will make it easier.
The benefits of doing so are many. For one, professors are much more lenient with assessments if they actually know you. Furthermore if you want to pursue higher education, continue research, or even explore job opportunities, a letter of recommendation can go a long way.
Laura Sutardja
Analyst
32
Answers
Indonesia
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Kelly! To build a good relationship with your professors, you should be proactive. At the start of the course, it would be good to send an email to the professor to introduce yourself. I would suggest to do this after attending the first lecture. That way, you can have an overview of the course and you can share what you expect to learn throughout the semester. Professors appreciate feedback from students and sharing your expectations can even help them to prepare materials. Throughout the semester, don’t hesitate to send across your queries by email or schedule one on one calls. I would also suggest you to be vocal during any class discussions, to show your genuine interest in the course. This would definitely improve your and your classmates’ overall learning experience as well.
Chanyce Heindel
8
Answers
Updated
Chanyce’s Answer
Hi Kelly! I went to a large university but still had some great relationships with my professors in college. The reason your professors teach is because they're passionate about the subject matter, so showing interest what they're teaching is always a great place to start! Professors always notice when students ask thoughtful questions during the lecture/Q&A time, and are engaged in class discussions. If your class is happening over Zoom, keeping your video on is a great way to show that you're engaged. If you have more questions and are able to attend office hours, that's a helpful way to get to know them better and show your interest in the subject they're teaching! If you start to build a relationship with one of your professors and are able to take another class with them in the future, you'll already have a great foundation started.
I hope your semester goes well!
I hope your semester goes well!
Candice Dee
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Candice’s Answer
Hi Kelly,
I think the best way to build a good relationship with your professors is to attend their office hours! I've noticed that a lot of professors encourage their students to attend their office hours because most students don't feel like they need to attend. Professors are very happy to have their students meet with them, even if they don't have that many questions, because it shows that they are interested and engaged in the class content. This will also allow professors to learn your name easier since you're not lost in a crowd of 50+ students.
I think the best way to build a good relationship with your professors is to attend their office hours! I've noticed that a lot of professors encourage their students to attend their office hours because most students don't feel like they need to attend. Professors are very happy to have their students meet with them, even if they don't have that many questions, because it shows that they are interested and engaged in the class content. This will also allow professors to learn your name easier since you're not lost in a crowd of 50+ students.
Pepper Mulherin
Director--AT&T External Affairs
5
Answers
Evansville, Indiana
Updated
Pepper’s Answer
Ask questions. Respond to emails (very briefly). Build a relationship. Don't get too personal and never appear needy, but share enough of yourself that you're a person to your professor, and not a number.
Brittany Melone
Program Manager
6
Answers
Lancaster, Massachusetts
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
I agree with many of the posts above. Being attentive and present is always a plus but attending office hours shows that you are truly investing in the class and I've always learned a lot more by taking my engagement to that next level.
David Mir
Negotiate Technology Contracts
1
Answer
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
David’s Answer
Hey Kelly, I think preparation is key and the ability to relate what you're learning in class to the real world.
Suggest preparing for each class and contributing to the discussion. Bringing relevant real world applications or relating current news and events to what you're currently learning about will definitely get your professor's attention in a very good way. Enjoy your time at university!
Suggest preparing for each class and contributing to the discussion. Bringing relevant real world applications or relating current news and events to what you're currently learning about will definitely get your professor's attention in a very good way. Enjoy your time at university!
Ariana Massimilla
Production Operations ESPN
4
Answers
Bristol, Connecticut
Updated
Ariana’s Answer
Ask questions and ask for help if you don't know something. Never be afraid to ask, because you will look more silly if you fail something just because you didn't understand it.
Sit in the front of the class and make sure that you engaged in any group conversations and projects.
Sit in the front of the class and make sure that you engaged in any group conversations and projects.
Taylor Teeters
Financial Advisor
41
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Kelly! That is great that you are being proactive about wanting to build a good relationship with your professor. In times like this where COVID prevents us from gathering in person as much, I can understand how you might be more worried about building and maintaining a strong relationship with the professor. Not to worry though - I think there are many excellent options and tips that you can consider.
In my personal experience, building a strong relationship with anyone needs to start genuinely. I would suggest introducing yourself over email or in person if you are allowed to. Include a few bits about your personal life, interests, and hobbies so that you break down the barrier and allow your professor to feel comfortable sharing as well. Staring the relationship in this kind of way will show you are genuinely interested in having a relationship with the professor, vs. just using their knowledge/material for coursework.
I agree with other responses that it would be great to show that you have done your due diligence and know about their background in academia. Definitely attend any virtual sessions that the professor hosts. I would personally send the professor an email if you really liked a specific lecture or teaching one day. This will help show you are interested no matter if the lesson is awesome or a little confusing!
All in all - you definitely need to be genuine if you are trying to build a lasting relationship. Hope this helps and best of luck to you!
In my personal experience, building a strong relationship with anyone needs to start genuinely. I would suggest introducing yourself over email or in person if you are allowed to. Include a few bits about your personal life, interests, and hobbies so that you break down the barrier and allow your professor to feel comfortable sharing as well. Staring the relationship in this kind of way will show you are genuinely interested in having a relationship with the professor, vs. just using their knowledge/material for coursework.
I agree with other responses that it would be great to show that you have done your due diligence and know about their background in academia. Definitely attend any virtual sessions that the professor hosts. I would personally send the professor an email if you really liked a specific lecture or teaching one day. This will help show you are interested no matter if the lesson is awesome or a little confusing!
All in all - you definitely need to be genuine if you are trying to build a lasting relationship. Hope this helps and best of luck to you!
Alejandra Estrada
Risk Consultant
4
Answers
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Alejandra’s Answer
Excellent question! It is important to get to know some of your professors closely, and you can still build these professor/student relations online. Professors can serve as mentors and can offer you extracurricular opportunities that can strengthen your resume (i.e. research, internship, volunteering). Your professors are also sources for access to educational resources, advice and can produce letters of recommendation when it comes time to your job or graduate school applications.
In my personal experience, getting to know one of my professors led me to taking another class he offered the following year. By my senior year, I had the opportunity to contribute to his published book and he served as a mentor for my senior writing project. Here are some tips on how to get to know your professors, even if it starts virtually for the time being.
1. Check out their work. Most professors have written published articles or studies in their field of work. By being knowledgeable about your teacher’s projects, you can understand their areas of expertise better and can establish talking points.
2. Ask about other courses he/she teaches, suggest if you could listen in to another class or learn more about other topics he or she is familiar with. If the topic interests you, take another one of his or her classes the following year.
3. Go attend your professor’s virtual lectures/events. They will notice that you have an interest in what they say outside of the classroom setting.
4. Work up the nerve to attend your professor’s virtual office hours. Introduce yourself within the first few weeks of class by email or through video conferencing and share your interest in the topics that he/she will be teaching later in the semester, ask questions about his/her background, and ask for guidance to navigate through the class successfully.
5. Engage in virtual conversations with your professor after class (whether it be through email correspondence or video, ask him/her how you can improve after he or she provides feedback on your paper, test, etc.
6. And lastly, actively participate in virtual class discussions, showcase your interest in the topics covered.
In my personal experience, getting to know one of my professors led me to taking another class he offered the following year. By my senior year, I had the opportunity to contribute to his published book and he served as a mentor for my senior writing project. Here are some tips on how to get to know your professors, even if it starts virtually for the time being.
1. Check out their work. Most professors have written published articles or studies in their field of work. By being knowledgeable about your teacher’s projects, you can understand their areas of expertise better and can establish talking points.
2. Ask about other courses he/she teaches, suggest if you could listen in to another class or learn more about other topics he or she is familiar with. If the topic interests you, take another one of his or her classes the following year.
3. Go attend your professor’s virtual lectures/events. They will notice that you have an interest in what they say outside of the classroom setting.
4. Work up the nerve to attend your professor’s virtual office hours. Introduce yourself within the first few weeks of class by email or through video conferencing and share your interest in the topics that he/she will be teaching later in the semester, ask questions about his/her background, and ask for guidance to navigate through the class successfully.
5. Engage in virtual conversations with your professor after class (whether it be through email correspondence or video, ask him/her how you can improve after he or she provides feedback on your paper, test, etc.
6. And lastly, actively participate in virtual class discussions, showcase your interest in the topics covered.