Getting to know your professors might not be the first thing on your mind with the school year about to begin, but it’s one of the best ways to stay connected --especially in online classes.
We asked engineering student, David Aguirre, if he thought getting to know his professors made a difference in his academic career. With his help, we were able to identify the top 3 reasons why it’s worth it to reach out to your professors throughout your time at ұ.
1. It lets the professor know that you want to take the class seriously.
No matter what type of class you’re in -online or hybrid or in-person- you can say hi to your professors. Send them an email introducing yourself and if you’re feeling awkward about it, you could say something like
“Hi, I’m Jane! I’m really excited to take this class with you and I just wanted to reach out and ask for some tips to help me manage this course.”
Or
“Hi Professor Doe, my name is Jane. I wanted to reach out to say hello and ask about ways to stay ahead in this class.”
David recommends (if you happen to have an in-person class) to get there a little early and to “go for the front seats, immediately trying to make sure [you’re] out of your comfort zone.”
By showing up a little early, settling in, and choosing a place in the classroom where you can be fully engaged, you demonstrate to the professor that you take not only your time seriously, but their time, too. David notes, “I think it’s a way of me letting them know that I want to be there and want to take the class seriously.”
Bonus tip: Right after class is a great time to catch your professor to say hello and introduce yourself. It’s an opportunity to quickly touch base and break the ice between classes.
2. Forming relationships with professors (and anyone else in your class for that matter) can help keep you involved --especially in an online format.
Listen, you’re more likely to keep up with homework and studying if you have people to keep you accountable. This means that forming relationships with your professors and classmates really does make a difference in your academic success.
David said, “The relationships I’ve made at ұ have all helped me somehow in every step of the way.”
Relationships and connections are what keep us engaged and involved and inspired to work through the tough times. Reach out to your classmates, study together on FaceTime, send professors your questions and be willing to put in the work, together!
3. They have the inside scoop on scholarships and other opportunities.
Professors have the inside scoop in their area of expertise. They have more experience than you in whatever area they’re teaching so they’ve spent more time looking at resources and opportunities specifically with you in mind.
Think scholarships, grants, awards, campus clubs, paid internship opportunities, opportunities to job shadow someone in their network of professionals... the list goes on!
David said he’s “applied to scholarships and other aid with information that was from professors,” and that, “they are an easy way to get great information that could help you in your college life.”
Meaningful connections don’t have to stop once your class ends, either. Keep in touch with professors, ask their advice, ask them for a recommendation letter, maybe even ask them to be a mentor. The point is: you never know how one person can influence your life, your classes, and even your career after college.