Talk Is CHEAP: Why You Should Build Relationships With Your Instructors and How To Do It
It’s easy to get caught up in homework, essays, quizzes, and mid-terms in college, but what about your social game? Forming professional relationships with your professors is just as important as your academics (if not more important) as you continue to pursue your scholarly and professional goals.
Building relationships with your professors may be a bit intimidating, but it’s well worth the time. Professors can be a good compass for your professional growth. According to LinkedIn, networking accounts for over 85% of job fills. Your professors have former students and contacts who have contacts—and they may be the link that gets you that project research position or, better yet, a future job. They can also provide letters of recommendation for higher education or job applications. Conversing with your professors may be nerve-wracking, but it’s as easy as remembering that talk is CHEAP. Here are some tips for keeping your professors in the mix:
Communicate: Get in touch with your instructors before class starts. Introduce yourself via email! Colleges usually have an employee directory you can use—just remember to double-check your spelling when you type in a name to search. Once you obtain their contact info, you can email your instructors to ask about their courses or maybe share your academic and career goals with them.
Homework: Do your homework and turn it in on time—always. You will build a much better relationship with your professors when they know you take your classes seriously. But homework can also mean getting to know a little about what your instructors do outside of the classroom (without stalking them, of course). Read through their professional biographies. Skim through a few of their published works (if they have any). This will give you things to discuss during your face-to-face interactions!
Extend your reach: After your course is finished, maintain professional contact with your instructors outside the classroom. Let them know you would appreciate their mentorship. Be sure to specify why you’re seeking their mentorship and if you have a specific timeline in mind for it. You’ll be surprised how this helps your professional growth!
Ask for help: Instructors have built-in office hours (in person or virtual) that are designed to assist students. Arrive on time, be organized, and bring course resources; this shows that you’re a professional who respects your professor’s time. Be specific about your areas of difficulty, listen intently, ask questions for clarification, and take notes—but also be mindful of the time, as your professor has a set schedule, and other students may want to speak with them during office hours. If you need additional help or maybe a fresh perspective on a subject, consider EFSC’s free tutoring services, offered in person on every campus or online via MS Teams!
Participate in the classroom: Using your voice in the classroom evokes interest in the subject at hand. Maybe Western Civilization isn’t your favorite topic, but you can still be open to learning about it. Ask questions for clarification while in class. Provide answers to questions and, on occasion, show interest in sharing your own experiences—while staying on topic. In doing so, you’ll demonstrate your willingness to tackle any subject, which is a desirable professional trait.
College is about so much more than doing well academically and getting your degree. It’s a time to explore your strengths and improve your weaknesses, to form professional relationships, and to build your professional character. By keeping your professors in your circle, you’ll maximize your potential and outshine your peers when you’re ready to score that dream job.
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- Talk Is CHEAP: Why You Should Build Relationships With Your Instructors and How To Do It - September 1, 2021
