One of the tricky areas of college to navigate is the office hour. Some professors are so easy to talk to or their class is actually fascinating to you. However, there are some professors who appear less open or personable. Below are a few conversation starters to overcome that dreaded silence as you sit across from your professor before quickly deciding to leave.
Ask Them How They Chose Their Field
The hardest thing to talk about is yourself when you are put on the spot. Ice breakers leave your mind completely blank. However, professors have a whole story to share about their journey into the reason they chose to pursue a PhD in studying mice for the rest of their life. Once they start to talk about themselves, you can formulate more questions to ask them.
Ask What They Like To Do Over the Weekend
Hopefully, they won't respond like the gif, but this question gives great insight into what your professor's interests are outside of school. You might have something in common which can make the next time you both talk much less daunting or it will make you more memorable to your professor. You might even learn about a new hobby.
Advice About the Class
Ok, you don't want to get to know your professor just yet. Go the old fashioned way and ask about which strategies are best for class or how to study for the upcoming exam. Office hours were made for this exact purpose. Eventually, the conversation may turn less class-oriented and more conversational.
Discuss the Class Material
Most professors want to discuss the material they are teaching in class. They have an interest in what they teach; it is why they are offering the class. This typically is best utilized in humanities class that are highly discussion based. These conversations can initiate the develop of a basis of the upcoming research that is going to be due at the end of the semester. Moreover, it also shows the professor you are interested in the course which can bolster future recommendation letters.
Ask For Professional Advice
This is particularly helpful if the professor is someone in a field you are hoping to enter in the future. They can inform you on the great and not-so-great aspects of the field. Also, they have actual experience and connections, both valuable for an undergraduate looking to specialize in the same field.
Ask About An Extra Resource or Link
Sometimes you come across a new article or video that has information related to the course. Sending your professor a brief email about the link is a great way to start a conversation when you come in for office hours later. Not only do you get brownie points for sending a piece related to the course or field, it shows your interest. And we know, showing interest and making yourself memorable is important for cultivating rapport with your professor.
Don't treat your professor like someone who is untouchable and above you. Start off with basic conversation or with the common ground of class in order to get to know your professor and for your professor to get to know you as well.
