As you go through college you hear a lot about terrible professors, and don’t get me wrong they exist, but incredible professors are never given the light of day. All people talk about is having a professor whose tests are impossible or the one who gives tons of homework or the one who is hard to understand. You never hear about the professor who went out of their way to help you, or who is willing to discuss anything with you. I’m not talking about the easy A professor or the professor who doesn’t care and whose class is a breeze. I’m talking about the professor who has a genuine concern for their students’ well being and wants them to succeed.
You shouldn’t be afraid to go to professors or to form relationships with them. That is what they are there for. To teach, to mentor, to educate, to advise. Forming a strong relationship with a professor can easily benefit you both.
After sitting in front of them for 12 weeks do you think that they don’t know anything about you? They noticed nothing about you during their lecture? They couldn’t tell anything about your personality based off of your habits in class and or the quality of your assignments?
Truth is they know a lot more about you then you think and when you approach them to discuss something that will show. From my experience they are willing to help and guide. A simple question can lead to a whole series of discussions about what you should do and where you should go from there.
I had approached a professor last semester about doing research and after many long talks he convinced me to consider becomeing a professor some day. I have never even considered this career path but after he had me in class all semester he thought that it might be a good fit for me. Not only did I start doing research with him after this all but I also gained a mentor. I don’t just talk to him about research anymore, I talk to him about my career path and even issues I’m dealing with. He stops me when he sees me to say hello and ask how I’m doing. I’m lucky for the ability to have this connection.
That is something that doesn’t just stay in college. A great relationship with a professor can stay with you forever. You can reach out to them down the road and still ask for advice.
They’ve done the jobs that you want to and can help you with your future. They know what you are going through in ten fold. They can be the greatest resource you have during your four years in school. Use it right.
