One thing I have noticed as I embark on my third year at Syracuse University is the high qualifications that my professors possess. One of my instructors has a law degree, another has recently written and published a book and another used to produce a talk show in the Syracuse area. College professors hold many more qualifications than just the ability to teach students. They are also more than willing to help you in whatever you endeavor — their job is to help their students in the world of academia, after all. They’ll be able to sponsor you at an internship, refer you to a specific place of employment and write letters of recommendation for you. By taking advantage of the networking opportunity you have now, you’ll reap the rewards later. Below are a few tips to bear in mind when networking with your instructors:
- Take advantage of office hours. This is especially important if you have any lecture-style classes. It’s hard to contribute to discussions due to the size of most lectures but almost every professor will hold office hours– a designated time for any student to drop by with questions or comments, typically unannounced. If your professor doesn’t hold office hours for drop-in meetings then contact him/her directly to set up an appointment. They’ll be happy to field any questions you have, or even get to know you as a person, since they might not be able to get to know everyone personally during class.
- Speak up in class. Your instructor will know you’re engaged in the class and that you care about the subject. It also lets him identify who is taking the class because they have to and who actively wants to learn the material. Even if you are there because you are required to be, that doesn’t mean you have to let that show. It’s much easier to become friendlier with a professor if you show a little enthusiasm for the material he is teaching. Depending on your questions and responses in class, your instructor might refer you to another instructor in the department who knows even more about the material, thus allowing you to expand your network pool.
- Always be respectful in class. No sleeping, appearing bored, or doing the bare minimum amount of work. Of course, there are a few instances when you may have been up for hours the night before and can’t help but close your eyes for just a minute, but you should generally be respectful while in class. Being a likable student will help you become a memorable student. Bear in mind that it is inappropriate to be respectful in one class and not in another, even if you are only trying to create an academic relationship with one instructor in particular. They all talk to each other!
- Attend events sponsored by your program of study. Many academic programs in college will host various events and panel discussions for students and faculty to come together and exchange insight, thoughts and to just get a better understanding of what kind of work goes on in the program. It’s also a great time to meet people! Mingle with the professors and talk to them about their work. Let them know what strikes you as most interesting. That common interest could very well build into a beneficial network. Plus, you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes time to pick your classes for the next semester since you’ll know who is teaching what classes and what their expectations might be.
- Meet with your adviser regularly. In some schools, it is only required of students to meet with their adviser three or four times throughout all four years of college. Take the time to make extra appointments with your adviser to talk about your plans for the future whether during college or beyond and how your adviser can help you. That’s what they are there for. Advisers are also more than willing to write you letters of recommendation, sponsor you for a student internship and refer you to other faculty members of the department that may share your career passions. Having a college adviser is like having someone tell you, “I’ve given you a person to set you on the right track.” Could you ask for a better deal?
There are so many resources in college that can help you network your way to a successful future, and most of these are included in your tuition as a student. Be proactive if you want to build connections with faculty members and take advantage of all your opportunities to do so. It is sure to benefit you in the long run.
Adrienne is a Syracuse University student from Danbury, CT majoring in Writing and Rhetoric with a Leadership Communication minor. She is a big fan of impressionist art, ocean views and classic rock. She hopes to one day have her name in the credits of a hit film whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera.
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