Proffering to Professors

By Chase Pattison on November 11, 2011

Professors have an invisible forcefield. It’s hard to approach them and they almost never approach you. But that shouldn’t deter you from making an effort to talk to them; there are many benefits to getting to know and talking to your professor:

1. You can receive assistance and clarification on homework, exams and term papers.
Not all professors are able to respond to each and every student who e-mails them. Thus, the best alternative to get in contact with professors is to approach them directly.

2. You can obtain more information about the department they work in.
If you’re wavering between two majors, learning more about each department can aid in making a decision.

3. You have someone to inform you about internships or write recommendation letters.
Getting chummy with your professor gives you the advantage of being recommended for an internship or at least being aware of one.

4. A friend you can confide in.
Who’d pass up the chance of making a new friend? And I guess having, er, intellectual conversations as well.

 

Photo by UC Davis College of Engineering on flickr.com

So how should you approach a professor?

First, take advantage of office hours. They’re there for a reason. Also, it’s because professors probably aren’t too keen on speaking to their students after class after a lecture since they could have errands to run or a lunch to have.

Second, be nice and bring coffee or food for you and your professor to enjoy. Enticement is a great icebreaker.

Third, don’t be a pest. Attending office hours by wasting a professor’s time is not ideal. Actually have a legitimate question or concern in regards to the class. Then you can move on to other questions that don’t pertain to the class itself.

Finally, try to be as charismatic, professional and polite as possible. Smile for the professor!

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