Friendships in Academia: Benefits of Getting to Know Your Professor
By: Sarah Wiik
Everyone (I hope) has had a professor who they think they could be best friends with. Whether it be the topic that they obviously have knowledge or interest in that connects you, or you think they’re a cool person. There are many ways to cultivate a friendship with a professor that you connect with, and many additional benefits too. There are a few easy steps to take that can help to create this friendship between your professor and you, even if you are a shy student:
Attend Class- Actively!
This may seem obvious, but attending class is the absolute most crucial factor in creating this bond. How can you meet and talk to someone that you never see and who never sees you? After the first class of the semester, go up to them and introduce yourself - this gets the ball rolling on showing your interest and helping them attach a name to a face. By sitting in the same spot every day and being attentive in class, it shows them that you are consistent and committed to your schoolwork. If you sit in class on your phone or texting on your computer, professors take notice. That is not the kind of comment you want in a potential resume. If you regularly participate in the discussion or ask questions during the class period, they take notice and will likely remember your name much faster.
Go to their Office Hours
There is a common misconception that office hours are only for questions about a grade, homework, or an upcoming test. Office hours are simply time in a professor’s day that is devoted to seeing and helping students. If you’re shy to just put yourself out there for a professor hangout, bring some material that you have questions about. Use the time they have in their office hours to get to know them and show them that you may have things in common. If they have current research projects going, you can ask them about what they are working on and learn more about them in the process.
Connect outside of the classroom
Photo via Villanova’s website
Even when you’re not in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to keep the friendship building going! When you pass them around campus, make sure you say hi (even if they don’t remember your name). Often, professors will email you when they are hosting or attending an event on campus. If you go to these events, it stirs a conversation between you about a new topic and also shows them that you are interested in things outside what will get you a good grade.
Creating a bond with a professor is a relatively easy thing to do, and comes with many perks besides making a new friend. A good relationship with a professor can help with essay proofreads, potential resume writers, helpful job connections, or research opportunities. Professors and staff are on campus to help you during your college experience and are one of your most valuable resources at Villanova.
