From Curiosity to Collaboration: Unlocking the Secrets to Connecting with Professors

Celine "Oibiee" Aju
2 min readJun 19, 2023

--

Imagine you love playing video games and you have a professor who not only uses video games as part of the learning experience but also developed the video game, will you not be excited? will you not have a million questions ?

Photo by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash

This genuine excitement and intrigue that leads to questions is what connecting with a professor looks like. It is finding a professor who’s work or approach intrigues you so much you are willing to interact with him or her.

Here are 3 major ways to connect with a professor.

  1. Engage Actively in Class: Embrace the opportunity to participate actively by sharing your opinions and asking insightful questions. These genuine contributions can lead to further discussions during office hours or consultations. This initial interaction may open doors to collaborative projects, joint research endeavors, or even becoming involved in the development of your thesis. The classroom is just the starting point for potential academic connections.
  2. Explore Their Work Beyond the Classroom: Venture beyond the confines of the classroom and immerse yourself in the professor’s research and publications. Take the time to read and review their papers, and don’t hesitate to seek clarification or share your thoughts on their work. Attend conferences or seminars where the professor is presenting, and consider volunteering to get involved. Stay connected by following them on platforms like LinkedIn, engaging with their posts, and exploring their Google Scholar page to delve into their research. Show a genuine interest in their contributions to the field.
  3. Seek Guidance and Share Personal Projects: Approach your professor with a personal project that aligns with their area of expertise, seeking their advice and insights. If they express interest, keep them informed about the progress of your project. This ongoing dialogue will not only deepen your connection but also provide valuable guidance and mentorship. By involving them in your journey, you create opportunities for continuous growth and learning.

Remember these key points as you navigate the realm of connecting with professors:

  • Not everyone will connect with a professor and thats ok.
  • Building a connection with a professor should never be mistaken for being a “kiss-up.” Authentic connections are based on mutual respect and a shared passion for learning.
  • You don’t need to connect with all your professors. Focus on cultivating a few meaningful relationships that enhance your learning experience.

Ultimately, connecting with a professor can greatly impact your educational journey, but it doesn’t solely define it. Discover what works best for you, invest your interest, dedication, and effort, and honor the connections that fuel your growth. Embrace the possibilities that lie ahead as you embark on a rewarding path of learning and discovery.

--

--

Celine "Oibiee" Aju
Celine "Oibiee" Aju

Written by Celine "Oibiee" Aju

Not yet 25 years old Storyteller | Song Writer| Writer | Public Policy Msc Student | documenting her journey of figuring life out through stories,songs & poems.

No responses yet