Why We Should Encourage Students to Get to Know Their Profs

Lance Erickson, Idaho State Career Center Director

Professors and faculty members have a significant impact on the lives of college students in a variety of ways, so it is important for students to cultivate a good relationship with their instructors early in the semester. Sometimes professors can seem intimidating because of their knowledge and advanced degrees, but, more often than not, they are very approachable, friendly, and kind. Students should be strongly encouraged to initiate opportunities for brief chats with professors before or after classes. It is also highly beneficial for students to utilize professors’ office hours, times when students can either make an appointment or drop in just to talk. Students should seek out their professors outside of class to ask questions, get clarification on assignments, and to allow these experienced teachers to share helpful guidance for navigating higher education.

I remember a time as an undergraduate student when I approached my professor with a few questions about an assignment after class one day. I am certain that he was very busy with many things, but he asked me to follow him to his office where we chatted for over an hour. He helped me with my concerns about the upcoming assignment, but he also took the time to patiently talk with me. At one point he asked me if I had considered attending graduate school, which I had not, but that planted a small seed for me that eventually grew. He seemed to see more promise and potential in me than I saw in myself. As a result of that experience, I gained additional confidence in what I could accomplish. I later completed a master’s degree and a doctorate thanks to the time he took with me that day.