establishing relationships with professors

[ramzax]

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I'm finding it hard to establish strong relationships with my professors. I'm aware I could meet them under internships or research opprotunities, but I'm finding these harder and harder to come by. Outside of those chances, how else could I get to know a professor better? Does anyone have any personal advice of their own to pass down?

Thanks

 

[joetro]

Visit during office hours just to talk.

 

[dakwegmo]

Taking advantage of office hours is an excellent suggestion. Also, try to stand out in class. Not by being a pest by asking intelligent, well thought out questions.

You could also try volunteering as a participant in their research. A lot of times that can open the door to research assistant opportunities.

 

[PhDhopeful]

I had this same problem and I think that i am finally getting around it. What has helped me is finding professors that I have interests in common with and speaking up in class that I am interested in the topic. From there I usually drop them a quick email saying that I found class really interesting and would love to stop by and talk with them during office hours. From there you just build a relationship based on mutual interests in the field, it also helps if you are confortable with them as a person. It is hard though, especially if you are from a big university. Cheers!

 

[Lunabin]

In my undergrad at a HUGE university, I had the same problem... I actually talked one on one with a few professors trying to find some guidance/mentorship. I finally found a professor and class I loved (on therapy techniques & theory); one day I just approached him after class and asked if we could meet and talk about issues in Psychology not related to the class per se. We had a long discussion about how I chose the major, what I wanted to do with it (at the time it was research), and how I could get more involved as an undergrad... A few weeks later he set me up with an interview for a research position at a nearby university!

It was really a great step for me and my career. That professor really was instrumental in getting the ball rolling (which at big universities is hard)!

The suggestions here are great:
1 - get decent grades
2 - stand out in class, but not in an annoying way (sit up near front, ask thoughful, relevant questions, do the work/readings, ...)
3 - don't be afraid to ask one or many professors for their guidance/advice (some may not be interested or have the time to meet with you - don't get discouraged)
4 - be your own advocate and look around for opportunities (RA's, TA's, jobs, etc.) in areas you'd be interested in...

Good luck!