It's the beginning of another semester and I feel like I don't know any of my professors from the past. What is the best way to get to know a professor? I know going to office hours is essential, but if I don't have any questions I don't know what to talk about. Any tips?
How to get to know professors?
- Thread starter clocks123
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Ask them what they do in their spare time and what interests them. You never know, you may be able to do something fun. I've played racquetball, rockclimbed, and went to eat with my professors before. You never know who the actual person is until you talk to them besides asking questions about ochem.
Science is by no means straight-forward - I'm sure you could find something in the textbook or lectures that puzzles you or reminds you of something else you've learnt. Science is full of questions.
Like @Ophthoseidon , I also did some pretty fun stuff with one of my professors, but it was under completely different circumstances... (I also did research for this professor and acted as a TA and other things that are way too specific to my application). I sort of 'lucked into' that good professor friendship, though. One thing led to another, and the next thing I know, I'm riding my bike through a forest with my professor fifty yards ahead of me...
I think the best way in is through office hours. From there, you might be able to find jobs (like my TA gig) or do research with the professor. I imagine it might be a bit awkward if you walk into the first office hours and be like, 'hey, you wanna go mountain biking with me???'
Another great way to get a professor to know/like you is to show up to every class and sit near the front. Answering questions in class and asking intelligent ones is another bonus. Of course, none of those things will make you particularly popular with your classmates.
Like @Ophthoseidon , I also did some pretty fun stuff with one of my professors, but it was under completely different circumstances... (I also did research for this professor and acted as a TA and other things that are way too specific to my application). I sort of 'lucked into' that good professor friendship, though. One thing led to another, and the next thing I know, I'm riding my bike through a forest with my professor fifty yards ahead of me...
I think the best way in is through office hours. From there, you might be able to find jobs (like my TA gig) or do research with the professor. I imagine it might be a bit awkward if you walk into the first office hours and be like, 'hey, you wanna go mountain biking with me???'
Another great way to get a professor to know/like you is to show up to every class and sit near the front. Answering questions in class and asking intelligent ones is another bonus. Of course, none of those things will make you particularly popular with your classmates.
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After class, go talk to your professors. Ask questions of them. If possible, squeeze your way into their labs.
