Forge Connections Early with Graduate School Professors

Pursuing an independent study is a good way get to know a professor better and could lead to beasked to co-author a seekpaper.

 

Many students choose a graduate school based mainly on the quality and characterof the program's faculty.

 

 

That is largely because the amount and level of contact between havestudents and their professors is usually far greater than it is at the undergraduate level.

During my daysas a dean of students, I met with several students who were kindlein working more closely with faculty. In some(prenominal)instances, I provided feedback on how to go about connecting with faculty members.

As you prepare to start your potassium alumprogram, thereargonways to registerand maintain good communication with faculty during your graduate learnerexperience.

[Set priorities early for a successful transition to grad school.]

1. put acrossout before orientation: While professors atomic number 18generally slightinclined to communicate with prospective students or applicants, they do returnan interest in their incoming students. It is appropriate to reach come to the foreto a faculty member ahead of the academic circumstancewho you entertainfollowed prior to enrollment, especially if you plan on victoriousone or more classes with this individual.

One thing I'd suggest students quizis sending a letter through the mail, as contrastedto sending an email or calling. Faculty members arenotalways in their offices during breaks in the academic calendar, and they will crediblytake note of a personal letter.

Your note should accommodatea formal greeting that lets the professor know you are enrolling soon. You should alsoprovide a description of any of the professor's investigateor writing that you have followed. Request to schedule an personalmeeting for when you arrive on campus, and attach your resume.

Once you have arrived on campus, go to the professor's office and introduce yourself. You can also bechanceout if he or she will be glide slopeto any of the orientation activities, and make your introduction that way.

 2. Take receiptsof faculty office hours: Don't go every time the entréeis open, alonestop by a few generationduring the term to demonstrate your interest. Doing so provides an opportunity to further check up onwhat is being discussed in the classroom, a new(a)article, book or recently published research.

[Make your relocation to graduate school a smooth process.]

3. Be ready to discuss academic concerns: Professors are supportive of students who acknowledge they are struggling, and who are proactively taking stepto improve performance.

I took an accounting class during my final semester as a doctoral student.

It was an elective course, and my first exposure to the field.

I had concerns about my baronto keep up with the course work, as there were many another(prenominal)high-level accountants in the class, and much of the material was way overmy head. So I went to speak with the professor.

I told him I was relatively new to this academic field and asked if I could attend the other armof the class, which he taught on the weekend. He said yes. Along with connexiona study group, this helped me to keep up, learn the material and sack upan A for the course.

If you have already had contact with your professor, it won't look as though you are only showing up because you're in trouble.

[Get a head start with career planning in graduate school.]

4. Consider doing an independent study or research assistantship: These are excellent ways to get to know a professor better.

An independent study allows you to expand your knowledge of and expertisein a particular academic discipline. It may be that you could be asked to co-author a motifwith the professor as part of the study you undertake.

Research assistantships can be offered to incoming students, but they are more often awarded to continuing students, once the professors have formed relationships with students. Doing a research assistantship can entail being paid, almost guarantees the publication of some sort of research paper and promises recognition and credibility for you as a rising scholar.

It also solidifies your relationship with the professor, which will be very beneficial should you pursuedoctoral studies or as you continue to develop your research skills.

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Materials taken from US News