Earning a degree opens your life up to many new opportunities, some of which might not be immediately obvious. While the focus of your education is generally on career enhancement, you should not discount the value of the educational experience itself. You will meet new people, even virtually, and do new things. So, why not take full advantage of your educational journey.
One of the best ways to ensure that you get the most out of your student career is by forming meaningful relationships with your instructors. Unfortunately, there is a common myth that instructors are unapproachable. However, that could not be further from the truth. Instructors want to educate first and foremost, but they also want to help you inside and outside the classroom where they can. Starting a professional relationship with your instructor is the best way to take advantage of this valuable resource.
Not sure how to go about establishing a connection with your instructor? Keep reading to find out more.
Benefits of Building a Relationship with Your Instructor
The advantages of building a relationship with your instructor cannot be overstated. As professionals in their fields, instructors have connections and experiences that they can leverage in your favor. Here are a few of the benefits of building a relationship with your instructor.
- Effective Learning: If you are like many students, you might feel a little intimidated when reaching out to an instructor. In fact, some students outright refuse to communicate with instructors outside of the classroom due to fear. However, if you have established a positive relationship with your instructor inside the classroom, you will have no problem reaching out to ask for help or clarification directly from the person best positioned to help you. Essentially, by “breaking the ice” early on in your class, you’ll have fewer perceived barriers preventing you from reaching out when you need help most – even after your course is complete.
- Letters of Recommendation: The best part about professional relationships with educators is that they often last well beyond the time that you remain at school. Even after you have graduated you may be able to count on your instructor as a reference or to pen a glowing letter of recommendation. So, be proactive about keeping in touch even after you have completed your degree. One of the best ways to remain in touch with a faculty member is through LinkedIn. If you do not have an account, you should contact your school’s career department to help you create one as there is both a right and wrong way, to create a LinkedIn account.
- Leverage Professional Connections: Instructors are often well-established in their field, meaning they have formed valuable connections with colleagues, employers, and other respected leaders in their industry. These connections may be used to secure job interviews or even job placement for a student who has demonstrated proficiency and good character. In short, instructors can be invaluable networking assets for your career advancement and professional development.
- Mentorship: The relationship between instructor and student can often fall into the mentorship category. You may share your concerns about a lesson or industry issue, ask questions, and seek advice from an established professional in the field to gain firsthand information.
How to Build a Professional Relationship with Your Instructor
Though there are many benefits of fostering a relationship with your instructor, do not make the mistake of thinking you should only establish a relationship with your instructor for selfish reasons or only personal gain.
Instructors can easily spot students who are networking only for personal gains, so being disingenuous will not get you far. Be honest and upfront. But more than that, treat your instructor with respect. It goes a long way. When you do, you will be able to reap the benefits of a professional relationship based on mutual respect. Here’s how to build that relationship:
Introduce Yourself
If attending in-person classes, simply wait until after class and introduce yourself. If you are genuinely excited to be taking the class, let that be known. If it is a virtual class, strike up a conversation simply by sending an email and sharing with your instructor a little bit about yourself. Think of this as getting your foot in the door. You may not immediately strike up a relationship just based on introductions, but it is a great start.
Don’t Miss Office Hours
Not only is this the perfect opportunity to show that you are invested in the course, but it is also a great time to speak with your instructor one-on-one. On a more practical note, it is the time to address any concerns, questions, or comments about the course or coursework. However, the conversation can naturally turn to more personal matters, so it can present an opportunity to learn more about your instructor and vice versa. That said, be mindful of other students and your professor’s time.
Speak Up During Classes
In open discussion classes or when your instructor asks for feedback, make sure you speak up. It adds value to the class, and you can even provoke a conversation with your instructor. Additionally, participation can help boost your visibility in class, which can lead to new relationships with your classmates. It is a win-win.
Get Your Work Done — and Done Well
Remember, completing your classwork is a great way to demonstrate some of the skills you are trying to convince your instructor you possess. In many cases, small things like turning in your work early, taking the time to edit and polish it, and taking heed of any previous advice or feedback on the next assignment are some of the best ways to show that you possess valuable skills, including:
- Adaptability
- Reliability
- Efficiency
- Attention-to-Detail
- Professionalism
- Maturity
These things matter in the professional world, and your instructor will be sure to notice. They are the skills you can expect your instructor to include on any recommendation letters.
Key Takeaways
Building relationships with your instructors can help to illuminate your path to success. Not only can instructors give you valuable advice, but they can also use their connections to help you land your dream job post-graduation. That said, you won’t be able to form these connections at just any school. That’s why students choose the Institute of Medical and Business Careers.
At IMBC, our instructors are established in their fields and want to see their students succeed. Moreover, our staff go above and beyond to provide students with all the resources they need to succeed. Staff and instructors get to know each student at our school so we can tailor your experience to suit your needs and help you succeed. We believe that every student has a S.P.A.R.K., and we want to help you find yours as you pursue your education.
Want to learn more? Get in touch today.