How to Build Strong Relationships with Professors

11 February 2025

Building strong relationships with your professors is one of the most valuable things you can do during your academic journey. Why, you ask? Well, think of it like this: professors are more than just people who grade your papers and give lectures. They can be mentors, career guides, and even the key to unlocking opportunities you never thought possible. Developing a good connection with them can make your time in school far more enriching and rewarding.

But here's the kicker: many students don’t know how to approach their professors or feel intimidated by the process. If you're nodding your head right now, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The good news is that building strong relationships with your professors isn't rocket science. With a little effort and the right mindset, you can cultivate meaningful relationships that will benefit you both academically and professionally.

So, how do you do it? Let’s break it down.

Why Building Relationships with Professors Matters

Before we dive into the "how," let's talk about the "why." Why should you even bother building relationships with your professors?

1. Academic Support

Professors are great resources for deepening your understanding of course material. When they know you on a more personal level, they're more likely to offer you tailored advice, insights, and extra help when needed.

2. Professional Networking

Think of your professors as your first professional network. Many professors have extensive contacts in their fields. If they know you well, they can recommend you for internships, jobs, or even research opportunities that align with your career goals.

3. Mentorship

Your professors have been where you are now. They know the hurdles, the challenges, and the path to success. Having a strong relationship with them can provide valuable mentorship that goes beyond academics.

4. Recommendation Letters

At some point, whether you're applying for graduate school or a new job, you’ll need recommendation letters. Professors who know you well will be able to write more personalized and compelling letters that genuinely reflect your strengths.

Now that you understand the "why," let’s move on to the "how."

7 Tips for Building Strong Relationships with Professors

1. Show Up to Class Regularly

This may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many students underestimate the power of simply showing up. And no, I don’t mean just being physically present—I mean really showing up. Engage with the material, participate in discussions, and be attentive.

When you consistently show up to class and show interest, professors will start to recognize you. Over time, they’ll associate you with someone who is serious about their education. This is the first step to building a rapport.

2. Participate in Class Discussions

Participation is key to standing out. Don’t be the student who hides in the back row, daydreaming or scrolling through social media. Instead, raise your hand, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute to discussions. Professors appreciate students who are engaged and curious.

And here's a little secret: professors don’t expect you to have all the right answers. What they value more is your willingness to think critically and engage with the material.

3. Visit Office Hours

If there’s one golden rule for building relationships with professors, it’s this: Use their office hours! Professors often offer office hours specifically to help students outside of class. Yet, many students never take advantage of this.

Don’t just go when you’re struggling with the material—though that’s a good reason too. Drop by to ask follow-up questions from a lecture, seek career advice, or discuss topics that interest you. These one-on-one interactions are golden opportunities to develop a deeper connection with your professor.

4. Be Respectful of Their Time

Professors are busy people. Between teaching, grading, research, and administrative work, their schedules can be pretty packed. So, when you do visit, make sure you respect their time. Be punctual for appointments, come prepared with specific questions, and avoid lingering unnecessarily.

If possible, email them to set up an appointment rather than just showing up unannounced. A little consideration goes a long way.

5. Communicate Clearly and Professionally

Whenever you communicate with your professors—whether it’s through email or in person—make sure you’re clear, concise, and professional. This doesn't mean you have to be overly formal, but you should avoid slang and casual language.

For example, instead of saying, “Hey, what’s up? I didn’t get that part of the lecture,” try something like, “Hi Professor [Name], I had some questions about today’s lecture and would appreciate any clarification you can provide.”

Being polite and professional will show that you respect them and value their time.

6. Show Genuine Interest in Their Work

Professors are passionate about their fields. Many of them are actively engaged in research, writing, or other professional work. Showing genuine interest in what they do is a great way to build a connection.

You don’t have to know every detail, but taking time to learn a bit about their research and asking them questions about it during office hours can go a long way. Not only does it show that you’re interested, but it also opens the door for deeper conversations about the subject matter.

7. Follow Through on Their Feedback

Professors provide feedback for a reason—to help you improve. If they give you suggestions on an assignment or offer advice on how to perform better in class, take it seriously. Implement their feedback, and make an effort to show that you’re working on improving.

When professors see that you’re genuinely trying to grow and evolve based on their input, they’ll appreciate your effort and be more inclined to help you in the future.

Mistakes to Avoid When Building Relationships with Professors

Now that we’ve covered the do’s, let’s quickly touch on the don’ts. There are a few common mistakes that students make when trying to build relationships with professors, and you’ll want to avoid them at all costs.

1. Only Reaching Out When You Need Something

It’s easy to only approach professors when you need a favor—like a deadline extension, a recommendation letter, or help with an assignment. While there’s nothing wrong with asking for help, if that’s the only time you interact with them, it can come across as opportunistic.

Instead, make an effort to engage with them regularly, even when you don’t need anything. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in building a meaningful relationship.

2. Being Overly Familiar

While it’s great to have a friendly relationship with your professors, remember that they’re still in a position of authority. Avoid being too casual or overly familiar, especially in the early stages of your relationship. Maintain a level of professionalism to ensure that your interactions remain respectful and appropriate.

3. Not Following Up

If your professor gives you advice, suggests a book to read, or provides feedback on your work, make sure you follow up. Let them know that you’ve taken their advice or read the book they recommended. This shows that you value their input and are serious about your academic growth.

Long-Term Benefits of Building Strong Relationships with Professors

The benefits of building strong relationships with your professors extend far beyond the classroom. In fact, these connections can have a lasting impact on your future. Here are just a few of the long-term benefits:

1. Career Guidance

A professor who knows you well can offer invaluable advice when it comes to navigating your career path. They can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest, and guide you toward opportunities that align with your goals.

2. Research Opportunities

Many professors are involved in research projects and often look for students to assist them. If you’ve built a strong relationship with a professor, they may invite you to work with them on a research project—an opportunity that can enhance your resume and enrich your academic experience.

3. Mentorship After Graduation

Your relationship with a professor doesn’t have to end when you graduate. Many professors are happy to continue mentoring their former students and providing guidance as they navigate their careers.

4. Personal Growth

A strong relationship with a professor can challenge you to think more critically, expand your knowledge, and push you to reach your full potential. These relationships can help you grow not only as a student but as a person.

Wrapping It Up

Building strong relationships with professors isn’t just about getting better grades or snagging a recommendation letter. It’s about creating meaningful connections that can enrich your academic experience and open doors for future opportunities. By showing genuine interest, being respectful, and taking the initiative to engage with your professors, you can cultivate relationships that will benefit you both now and in the long run.

So, don’t be afraid to take that first step. Head to office hours, ask questions, and start building those connections today. You never know where they might lead.