How to Develop a Good Relationship with Your Professor

Hi everyone, welcome back! This week, we will talk about how to approach and develop a mentoring relationship with your professor. What’s your definition of professor? A person who marks your paper with a red pen and tells you to rewrite everything? A person who gives you an exam question that you have to recall a tiny detail that is at the edge of your memory? A person who celebrates your academic achievements with you on the Friday night in a bar?! In my opinion, a professor is a mentor and friend who helps you see your potential, guides you on your way, and encourages you to take another adventure after your recent success. In the U.S., a student-professor relationship is greatly appreciated because an interactive, sustained relationship will lead to long-term success. A professor is a great resource of knowledge, experiences, and networking, which you may want to utilize regardless of which career pathway to take in the future. But, how can a student initiate, develop, and sustain a good relationship with a professor? Based my personal experience, I would like to give you some tips here.

Visit the professor after class

The best way to initiate a connection is by talking to the professor in person. But how? Many students agree that professors are always busy, but fewer students realize that most professors love meeting with students. In fact, at a public research institution like the University of Michigan, roughly 1/3 of a professor’s time is devoted to teaching, another 1/3 devoted to research, and the rest 1/3 devoted to services. This means that professor is expected to meet and advise students. Therefore, don’t be afraid to see your professor during the office hours or by appointment. But, you may ask what should I talk to my professor about? The topic may range from any left-over questions from previous lectures to questions on homework/reading assignments to your thoughts on the professor’s comments in class. If you cannot think of anything to ask, then ask the professor about his/her research! This is my well-kept suggestion. Most professors are excited when you tell them you are interested in his/her research! This question usually results in a long, meaningful conversation, from which you will get to know the professor better from different angles such as his/her research expertise, personalities, working schedules, and so on.

Look for opportunities to work with the professor

If you enjoyed the initial conversations with the professor and you want to maintain this new connection, the best way is to work with the professor side by side. You can ask if there is a current project you can get involved in. If the professor agrees to give you a project, congratulations! But, please don’t feel discouraged if it is a small or easy project. Because the professor doesn’t know you very well at this moment, he/she may want to see your work ethic, ability to solve problems, and your time management skills. I call this period a trial period. If you did a good job in the trial period, the professor then will give you more autonomy and assign you more work to do.

Ask for more

Almost all professors like motivated students. When you complete your projects and you have enjoyed this learning experience, you may ask for more (if you can fit it to your daily schedule). This really gives you an advantage over other students, not only because you will learn more from the professor but also because you will leave a good impression in front of the professor.

Always appreciate his/her time and help

No matter what stage of the relationship you are at with your professor, it is always important to remember to be thankful for his/her advice and guidance. It is true that a professor is expected to mentor students, but there is no standard guideline on what a professor should teach students. In fact, most professors tailor their mentoring plans to better help individuals succeed in the future. And this strategy takes time. Therefore, please do not take everything for granted and be grateful for whatever the professor has done for you.

I hope you will find my suggestions helpful. Good luck!

Written by Yihan Sun, pharmacy professional student (Pharm.D) at UM

P.S. The professor in the photo below is my undergraduate mentor whom I still have a close connection with. He has helped me to grow up as a young scientist.