You’ve got fall semester under your belt. Way to go!

Now ask yourself, did you make a connection with your professors? No?

Here’s a little piece of advice:

Staying in touch with your professors will help you in the long run.

Take the new semester as an opportunity to engage more with your professors and set yourself up for success. You’ll thank me, and yourself, later!

Office Hours

If you haven’t ever visited your professor during office hours, maybe now would be a great time to start. Start by introducing yourself and making a good first impression.

• Come prepared with questions and ready to discuss the assignment or issue to avoid awkwardness. No one wants that.
• Ask for feedback and expect an honest answer. Office hours are designed to help students succeed.
• Find out what you’re doing right and wrong, and get a clear direction for that tough assignment.

If you go to office hours, you might find out things other students don’t know because it was never put in the syllabus. We will let your grades be the judge of that.

Participate

• Participate in class. The professor will see your interest in the subject and know you are eager to learn and succeed.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. They want to help you succeed.

Get Ahead

Professors can give excellent recommendation letters, and they can be the best reference on your résumé, too.

Building professional relationships with your professors can definitely pay off in the long run. We could all use some guidance every now and then, so don’t underestimate your professor’s ability to help you land that dream job after college!

Stay Social

Many students stay connected with professors after college through social media. Your paths may eventually cross again, and their opinions matter.

If you were a terrible student in class, they could possibly let future employers know that you slacked off a lot. Don’t be that person! Be friendly and say hello when you get the chance.

Who knows? Maybe that little bit of extra effort and enthusiasm is the only thing holding you back.

After all, this big Cowboy family wants nothing more than to see you accomplish great things. Now what are you waiting for? Get out there and make this semester count!

And as always, GO POKES!