Relationships are important

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Navigating through college can be stressful, but doing it with the support of professors who can offer guidance along the way can make the process much smoother.

Many say your network is your net worth. That applies not only in the professional world but throughout your academic journey too.

With the semester ending, many students at Florida A&M University are enjoying the fruits of a successful semester. A lot of students are attempting to make connections for internships, which is very important to do, starting in the classroom.

Students believe that to develop and maintain a lasting professional connection, you have to be persistent. Many say it’s important to speak up, participate in class discussions, and meet with your professors during their office hours. You can learn many things by building bonds with your professor outside of class. Students find it to be crucial to their academic success.

When speaking to students at FAMU, they shared their similar perspectives about why building these relationships with professors is essential throughout your academic journey.

Yasmine Dierestil, a fourth-year public relations major, feels that building those relationships is crucial for many reasons.

“I believe having a professional relationship with your professors is very important. Going to your professor’s office hours not only builds a relationship with your professors in the classroom, but you gain a deeper understanding of the course material. You gain opportunities, such as scholarships, recommendation letters, or internship opportunities. Based on your interests, that professor knows who you are or your interests and points you in the best direction,” Dierestil said.

Immani Ward, a third-year health informatics and information management major, also feels that building these professional relationships is important.

“I believe a relationship between a professor and student is very important. For example, if a professor knows their student both academically and personally, they may have a better understanding as to why a student may be late or not be able to turn in assignments on time,” Ward said.

Building these relationships with professors inside the classroom can be very rewarding. It has proven to be effective in many different ways.

Networking: Professors have connections for those seeking internships. However, a student who consistently misses a class or shows up late is less likely to be recommended by a professor. Students who constantly build relationships and discuss their concerns with their professors throughout the semester are more likely to get the opportunity.

References: Yes, we all have a close family friend that you would list as your reference after high school. When you applied for minimum-wage jobs, that worked just fine. A close, trustworthy instructor is a great candidate for any of those times when you might need a recommendation letter, a professional reference, or an academic reference.

Career: Your professor is a specialist in their area of study. A professional is the best person to ask about your alternatives after graduation. Your professor can provide insider knowledge from someone who has worked in the field for many years. If you’re a student who is unsure about your job path after graduation, you should speak with a reputable professor first. Many students encourage their peers to build professional relationships to increase their chances of success.