Professional Recommendations
Many opportunities, like internships, graduate and professional school will require professional recommendations from your professors as part of the application process. It can be challenging to feel comfortable asking for recommendations but if you have a good relationship with the professor then you are more likely to feel more comfortable asking for a reference.
Here are some suggestions on how to get to know your professor:
- Ask questions and express interest in the course
- Attend office hours
- Ask for advice and use it!
- Follow up!
- Don’t wait for a later time
Asking questions and expressing interest is an effective way to build a relationship with your professor. If you are afraid of asking questions, you can ask questions you already know the answer to. This will help your confidence and can often lead to a good conversation that you can add equal input to. You also will still probably learn something new.
Attending office hours can give you one-on-one time with the professor. Bring questions with you, if you can’t think of course content questions, you can always ask for career advice.
During the professor’s office hours is a great time to ask for studying advice or extra tips on writing the paper. Be honest about any struggles you are having (if any) in the course. The professor will likely be willing to give advice. If you do get advice, put it into action and let the professor know if it was successful.
Follow up with your professors. Thank them at the end of the semester and let them know how you are doing and visit occasionally.
Do not wait until the end of the semester to begin a relationship. Do not try to “prove” yourself before building the relationship. He or she will not be able to speak to your work ethic, intelligence and success if they did not witness it.
It is okay to tell your professor early on that you will want a recommendation. This may prompt the professor to pay attention to your actions and achievements.
When you do ask for a recommendation, be sure to give at least four weeks’ notice. Provide a resume and a personal statement if applicable. Make sure to send reminders. When the recommendation has been submitted, be sure to thank your recommender.
