By Marcia Powers
Contributor, Career Services
Getting a college education is an important step in your career journey, and the connections you make along the way can be just as important as earning your degree. Currently, you may only think of your professors as paper assigners and grade givers, but they can also be important supporters of your professional development.
Regardless of whether you are a current student or a college graduate, be sure to continue and maintain positive relationships with your professors. Your professors may be willing to provide you with some great career support in one of the following ways:
Academic References and Letters of Recommendation
Thinking about grad school? You may need an academic letter of recommendation from a current or former professor in order to apply for a graduate program. Depending on the position or your situation, you may even need an academic reference for a job opportunity. If you will need a letter of recommendation or an academic reference, it’s best to approach professors who remember you well and are willing to vouch for your capabilities.
Mentoring and Career Advice
Your professors are professionals and experts in their field. They possess great “real world” career knowledge that you may find to be helpful as you plan out your career path. Whether you are looking for a mentor or just some great advice, a professor would be a great person to seek guidance from.
Networking Suggestions
From students and colleagues to members of their professional organizations, professors get to meet and network with a lot of people. If you’re not quite sure where or how to begin networking in your field, consider reaching out to your professors for some helpful ideas and recommendations.
Most professors want their students to be successful in their careers and are willing to provide guidance or assistance when approached. Be sure to reach out to them if you need to—it never hurts to ask!
About the Author: Marcia attended the University of Minnesota – Duluth where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. After graduation, Marcia decided to serve in the AmeriCorps where she discovered her passion for helping others achieve their academic and career goals. Deciding that higher education was the right path for her, Marcia gained experience in admissions and financial aid before transitioning to Career Services at American Public University System (APUS). As a Career Coach at APUS, Marcia’s industries of focus are emergency and disaster management, homeland security, criminal justice, and security management. Marcia currently resides in West Virginia and enjoys spending her free time hiking, fishing, and camping with her family and friends.
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