Love it or hate it (or maybe even fear it), networking is a crucial aspect of the college experience. Whether you want to land a job while still in school, or you just want to transition to post-grad life as smoothly as possible, developing and maintaining professional connections is key. But if you’re new to networking, you may be asking, but who should I connect with, or where do I even start? The answer, or at least one of them, has been right around you the whole time: your professors.
According to Her Campus’s 2026 Back To College survey, 94% of college students said networking with professors is trending for the upcoming school year. And that’s for good reason! Professors aren’t just people who grade your assignments; they’re people with years of experience in the field you’re studying. They can offer you advice, write letters of recommendation, and expose you to new opportunities. Not only that, but they’re already built into your day-to-day life as a student, so you don’t have to find a mutual connection or cold-email them just to get the conversation going!
Networking with an authority figure may seem intimidating at first, but, believe it or not, most professors are genuinely excited to help and guide you. That said, professors often have a lot on their plate — from teaching to researching to administrative duties to their personal lives — so there are definitely dos and don’ts when it comes to networking with them.
So, whether your goal is to seek advice, obtain a professional reference, or simply form a connection that will last beyond the semester, here are some tips for networking with your professors.
- Attend Office Hours
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I know you were probably planning on skipping this part when you were reading the syllabus, but office hours are actually the first step to connecting on a more personal level. So, come prepared with questions, introduce yourself, and share your goals for meeting with your prof. The more research you do on your professor ahead of time, the better — that way, you can ask questions tailored specifially to them, and they might even be impressed.
- Connect & Engage On LinkedIn
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Sometimes, it isn’t always possible to make it to office hours, which is why you should grab your phone and connect on LinkedIn. And don’t just stop after hitting the connect button — reach out to them, tag them if you both had a meeting or did something interesting in class, comment on their posts, and generally keep in touch. This can help ensure a relationship lasts years, not just during the one semester you have them as a prof.
- Send Thoughtful Emails
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Getting into your professor’s inbox is a great way to stay top of mind for then outside of class. And keep in mind, the way you write emails can leave a lasting impression. It’s not just about using professional language and checking your grammar, but it’s also about showing appreciation for time time your professor takes to read and respond to you.
- Actually Put Effort Into Their Classes
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If you don’t show you’re making a real effort in their class, then why should they make an effort for you outside of class? Professors dedicate a huge portion of their lives to your learning journey, so showing their effort isn’t for nothing is essential. And that’s not to say you have to get As on every paper and exam — just make sure it’s clear you’re trying: show up, actively participate in class, ask questions, and do your best. Your profs will remember you for it.
