Back to School Tips

Back to School Tips

By Sharon Schweitzer

Going back to school after a break often brings with it a range of emotions, including feelings of excitement, stress, curiosity, and the like. Keep in mind that you are not alone in the onerous university process. Your professors are invaluable resources. Knowing how to effectively communicate with these sages benefits your academic career. With the right methods to build professional rapport with your professor, you can achieve success.

When emailing a professor, be sure to include the following:

Subject line– With your first and last name as well as the course name and section number.    

Greeting- Addressed as the title appears in the syllabus.         

Message– Should be specific and to the point. Be sure to use proper grammar, sentence structure, appropriate word choice, and sensible organization. Avoid giving excuses or telling long stories. 

Ending– Should show appreciation.                                                                                                                                                              Example: “Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.”  Close with your first and last name.

Asking Questions: The Power of Office Hours Asking a question in a lecture hall full of 300 students can be daunting, especially if it’s twofold or threefold. With questions about the class, content, or subject matter, go to office hours. Take full advantage of posted hours because the professor is a student’s greatest ally. Go to the office prepared with specific questions and notes. By showing genuine interest in the course content, students receive the professor’s sincere help with specific resources, tips on how to improve grades, and a corresponding confidence in the class. Once rapport and a relationship are established, going to office hours to have a quick chat about arbitrary topics is a good idea. Establishing trust may come in handy for future recommendations or academic research.

Networking: How Connections Matter College is the ideal time to begin obtaining academic and intern recommendations. Tap into connections within the university to build a professional resumé. Build rapport with your professors by: inquiring about their personal research opportunities; study abroad possibilities; or work-study within your major. Seek out internships to help build experience and real-world knowledge. Get to know your superiors and coworkers; the more professional references you acquire while in college the better. 

Expand your knowledge and polish your professionalism while pursuing your degree. We hope these tips help you have a great back-to-school experience.

Photo by www.jfsmetrowest.org

Sharon Schweitzer JD, is a diversity and inclusion consultant, cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Sharon served as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business,  Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.

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