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What are some tips on getting to know a professor more personally while staying professional?

I am college freshmen and I have been in school for 2 weeks now. In my freshmen introduction class and during orientation, the adults suggested that students get to know their professors and visit them during office hours. They mentioned that college is where you build your networks and the professors can help with that.
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engineering electrical-engineering
Thank you comment icon Definitely get to know your professors early, even if it is a simple hello when passing! Starting this trend early in your academic career makes you more comfortable when you encounter a problem. This also helps to when you need references and even a mentor, they have tons of experience and always a great help. No matter how bad it is, as long as you communicate with your professor about issues, they will always try to make it work. When you stop communicating then that is when the class pr teacher becomes a little harder. Hope this helps! Best of Luck with school! Janell
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Peter’s Answer

I suggest that you Google one or more of your professors to see what their research and interests are. These are great topics to connect with a professor. Also I would not worry very much about making professional connections quite yet. You can do that in your Upper Division years. (You only just started college.) But another great way to make connections is to join a student society in the Field of your interest, such as American Society of Civil Engineers.

Good Luck, Pete Sturtevant, PE
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Laura’s Answer

Talk to your professors and treat them with respect, but remember that they are there to help you. These are individuals who have devoted their life to higher education and will appreciate you reaching out for help. It definitely shows initiative in learning. One of my professors told me that they were disappointed that people didn't come to office hours more often because they block out that time for students to ask questions and that people not showing up meant either their class was too easy or people didn't care enough to go. Going to office hours will definitely build a strong professional relationship between your professor and yourself! It shows that you enjoy their class and will set you up for TA positions, references, resume advice, etc. in the future.
Thank you comment icon Hi, Laura! Thanks for your answer above! I just had a few additional question about getting to know professors since this is such a good thing to know how to do. 1.) Office hours are usually for students to ask about the course material, but I often find I don't need extra help in my classes. That being said, what else can you talk about with professors during office hours that won't seem random or as thought you're getting too personal? 2.) My busy schedule sometimes doesn't allow me to attend office hours, but I don't want to schedule a special time with a professor just to go say "hi, how are you?". Are there other forums for getting to know professors besides office hours? Thank you so much in advance! Alexandra, Admin
Thank you comment icon I would choose a professor that you would possibly like to pursue research with in the future or a professor whose class interests you beyond the scope of the syllabus. i.e. a professor in chemical engineering who performs polymers research that you would like to know more about or a professor who teaches process design and you have a question about what it is like to be a process engineer. These suggestions are geared towards smaller classes, or those who will consistently see their professors in the years to come (i.e. engineering specific classes) and not necessarily for your 300 person physics class. You will find that it becomes a lot easier in your college career later to get to know a professor because your classes forces you to go in and ask questions. Laura Song
Thank you comment icon Most professors often sponsor a club or activity. Join the professional society corresponding to your degree and get involved in an activity they participate in, whether is participating in forums or joining a civil engineering bridge team, or being involved in your schools 3-D printing club, or the IEEE. These are all ways to get to know someone outside of school that may be good for your resume later in life. Laura Song
Thank you comment icon Thanks so much, Laura! Alexandra, Admin
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