Create Your Own Team of Faculty Champions!
Connecting with a faculty member can be understandably intimidating. Rest assured, building mentoring relationships with faculty is not only necessary for all college students, but it is full of positives, too! Take steps to build your own supportive network of faculty champions:
- Utilize department websites to review faculty listings and see who is doing research on topics that interest you.
- Take classes with topics relevant to your interests.
- Attend office hours to introduce yourself and communicate your interests and goals. (Office hours are not only for when you are struggling!)
Once you establish these necessary habits, you can gain mentors who add meaningful experiences to your academic journey and champion your future goals. As experts in their respective fields, faculty members provide reliable advice, reveal new opportunities, and can serve as references and letter writers when you apply for national scholarships, professional jobs, or graduate school.