While in college you are around an amazing group of people – people that are well connected, well-educated and actively want to help you. These people are your professors and many times students take their help for granted. However once you graduate from college it is a different story. All those resources you had at your disposal are no longer there. You are on your own in this big, busy world. The smart student, though, takes the time and effort to keep in contact with their professors even after graduation. Why is that? Well, for the following five reasons:
1. Graduate School References
So you want to go on to get your Master’s Degree or Doctorate? Well, most accredited schools require at least a few references and they love to hear from professors familiar with your educational work. If you have kept in contact with your professors, they are usually more than happy to provide a glowing recommendation letter for you. It counts even more when the professor teaches a subject relevant to the degree you are pursuing, like Science or Math. If you did something special in their class, like wrote a paper that got an award, feel free to remind them of that in your recommendation letter request. That way they do not have to just go by their memory alone. After all, they have thousands of students and can’t possibly remember them all.
2. Job References
Another situation that frequently calls for referrals or references is employment. If you are applying for a particular job field, then a teacher in that field’s recommendation could count for a lot. Even if the job just asks for their telephone number, it is a good idea to include an email or letter from them saying what your talents are in that field. It adds a big boost to your resume and puts you a step ahead of the others.
3. Networking Connections
Professors know a lot of people. That is just one more reason to keep in touch with them. Whether you are interested in applying for a job with a company and would like some contact information or you just want to know who is who in the field, your professor is the person to ask. If you let professors know you are job hunting and what you are looking for, they can keep their eyes open and might even be able to set up an interview for you with their friends and contacts. Personal references like that are worth their weight in gold!
4. Job Application Advice
If they can’t help you to get in contact with an employer, they can at least help you apply the right way. Maybe they have tips on what employers in the field are looking for or ways you should phrase your job experience and education to put your best foot forward.
5. Continuing Education Opportunities
By keeping in contact with your professors you are also able to take advantage of continuing education opportunities. Maybe the college is offering a free course that is pertinent to your field, or maybe a local business has a one-day training course that is open to the public. The professors are going to be the ones to know. By continually updating your skills, you become more marketable and noticeable to employers.
These are just a few of the reasons why it is a good idea to keep in touch with your professors. Have you got an experience where your contacts from college have helped you secure employment/further study? Tell us in the comments below!
ABOUT AUTHOR:
Ken Myers as an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to various organizations and groups, and is a mentor for “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance. He is a regular contributor to “www.gonannies.com”. You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.
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Also: They just like to hear from you and care about how you’re doing!
Hearing thank-you’s from your students or reading how the skills they learned in your class helped them get a new job/promotion is really very fulfilling.