We have been emphasizing the importance of connecting with faculty mentors. NYU Shanghai provides a great environment for students to get to know and seek help from the experts in different major fields. Faculty mentors in the different majors are some of the best people to talk to when you’re trying to understand what the major is about and whether it is suitable for you!

However, many students are intimidated when trying to talk to professors. They do not know how to start a conversation, how to better utilize office hours, how to seek help in a proper way, and how to cultivate a professional relationship. Here we have listed some tips for you to keep in mind when approaching professors.

• Address the professor properly. Do not call professors by their first name unless they ask you to do so. ‘Professor’ is appropriate and ‘Mr./Ms.’ is also fine.
• Try to make an appointment. Write a polite e-mail to schedule a time with the professor. This can be a good way to both break the ice before the meeting and guarantee that the professor will be available at that time.
• At the beginning of the meeting, introduce yourself. A self introduction cannot only remind the professor who you are but also be a good opening to start the conversation. Try sentences like ‘Hi! Professor__, thank you for taking the time to meet me. I’m__, a freshman student from _____. I’d like to discuss with you ______.’
• Consider the meeting as a conversation. When the professor gives you advice, listen carefully, ask for clarification if you are unclear about something, ask follow up questions and share your ideas and perspectives. Remember this is not a lecture, you should actively join the conversation so that the meeting will be more efficient and the professor can learn more about you.
• Check with the professor to see what the next step is or if it is necessary to schedule a follow up meeting.
• Before you leave, thank the professor again.

Please be reminded that professors are here to help you. As long as you approach them in a respectful and proper way, they will be more than happy to provide you with guidance. You will soon realize how valuable the suggestions can be and appreciate the opportunities to build connections with professors.