Business Relationships: Networking with Peers and Professors

Business Relationships:?Networking with Peers and Professors

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Happy Monday?Business Gators!

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Have you ever needed a?recommendation?letter, but just didn’t have a relationship with any of your professors and don’t feel confident asking? Or do you always see the same students in the Heavener Commons and on LinkedIn, but never made a personal connection? If you answered yes to either or both questions, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there!?

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The importance of networking with professors and peers can often be overlooked and overwhelming. Most often, we associate networking with professional connections, such as during in Career Week or at tabling events. But that isn’t always the case! Building a professional and working relationship with your professors and peers has many benefits, especially when it comes to asking for that recommendation letter!?

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Networking with Peers

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First, it is important to network with your peers because, like you, they’re students. This is the most relatable crowd to connect with – we’ve all been through or going through those same accounting and finance classes! Putting yourself out there and connecting with your classmates and acquaintances from organizations helps you to diversify your thought process and learn more. By building trust, friendship, and a professional relationship, you are opening the door to their network and potential opportunities in the future.?

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Some ways to get connected with peers starts in the classroom and?with?involvement in extracurricular organizations.?Getting to know the students in your classes helps you to form friendships,?find?study groups, and most importantly, build?your network. Next, joining on-campus organizations exposes you to students across all business disciplines?and gives you the opportunity to learn from them and their experiences.?

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Networking with Professors

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Next, it is important to network with your professors because, like you, they’re humans.The professors here at UF work tirelessly to provide their students with applicable and relevant content and assignments for your learning. Therefore, it is worth the time to get to know your professor, not only to aid in your learning, but to make a professional connection. Additionally, professors have real-world experiences and successful careers in their field of expertise. With that background, professors have a network of connections with people who may help you in the future.?

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To build a connection with your professors, attend office hours, participate in class, and?ask questions! It is most advantageous to get to know your professor and allow your professor to get to know you. This way, they will be more invested in your learning and success post-graduation, offering their resources when applicable.?

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All in all, building your interpersonal skills while in school gives you good practice for when you head off into the ‘real-world’,?post-graduation.?Forming your own network of professional connections starts right here in?the school of business?by taking the time to get to know your professors and socializing with your peers.?Who knows what opportunities it may lead to!?

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For more information and tips on how to build professional relationships?with your peers and professors, make an appointment with a CAP or BCS Coach! All appointments and availabilities are available on Hire Warrington, using this link:?https://warrington-ufl.12twenty.com/Login. We look forward to seeing you!