Perhaps in your culture, it is not common to have a personal relationship with your teachers or professors. For example, in Asian cultures, students are taught to be respectful and submissive to professors and have a relatively more formal relationship with them.
In Canada, however, you are encouraged to be engaged with your professors and get to know them. Your relationship with professors in Canada is relatively informal. For example, you can call your professor by their first name without having to mention Sir or Ma’am nor addressing them by their last name.
Why should you develop a good relationship with your professors?
Academic & Learning
Being engaged with your professors helps you understand the subject & theory better. You are encouraged to get in contact with your professors and ask questions after class. Do not be afraid to ask for help and show your interest in the subject!
Career & Networking
Professors can help you beyond achieving academic success. Professors in Canada often have years of experience in the topic that they are teaching. Many of them spent years in the industry before deciding to teach at colleges & universities. Ask your professors for career advice, industry-related questions, or even ask if they can introduce you to someone at companies of your interest.
Mentorship
Forming a bond with your professors, you will get access to informative, helpful guidance as if having a mentor. Because the professors have experience in the field of your interest and they know you personally through classrooms, they are a perfect candidate for you to learn from.
References
Professors want to see you succeed! If you maintain a good relationship with your professors, they will know how you learn & work professionally. Whether you are applying for a job or applying to graduate school, professors are a credible source as a reference – someone who can back you up.
If you have not yet had a conversation with your professor, we recommend starting one! You can also network with your past professors as you are looking for jobs. They want you to succeed and might be able to provide some useful direction or even open up their network to you.
