Overview: Master the skills to confidently approach professors and professionals through conversation starters, attentive listening, thoughtful questions, and professional follow‑ups to build relationships that lead to academic and career opportunities.
Objectives: Learn to start, sustain, and follow up on professional conversations. Use small talk, active listening, and questions to build connections and turn conversations into opportunities like internships and research roles.
Key points: conversation openers, small talk, networking for opportunities
This module focuses on learning how to initiate, maintain, and follow up on professional conversations in both academic and broader professional settings. Building lasting and meaningful relationships is important whether you wish to network with your professors, explore possible internships or meet professionals at a career event.
You will learn how to initiate conversations in academic and professional settings, employ small talk and active listening to foster new connections, and ask insightful questions. You will also practice how to follow up on a new connection via email in a polished and respectful way. Finally, you will see how these skills can open doors to internships, research opportunities, and early career pathways.
1. Conversation Starters and Small talk
Don’t be afraid to reach out to different professors or professionals. Simple openers can help you spark conversation and connect.
Examples:
‘’Hello, I really appreciated your lecture on social justice. Could you recommend further reading?’’
‘’I am interested in your company’s internship program. Could I ask a few questions about what kind of candidates are you looking for?’’
Best times to engage:
- Office hours and academic events
- Career fairs and networking receptions
- By sending an email
Tips and tricks:
- Don’t be afraid to reach out!
- Ask relevant questions
- Be specific about the context
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Don’t ask questions about what you can easily find online! (administrative stuff, what you can easily find on your university site)
2. Follow up professionally
After a positive conversation, don’t be afraid to send a follow-up email to thank for the professional’s time and insight. It is important to show further curiosity. You can do that by mentioning something specific you discussed and expressing further interest in their work – perhaps you want to get involved with research or a project.
3. Networking for internships and early careers
Internships and early career opportunities often come through informal networking. By building connections with your faculty, alumni, staff, and other students you can find different useful opportunities such as assistantships in different projects, mentorships, or get support for applications and interviews.
‘’Are there any student research or internship positions available in your department?’’
‘’What advice do you have for someone interested in working in your industry?’’
This week’s activity
This week’s assignment is an opportunity to initiate a new connection with a professor after a lecture or a presentation.
1. Identify a class or topic that interests you
2. Draft a short message: Introduce yourself, shortly describe what intrigued you, ask a follow up question or offer to help with a project, use formal language and be consise.
3. Reflect on your experience
4. Send your message with confidence
Key takeaways for this week:
- Small talk opens big doors
- Listening is just as important as speaking
- A well-written formal email can make a lasting impression
- Professors and professionals are people too, by fostering mutual respect and interest, you can develop your network and professional skills