By Prof. John DeSpagna
Campus News
As you navigate your way through your college experience, there are many people on campus who can help you have a successful college experience. You have people in many departments such as Admissions, Advisement, Financial Aid, the Academic Departments and so many others. The college community is here to help you have a positive experience and talking to your professors is resource you should take advantage of to help you. Let us take the time to explore some of the benefits of going to talk to your professors during their office hours.
We are here to try and help you. One of the many ways a professor can help is with advisement. We can help you select the right classes for you. You want to take the courses that are required in your major. If you self-advise, you may take courses that will not count toward your major. Some courses also need to be taken in sequence. Maybe you transferred in some credits and we can see if they can be applied to your major. You could also have questions about your current major and maybe it would make sense to change your major.
Your professor has work experience in the area that they teach in. Ask your professor about career options in their field. Selecting a career can be a challenging endeavor with so many options. Ask a professor who has worked in the field they teach in and receive invaluable experience. The professor can help you make a correct career choice. Remember to think about something that you have a passion for when you select a career and that you really enjoy working this particular field.
A college can be very large and you many not know where to go when you have questions. Your professor can help you here as they are familiar with the college and know many people in the college. I frequently mention to students that if they do not know who to ask on campus, ask me and I will get you the answer. This can make you more comfortable at the college.
Internships
Taking an internship can be a very valuable part of your college experience. A professor can assist you in learning about an internship and they can help you select your career path. They can give you insights on how an internship can help you.
A professor can also help you improve your academic performance. They can help you with study tips, explaining the material better and extra help. They can also show you how the Learning Centers of campus can help you.
As you move through college and your career, you are going to need letters of recommendation. Get to know your professor’s so they can help you with a letter of recommendation in your future.
If you do not feel comfortable asking questions in the classroom, you can also ask questions to your professor during their office hours. This may work better for you and you can get the answers of extra help you need.
A professor is also going to encourage you to stay in college. Talk to them about how college is going to help you in your long-term career plans.
Go and talk to your professors to try and get the best possible college experience you can. They are here to try to help you be successful in your future!
Professor John DeSpagna is Department Chair, Accounting and Business Administration, at Nassau Community College.
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