Building Connections with Professors: Exploring Research & Teaching Opportunities
Overview
Building Connections with Professors: Exploring Research & Teaching Opportunities
Date & Time:
Thursday November 5, 2026, 5-6pm
Presenter:
Ping Rochanavibhata
Recommended Audience:
All CAD students, particularly those interested in gaining research or teaching experience, exploring graduate school, or developing stronger professional relationships with faculty members.
Description/Purpose of Session:
Building relationships with professors outside the classroom can lead to valuable learning experiences, professional development, mentorship, and future career opportunities. However, many students may not know how to approach professors, what opportunities are available, or how to get involved.
This interactive workshop will help students explore ways to connect with faculty members beyond their coursework, with a particular focus on getting involved in research and becoming instructional aides (teaching assistants).
Students will learn about the benefits of participating in research and teaching, how to identify opportunities that align with their interests, and practical strategies for reaching out to professors. The session will also address common concerns, such as not having prior experience, feeling intimidated about approaching professors, or not knowing what to say.
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognize the benefits of developing relationships with professors outside the classroom, including mentorship, professional development, and future academic and career opportunities.
- Describe ways to get involved in faculty research and serve as instructional aides, including potential responsibilities and skills gained through these experiences.
- Identify professors and opportunities that align with their academic, research, and career interests.
- Develop strategies for initiating professional relationships with faculty members, including attending office hours and writing introductory emails.
- Create an action plan for connecting with at least one professor and exploring opportunities to get involved.
Session Style/Length:
This one-hour interactive workshop will begin with an icebreaker exploring students’ perceptions and experiences of interacting with professors outside the classroom. This will be followed by a brief presentation about the benefits of faculty mentorship and opportunities to participate in research and teaching.
Students will then identify their interests and practice reaching out to professors by drafting a short introductory email. The session will conclude with an open discussion and an opportunity for students to identify concrete next steps.
RSVP for Zoom link: https://sfsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bK2Wf6kkujCNtKm