Finding people to write you impressive recommendation letters for graduation is something next to impossible in college. It’s the I-want-to-punch-someone frustration that makes you impatient; the furthest you thought ahead was weekend plans, let alone a reputable relationship with your professor that will help you find a better job or a successful career. Well, kids, it’s time to get you back in the game. I interviewed some of the prestigious faculty of LPU to help students prepare for their careers after graduation with killer recommendation letters.
Firstly, I’m going to honestly put out one thing. As we are attending one of the largest universities in our country, it is very tempting to skip out of the class of 400 students to have a chocolate shake. But the more chocolate shakes you skip class for, the less are your chances of getting a recommendation letter from your professor. “Raise your hand, share your ideas and participate,” said Vishwadeep Nirman, Assistant Professor at Department of Journalism.
Secondly, when professors reserve two or three hours of their time and call it the office hours for students to visit, it’s not just for fun. This is actually a time given to the students to develop a student-teacher relationship. “I was always the one for office hours, staying after class to talk to my professors and learn from them,” said Amit Singh, a second-year student at Mittal School of Business.
Also, keep your interactions genuine. Don’t just chase your teachers for a piece of paper during the last days of your graduation. They’ll know that you are being selfish and they may never give you one. On the other side, don’t be the teacher’s pets too. Be friendly but not too much. Professors can spot obsequious coming down the hall.
Lastly, when you are finally asking your professor, ask professionally. Equip them with all the resources they may need and sit by them if possible when they are drafting your letter. Keep in mind that if you ask a professor who is from the same field as it will be an additional benefit. Give them time and don’t bug them until they are ready to hand it over. So, you have to make sure you start this process a few days early before the deadline.
When all is done, show your gratitude and have a conversation thanking them for all they have done for you. Send them a thank you note, shower words of grace and don’t ignore them when you’re out of your debt. Keep in touch, even when you are climbing steps in your career.
