Plan Your Next Move: Need Suggestions?

Not sure what your plan should look like? Consider these suggestions! 

Decide when and where to get the support you need. It’s important to prepare before you meet with someone. Know a little bit about the person you’re meeting with and their job or role. Read their website if they have one, and come up with some specific questions related to your goal or goals to keep the conversation going.

If you’re exploring your major or career interests, you could ask:

• What do students usually do with a degree in this major after graduation?
• What kinds of classes or experiences helped you know this field was right for you?
• Are there any classes in this department you think everyone should try, even if they’re undecided?
• What skills do students build in this major that are useful in other careers?
• Can you tell me about your own path—how did you choose this field?

If you want a professor to mentor you in research or a thesis, visit their website and learn as much as you can about them and their work before approaching them. That will prepare you for good questions like:

• I read about your work on X topic and found it really interesting. Do you think the findings would also apply to X? 
• Can you tell me about any projects that undergraduates might be able to participate in? 
• Can you tell me about your own path—how did you choose this field?

 If you’re trying to do better in class or build academic skills:

• What’s the best way to approach studying for your exams or writing papers for this class?
• Are there common mistakes you’ve seen students make in this class that I should avoid?
• Would you be willing to look over a rough draft or outline before I turn in the next assignment?
• Do you have any advice for balancing this class with other responsibilities?

 If you’re trying to prepare for careers after college:

• Do you know of any research opportunities or internships related to this subject?
• What kinds of jobs or grad programs do students from this major typically go into?
• How can I get experience in this field before I graduate?
• If I’m interested in grad school, what would you recommend I start doing now?

If you’re just trying to build a relationship:

• What inspired you to teach this subject?
• Are there any books, podcasts, or articles you’d recommend if I want to learn more about this subject?
• Can I follow up with you if I have more questions later in the semester?