Stepping into college marks not just a change of classroom, but a whole new world of independence, exploration and uncertainty.

Starting my master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Northeastern, I vividly remember spending my first day lost in the maze of Ryder Hall and overwhelmed by the differential equations in my control systems class. It all felt like a leap into the unknown.

Now, two semesters in and halfway through my research project, I’ve found my way in the classrooms that once felt so intimidating. I couldn’t have done this without leaning on an overlooked resource that can make all the difference: my professors.

Oftentimes, students just view professors as people who grade them. The conversation between students after an exam in class is typically, “Do you know what grade you got on the final project? What feedback did you get from the professor?” 

But professors aren’t just here to grade you — they can be mentors, collaborators and door-openers. 

Reaching out to my professors profoundly shaped my path, ultimately reconnecting me with my passion for engineering. I had always wanted to use engineering as a tool to solve environmental problems, but after being burned out by a rigid, compartmentalized curriculum in India — lost in the world of physics and unable to make connections to the environment — I decided to leave my engineering interests behind. 

Everything changed after I transferred to the U.S. to pursue environmental science at Rowan University; it was there that I met Dr. B., an engineering professor. Dr. B. was at one of the Rowan Motorsports Club events to give his all-time favorite lecture on key design failures in the automotive history. As a car enthusiast, I instantly connected with the models he mentioned and the personal anecdotes he shared — especially as an automotive restorer himself. I went on to take an upper-level fluid mechanics course under Dr. B., and his guidance proved to be instrumental in my engineering career today. It gave me the confidence and experience that eventually helped me pursue research at one of the world’s leading oceanographic institutions.

No matter the subject you’re studying, this could be your story too — a professor can help guide you and change your life. One of the most natural ways you can connect with a professor is within the classroom. Often, it begins with taking a course that sparks your interest. When a topic resonates, ask follow-up questions after class or for resources on the topic like I did in my fluid mechanics course. 

For those who aim to make the most of what their professor can offer during the course, visiting professors during office hours is one of the best ways to build a personal connection. Statistics from the National Survey of Student Engagement show that student-faculty interaction is one of the strongest predictors of student engagement, academic success and satisfaction. Also, studies consistently show that students who develop mentoring relationships with faculty are up to 20% more likely to persist in their major and graduate on time. 

If you want a professor’s guidance but aren’t taking their course, Northeastern has programs that can help. The Showcase of Opportunities for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor is a university-wide research showcase that features over 100 professors each year and attracts more than 1,600 students. Alternatively, the Northeastern’s mentorship directory helps you find faculty across disciplines who are actively looking to work with undergraduates, and the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships portal provides research listings, email templates and step-by-step guides for reaching out to faculty. 

Opportunities extend beyond these resources. There are also plenty of co-op mentor networks and student clubs where professors serve as advisors. The support is there — you just have to reach for it.

At Northeastern, I’ve continued cultivating growth-focused relationships with professors across disciplines, which have helped me combine environmental science and mechanical engineering in ways I never imagined possible. I now conduct research in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, working in Amy Mueller’s lab with the Environmental Sensors Group. 

This opportunity grew directly out of conversations I initiated with professors, where I shared how my undergraduate research and work at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution overlapped with my current interests. Professors were the catalysts for my growth, but only because I chose to take the first step.

Taking the initiative to reach out to professors isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most valuable opportunities that can shape your life in meaningful ways. Whether it’s that one class that clicks, a fruitful conversation during office hours or a simple email expressing genuine interest in someone’s work — it can make all the difference.

Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Go out and seek them from those who can empower your journey.

Kriish Hate is a master’s student in mechanical engineering with a concentration in mechatronics. He can be reached at [email protected].

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