Starting college as a freshman at UC Berkeley has been a wild ride—exciting, but also pretty overwhelming. Navigating a huge campus, adjusting to classes, meeting new people—it’s a lot to take in. Like many freshmen, I initially thought I had to figure everything out on my own. But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of connecting with professors. It’s not just about getting through classes; it’s about building relationships that can help open doors to new opportunities.

One professor who truly shifted my mindset was Professor Aaron McDaniel at the Haas School of Business. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first reached out, but the guidance and advice I received have made a world of difference. So, this blog is a mix of gratitude to him and a guide for fellow freshmen on why building connections with professors is a game-changer.

Why I Think Reaching Out Matters

When I first got to UC Berkeley, the campus itself was large and overwhelming, and I wasn’t exactly rushing to go introduce myself to my professors. Initially I thoughtI’d wait until I was more “settled,” but that’s not how it works. After hearing about Professor McDaniel’s experience in entrepreneurship and seeing that he’d even been on Shark Tank, I decided to just go for it and reach out.

What I found was that he genuinely cared about helping his students succeed. He shared insights from his own journey, and the advice he gave me has started shifting my mindset on how to make the most of the college journey. I have started to realize professors aren’t just here to teach; they can be real mentors if you let them.

Key Lessons from Professor McDaniel: 

Here are some key takeaways from my interactions with Professor McDaniel for any college students looking to make the most of their experience:

Get Involved in Leadership Roles

Professor McDaniel emphasized the importance of seeking leadership opportunities early on, even when you’re still figuring things out. Whether through student organizations, campus initiatives, or side projects, these experiences help build essential skills. Not only do they prepare you for future challenges, but they also set you apart when it comes to landing internships or jobs down the road.

Seize Every Opportunity

What inspired me most about Professor McDaniel’s journey is his proactive approach. Being on Shark Tank wasn’t just a stroke of luck—it was the result of him taking bold steps and putting himself out there. His advice to “just go for it” really stuck with me. Now, I’m looking for ways to step outside my comfort zone, whether it’s joining a new club, starting a project, or finding internships. These opportunities define your college journey and can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Bridge the Generational Gap

One of the coolest things about Professor McDaniel is how he values the input of his students. He believes education should be a two-way street, where professors share their expertise, but also learn from students’ fresh perspectives. This has made me realize that learning isn’t just about absorbing knowledge, but about contributing your own ideas to the conversation.

Benefits of Building Connections: 

Connecting with professors can totally change your college experience. They’re not just there to teach—they can offer guidance, mentorship, and open doors to opportunities you might have missed otherwise. Whether it’s after class, during office hours, or through an email, small interactions can make a big difference. The support they provide can help in landing internships, pursuing research projects, or even developing your own ventures. Trust me, it’s worth it. 

How to Build Faculty Connections

From my own experience, here are a few tips on how you can build meaningful relationships with your professors: 

• Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out: Professors appreciate students who take the initiative. Whether it’s sending an email, introducing yourself after class, or dropping by office hours, those small steps can lead to big opportunities. 

• Ask for Guidance: Whether you need help with a class project or advice on your career, don’t hesitate to ask. Professors have a wealth of experience and can offer insights that can be incredibly valuable.

• Show Genuine Interest:: Engage with your professor’s work. Ask questions, join discussions, and show enthusiasm for the topics they’re passionate about. This can help build rapport and lead to mentorship opportunities that could shape your future.

A Call to Fellow Freshmen

So, have you had a professor who’s made an impact on your college journey? What lessons have you learned? Drop your stories in the comments, and let’s keep this conversation going. It’s amazing how much connecting with the right people can change your experience, and I’d love to hear how it’s been for you.

By sharing my experience with Professor McDaniel, I hope I can inspire some of you to start reaching out to your professors, too. These connections aren’t just for now—they can have a lasting impact on us as we navigate through the college experience. Let’s make the most of these opportunities together.