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Find a Business or PersonProfessors 101
MentorsProfessors make for good mentors, especially if you plan to pursue a Master's or Ph.D. Overconfident individuals seem to think that they do not need a mentor but even the most successful business leaders have one person or numerous people that they turn to for advice. Corporate Board of Director members often adopt a mentoring role to many CEOs. Berkshire Hathaway's Warren Buffett is one such example. As you can imagine, other directors are thorns in their side – as they should be to varying degrees. |
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Outgrowing MentorsAt some point, when your goals exceed their scope, you will realize that you have outgrown your mentor. Even worse, your goals may clash with theirs. They may want you to stay to work on your Ph.D. and help them with their research, but you may wish to "turn pro." |
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Professor TipsWhether they know it or not, all professors play a part in students' development. Class clown, class loudmouth or class president, seeking respect from teachers sets the tone for a successful career. After all, in an ideal world, a professor only needs 20% of the class time to spur 80% of class discussions from students. This is an extension of the Pareto principle, a widely used metric that states that 20% of causes will create 80% of the results. |
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Teacher HoursSome of the best tips, advice and guidance are missed out on as students fail to take advantage of teachers' office hours. All professors are required to offer some office hours on top of their regular class hours. Yet the only times that any one seems to take advantage is right before exams, presentations and when papers are due. |
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Teacher TypesNo two professors are alike. In fact, even individual professors seem to go through a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde persona. But the fact remains that business professors ultimately fall into the following profiles. Some may be a combination of different types. |
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Teacher Types: Manager on the ReboundIf ever there was one character whose wings were clipped, this is that person. It is possible that an inflated ego – either from academic or business success – was deflated because of a major setback. This ego has been deflated but they sometimes show off that swagger that made them crash and burn. For the most part, the swagger is still apparent but confidence is low beneath a veil of excess pride. Some may feel intimidated in class so they tend to crush any dissent. This only adds to the frustration of students. |
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Teacher Types: Nervous AcademicThe Nervous Academic This character is just that: a character. What the professor has in academic credits, he lacks in everything else. You get the impression that he crossed over into the business world and was sent packing. As a result, he often loses control and some students may even undermine his authority. But if you cross his path, do not undermine him. You will look like a bully and it could come back to haunt you later on in business. Work with him as an ally and you will reap benefits when it comes time to managing others, building morale and inspiring the troops. |
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Teacher Types: Seasoned ExecutiveThis is the type that either has or still is experiencing success in their profession. They are teaching because this is an extra mandate that they have accepted. They enjoy it and it adds to their credibility. Some may do it for personal gratification, others because it compliments their work. Some are wealthy, others are a financial mess that could use a lesson in money planning from you, but they have some notches on their belt and you have been blessed to have their wisdom for the next semester. Enjoy it; others pay dearly for it. Well, you are too in a way so listen to every word. |
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