Connecting with professors on LinkedIn can be intimidating, but it’s an excellent way to build your professional network and potentially open doors for research, job, or internship opportunities. When reaching out to a professor on LinkedIn, it’s important to customize your connection request and be thoughtful about what you say in your message. Here are some tips on how to connect with professors professionally and make a good impression.
Do Your Research on the Professor
Before connecting with a professor on LinkedIn, make sure to do some background research. Look at their LinkedIn profile, academic department webpage, and CV/resume to learn about their background, research interests, courses taught, and professional experience. This information will help you customize your connection request and show that you have genuine interest in their work.
Some key things to research include:
- What are the professor’s areas of academic expertise and research focus?
- What classes does the professor teach?
- What is their role in the department or university?
- What industry connections or professional experience do they have?
- Where did they complete their graduate studies?
- What associations, societies, or groups are they involved in?
Doing thorough research shows professionalism and will give you topics for discussion when reaching out.
Mention Any Personal Connections
If you have any personal, academic, or professional connection to the professor, be sure to mention this in your LinkedIn message. For example, if you had the professor in a class, worked with them on a project, attended the same university, or have mutual connections, say so in your intro. Finding common ground builds rapport and gives context for why you want to connect.
Some examples of personal connections you could reference include:
- “I really enjoyed your Intro to Marketing course last semester and appreciate your teaching style.”
- “We both graduated from the University of Michigan – Go Blue! I noticed you also studied economics.”
- “I am working with Professor Smith on a research project and he suggested I connect with you due to our shared interest in labor policy.”
Noting mutual connections or shared experiences gives the professor context for your request and establishes commonalities.
Explain Why You Want to Connect
When reaching out to a professor, clearly explain your reason for wanting to connect on LinkedIn. Don’t just send a generic connection request. Take 2-3 sentences to share your professional interest, academic pursuits, or career goals that relate to their expertise and why you’d like to connect.
Some examples include:
- “I am very interested in behavioral economics and would enjoy learning more about your research in this field. I hope we could connect on LinkedIn so I can follow your latest work.”
- “As someone interested in a career in biomedical engineering, I would appreciate the chance to connect and learn more about your experiences in the industry.”
- “I am pursuing my Master’s in Public Policy and am extremely impressed by your accomplishments in shaping education policy. I would love to connect on LinkedIn as I expand my policy network.”
Flattering the professor’s work and stating your professional interests makes your request more meaningful and personal.
Ask for Advice If Relevant
If you are hoping to get career advice, request an informational interview, or learn about research opportunities, feel free to mention this in your introductory message. Most professors are happy to offer career guidance to aspiring students and professionals in their field.
Some examples of asking for general advice or an informational interview include:
- “I am very interested in a career in academia and would appreciate any advice you have for someone looking to become a professor in this field.”
- “I am hoping to attend graduate school next year in engineering and would love to set up an informational interview to get your insights on the process and how to stand out in my applications.”
- “If you have availability, I would welcome the chance to take 15-20 minutes of your time to learn more about your career path and research. I am exploring options in biological sciences after I graduate.”
Being clear about your request sets appropriate expectations for the type of engagement you hope to have.
Proofread Your Message
Before hitting send on your LinkedIn request, proofread your message for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. Because you are trying to present yourself professionally, typos or sloppy writing can undermine the impression you want to make.
Here are some proofreading tips:
- Read your message out loud to catch any awkward phrasing.
- Check for consistent verb tense and proper pronoun usage.
- Look up any words you are unsure how to spell.
- Have a friend or colleague review your message to get a second set of eyes.
- Pay close attention to the professor’s name spelling and academic title.
Putting care into the writing and accuracy of your message demonstrates your diligence and attention to detail.
Follow Up Politely If Needed
If you don’t hear back from the professor within 1-2 weeks, consider sending a polite follow-up message. Restate who you are, reference your original request, and share continued interest in connecting. However, don’t harass the professor with frequent messages if they do not respond.
Some effective follow-up messages include:
- “Hi Professor Jones, I wanted to follow up on my LinkedIn connection request sent on January 5th. I’m Mackenzie Smith, a senior majoring in Computer Science at State University. I’m very interested in speaking with you to learn more about your cutting-edge A.I. research and career path. I would appreciate the opportunity to connect and build my professional network in the A.I. field. Please let me know if you would be open to this – thank you for your time.”
- “Hello Dr. Garcia, I’m circling back on my earlier message inviting you to connect on LinkedIn. I was in your Quantum Physics seminar last fall and was hoping we could connect so I could follow your research. Please let me know if you received my initial message and would be willing to connect. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you!”
Polite persistence can pay off in getting a response, but don’t keep messaging repeatedly if they do not respond.
Connect With Customized Invite
Finally, when sending your connection request, take advantage of the option to customize LinkedIn’s predefined connection invites. Try to avoid generic invites like “I’d like to add you to my network.” Instead, use a customized message referencing your shared connection, professional interests, or purpose for connecting.
Some examples of customized invites include:
- “Dr. Wilson, I was in your Investments seminar last year and would appreciate connecting on LinkedIn. Please let me know if you are open to this – thank you for your time.”
- “Dr. Patel, As a fellow Michigan alum, I wanted to invite you to connect on LinkedIn. I am very interested in speaking with you to learn more about your public health research and work with the CDC. I look forward to hearing from you!”
Taking the time to customize your invite makes the request more personal and meaningful.
Conclusion
Connecting with professors on LinkedIn is a great way for students and professionals to build relationships, display interest, and gain career insights. By personalizing connection requests, doing thorough research, and following up politely, you can make positive impressions and stand out when reaching out. With these best practices in mind, feel confident connecting with professors and expanding your professional network on LinkedIn.