4 Reasons to Get Close to Seniors and Lecturers — and 4 Ways to Do It
I added seniors on FB even before I entered FSKTM, because I very kiasu (scare to lose). Actually… no la, it is just that I was really excited about university, and I deeply believe that getting close to seniors will definitely be beneficial to help me get through university.
And it did help, I have seniors to “bring me fly” for 2 years in FSKTM.
They brought me to go competitions and won, they gave me a lot of knowledge that I can’t learn In class. They have also been lighting up the road right in front of me, and giving me a lot of good (and bad :P) advices.
Here are a few notable advices you could get from seniors:
1. Advices on choosing lecturers and classes
There is no “one-size-fits-all” lecturer. Every lecturer has their own teaching style and lecture material, and varies greatly on the 3 learning dimensions of visual, auditory, and kinesthetics. By asking seniors whom attended the lecturers’ classes, you will know which lecturer will be best suited for your learning style.
2. Advices on internships
You will know which company to avoid, and which are highly recommended by just asking them. This could help you to avoid attending to 6 whole months of unproductive internships. Plus, you could know your dream company better and be well prepared for their technical tests and interviews.
Here’s how to get close to seniors, listed below are the proven methods I’ve tried.
1. Connecting Through Facebook Chat
Not everyone can talk but everyone can chat. I first knew Yap Yee King (a legendary senior graduated long time ago) and Sina through Facebook Messenger. Most seniors are really friendly and helpful. They are also very willing to give you amazing advices.
2. Hunting in Student Centre
Thanks to the great management of FSKTM on student centre. Every year, there is a renovation to make it a really comfortable place for study, fruitful discussions and sleep — but try your best to avoid the last. Student Centre is a really good place to hunt for seniors that are working on their projects. Talk to them, ask what the heck are they doing on their computer, and absorb every knowledge they gave.
For lecturers though, it’s a little more challenging to get close to. Firstly, lecturers normally have higher amount of workload and responsibility compared to seniors, and secondly, you don’t usually see lecturers on Facebook and in Student Centre.
Personally for me, I found these 2 ways are worth trying:
1. Hunting from siswamail.
You could search for “FSKTM” or “Part-Time Research Assistant” as a start. There are a lot of lecturers finding students to assist on their researches and projects.
2. Emailing the lecturer directly.
You could easily find a lecturer’s email by Googling “umexpert LECTURER’S_NAME_HERE”. When you’re writing the email, always have a clear intent, clear formatting, short and concise with a formal tone so that it is easier for the lecturer’s eye and mind. Lecturers from FSKTM are known to be very responsive to emails, but they are busy as well. Like writing any letters, we should always be thinking from the reader’s perspective, and get to the point quick and politely.
With the lecturers’ guidance, you could:
1. Rise to even greater heights.
If seniors fly you up the sky, lecturers can fly you to the moon. With years of experience in the field, lecturers have met so much stuff and professionals. They have experienced even more successes and failures compared to students. Thus, they would know a good path for your future by just having a small talk to you.
2. International level opportunities.
You may even be exposed to international level postgraduate and career opportunities. We should be really grateful that there are lecturers in FSKTM are internationally well-recognised. With the connections they have, combined with your hard work, you could really be changing your future career life.
The thing about seniors and lecturers is that you get to choose which one to get close to, and you can easily stalk seniors on Facebook to pick your kind of senior.
❤ And as long as we have a humble heart, and we’re treating people with respect and politeness, we could talk to anyone.
