The relationships you have built with professors can also be fruitful over the long term.

During your first year of coursework, you may have encountered a professor whose work you are interested in. If you performed well in his or her class – i.e., came to class performed, participated in class discussions, visited the professor during office hours and earned an "A" – then you can much more confidently approach the professor and ask if you could assist them with any research projects they may be working on.

As was mentioned earlier, much of being an academic revolves around research. If you are able to work with a professor as a research assistant during your sophomore or junior year then you may be able to gain vital experience in how scholarship is created. You can also build a stronger relationship with the professor, a relationship which could be valuable as you approach the graduate school application process.