Has this ever happened to you? You're in a class that you may or may not like. However, you take the class because it's a requirement. The professor's lectures are interesting, but when class is over, you are out of there and on to your next class or where ever.

Big mistake! Most students unknowingly rob themselves of making top grades by immediately leaving when the class ends. They don't know that their professor would prefer that they stick around and ask questions or get additional information. Getting to know your professors outside of the classroom will prove to be one of the surest paths to making better grades.

Here is why:

When you ask a question or ask for further clarification after the lecture, you will get the information you need to help you better understand the material. Often times the professor will give you resources and suggestions that will not be mentioned during the lecture. But that's not the real reward. The gold medal is that the professor has the opportunity to see your interest and enthusiasm for the subject matter. That insight is priceless to you because you are now on the professor's radar in an extremely positive light.

But let's assume you understand everything, and you really don't have questions or you don't need clarification. This technique will still work for you in the same way. It will demonstrate to the professor that you are interested and enthusiastic about the class.

Let me explain why that's important.

You see, it does not matter whether you have questions or need clarification about something you don't understand. That is secondary to your purposes and is almost irrelevant. The key factor to remember is the relationship that you are building with the professor.

Here is where this will benefit you:

Letters of Recommendation

A big advantage of seeing your professors after classes or during office hours is that the professor gains insight into how dedicated, enthusiastic and how hard you are working in the class. This will be an important factor when it comes to grading your work, because the professor is more inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt and to give you credit for your effort. On the other hand, those students who don't get to know their professors leave the professor with no way of knowing how hard they worked or if they are interested in the material. As a result, they are not given the benefit of the doubt.

Graduate School

Another way this relationship with your professor will help you is you apply for internships, jobs, or graduate school. More than likely, you will need letters of recommendations from your professors. If they know you as more than just a "face in a crowd," they can write more substantive better letters for you.

Networks

Additionally, your professors can help you tap into professional communities in your field or even find an internship or a job. I often receive information from various sources looking for qualified students. When I do, I pass them along to students with whom I have developed great relationships.

Of course, there are some professors who may be more approachable than others. Whether they are or not, if you show interest and enthusiasm for the class and the professor, you will do much better than those students who do not go that extra mile.