Diplomessy #5: ChatPhD—A Guide to Winning Over Professors Without Overdoing It

(Photo/Pexels/Man and Woman Having a Conversation/Tima Miroshnichenko)

By Pranav Mehta

One of the greatest perks of grad school is the chance to meet professors who, quite literally, wrote the book on your coursework (and whose names are often listed before “Ph.D” in academic articles). SIPA is no different: office hours are a pilgrimage to some of the most formidable minds in academia and policy-making. These hallowed precincts are home to legends like Joseph Stiglitz, Hillary Clinton, and a host of faculty whose names you’ve already seen cited more times than you can count. But office hours are no casual chat-- they’re your chance to make the most of your time and, ideally, leave with more than just lecture notes. Whether you’re angling for insider scoops, a few bonus points, or just a memorable impression with a professor who may one day write your recommendation letter, every minute counts. To help you maximize the opportunity, let’s look at some classic approaches through the lens of international relations theories—because if we can’t overthink a 15-minute meeting with a Nobel laureate, what are we here for?

Realism: Seize the Power Dynamics

Realists approach office hours the way a bargain hunter approaches a sale: they’re here to get what they need. Nothing more, nothing less. In the realist mindset, the professor holds all the value, and their job is to walk away with as much of it as possible—quickly. To them, these meetings are strictly business; there’s no time for idle chit-chat about “how the semester’s going.” 

What Not to Say: “Professor, let’s get this over with: I need three actionable insights in the next five minutes. Think of this as a strategic briefing.”

Realists respect the professor’s time—but maybe avoid treating it like a military op. Tone it down; you’re asking about policy theory, not coordinating a bank heist.

Constructivism: Create Shared Meaning

Constructivists treat office hours like a first date where you’re pretty sure you’ve found “the one.” To the constructivist, office hours are a chance to build a relationship, not just gather intel. They’re there to discover shared interests, make intellectual small talk, and connect on a deeply meaningful level—whether or not the professor actually has time for it. Constructivists believe office hours are about showing the professor they’re more than just a student; they’re kindred spirits. Just remember, most professors have roughly 300 other bosom buddies they’re trying to meet with, so maybe go easy on the spiritual bond.

What Not to Say: “Your thoughts on development theory? Chef’s kiss. And your passion for espresso? Same. Can I call you Steve?”

Constructivists love finding common ground, but there’s a thin line between bonding and over-familiarity. Just because you both like coffee doesn’t mean you’re soulmates. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t call the President by their first name, maybe don’t try it on the person who decides your final grade.

Liberalism: Seek Mutual Gains

Liberalists view office hours as the ultimate win-win: you’re here to learn, and the professor’s here to share—right? They believe in the power of collaboration and would advise you to treat office hours as a brainstorming session—two minds working together for mutual benefit. To the liberalist mind, office hours are a joint venture. They’re both here to explore new ideas, so they make it clear they’re interested in the professor’s work, not just their grade. 

What Not to Say: “Professor, I’ve got so many ideas! I was thinking, maybe we could turn this project into a dual-authored paper? Or hey, what about a book deal?”

Liberalists believe in mutual gains, but let’s remember that most professors aren’t looking for a junior collaborator. The professor has ideas of their own—and likely won’t want to ghostwrite yours.

Neo-Marxism: Question the System

Neo-Marxists see office hours as a rare opportunity to question the establishment, a chance to bring up systemic academic issues that are rarely addressed. They don’t shy away from the tough questions, though they’re often surprised when the professor doesn’t hand them a megaphone and offer a platform. Just keep in mind that most professors are not looking to dismantle academia in a 15-minute meeting. This approach is high-risk, high-reward, so wield with caution.

What Not to Say: “Professor, I wanted to talk about the inherent power imbalances in academia, particularly office hours. Why are we meeting in your office instead of a neutral space like…a student union?”

Neo-Marxists are critical thinkers, but not every office-hour meeting is an occasion for revolution. Maybe we should wait to propose structural reforms until after we migrate to the new curriculum.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what not to say can mean the difference between an insightful chat and a headline on Columbia Confessions. So, next time, save the revolutions, ghostwriting offers, and sudden declarations of friendship for another day. Keep it just academic enough that you will be welcomed back—and who knows, maybe even remembered as the student who actually kept office hours sane.

Pranav Mehta, CFA (MIA '26) is an International Finance and Economic Policy student. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from New York University Abu Dhabi.