A professor bought me a beer at an Adcraft Club event. An acceptable bribe. He invited several students to the program and was talking up one of the students to me.

"He's a brilliant illustrator," the professor said. "You should see his work."

The professor pointed out this "genius" from across the bar. His student was laughing with some woman over a beer. He wasn't coming over to meet me anytime soon. I didn't blame him. She was cute. I wouldn't waste time with me either. So I gave the prof my card. "I'll have him call you," he said.

You know where this is leading. Genius didn't call.

I didn't have a job for his student or any leads, but I would have answered any of his questions. Thing is, every semester, I meet instructors who love to "sell" their students. Do you know those teachers? Are they talking about you? More importantly, are you taking advantage of it?

These instructors are your first important job referral. I said it before, but it needs repeating: Ad jobs are often filled through referrals. And if you are a student with no experience and no contacts, who else is going to speak for you?

So how do you get in that prof's good graces? (Take your mind out of the gutter for a second – I knew you were going to go there.) It helps to be a good student or a likable one. I can't help you there, but you can start by not doing the mad dash out the door when class ends. You've got to start building a rapport. The best instructors don't just complicate your life with exams and papers with ridiculous due dates, they help open doors.

I've stood on the internship soapbox long enough (for now, at least). If you are looking for a summer internship, now is the time to apply. If you're a more "seasoned" professional, who has gone back to school or is looking for a fresh start, internships are ideal opportunities. And if you've been out of school for a while, don't be shy about reaching out to the prof who inspired you in the past. There's no law saying your relationship ends after graduation. (Anyone read "Tuesdays With Morrie?")

Besides, if you're like most of us, you're probably still paying your student loans. You might as well get your money's worth.

Photo courtesy or stock.xchng.