Advisers...how to approach them?

[Noegenesis]

I've been flipping through Peters' book on graduate school and realize that it's imperative that I find a good advisor in my master's program so I can have a solid LOR for doctoral studies. Now, I have this feeling that unless I'm the top student in my class, I cannot approach this one professor, who is tenured and busy, yet known for being a helpful mentor. I did do well in his class, but I don't feel confident about myself. How do I approach this professor to either conduct an independent study under his mentoring, ask him to support my master's thesis, or ideally, work as his research assistant?

Edited December 30, 2011 by Noegenesis

[Eigen]

Well, first I'd familiarize yourself with his/her work. Then go ask questions about that. Work in the fact that you're really interested in what they do, and you'd love the opportunity to do independent study/RA work for them.

Don't be afraid to approach professors, you need to leave that fear behind in undergrad. You're on track to being a "junior colleague" and need to be able to go talk to them. Most are pretty friendly!

Also, don't let a fear of a bad first impression taint things too much- think about it before you go in, and do your best, but don't let it psych you out.

Some of my best talks with professors have been with those from whom I haven't taken a class, and aren't even in my subfield- but I've needed a piece or two of information in areas which they are experts, and so I've gone to talk to them.

[Noegenesis]

Thanks, Eigen. I'll study my professor's research and hope for the best.