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Professionalism Basics

The document provides tips for establishing and maintaining a professional image and identity. It emphasizes the importance of being on time, following through on commitments, taking responsibility for your actions, and maintaining professional conduct in all interactions including email and social media. The document also discusses appropriate dress, etiquette, and topics of conversation for professional settings like interviews, meetings, and internships.

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106 views

Professionalism Basics

The document provides tips for establishing and maintaining a professional image and identity. It emphasizes the importance of being on time, following through on commitments, taking responsibility for your actions, and maintaining professional conduct in all interactions including email and social media. The document also discusses appropriate dress, etiquette, and topics of conversation for professional settings like interviews, meetings, and internships.

Uploaded by

api-509009334
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mr.

Justin Tucker
 Your professional image is the set
of qualities and characteristics that
represent perceptions of your
competence and character as
judged by your key constituents
(i.e., clients, managers, professors,
colleagues).
 Recognizing that other peoples time is as
valuable as yours (being on time, cancelling
appointments or meetings ahead of time if you
cannot make them)

 If you have chosen to attend a class, meeting,


conference, presentation--pay attention.
 Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Follow through is
important!
 If you are unable to meet a project goal or other
expectation let those involved know the new timeline and
that you are working on it. Don’t just ignore.
 Take responsibility for your behavior—successes and
failures.
 Every interaction you have with a potential employer/
grad school/professional reference counts!

 What does your email address, voice mail, cell phone


ring, email content say about you?

 Think about every point of contact a professor,


employer, graduate school may come into contact
with you.

 You should be using a professional email (your WSU


email) and professional tone in emails with your
professors – they are your references!
 Invest in one good interviewing outfit if you are applying to
jobs or graduate schools.
 Even if the workplace is very casual you should still dress
conservatively and professionally for the interview.
 Maintain professional body language.
(Don’t slouch, bite your nails, pick at your hair, skin and/or outfit constantly…)
What’s appropriate?
 When you recognize someone and
he/she does not recognize you.

 When attending a gathering,


business or social. (for example the
career fair)

 When seated next to someone

 When the person


Introducing you does
not remember your name.
 Good eye contact

 Firm Handshake

 Practice introducing yourself-have


a “one minute commercial” about
yourself and your goals that you
tell potential employers
 List accomplishments—paid, unpaid,
work, education, life, experiences…

 List your most important skills and


strengths…

 What are you interested in doing?


Internships, job openings, company
information…

 Tie these aspects together to create a


consistent message about who you
are.
 Monopolize the conversation
 Say negative things about a
person, company or product
 Gossip
 Use profanity
 Tell lots of jokes or use sarcasm
– remember these people don’t
know you yet and may not
realize you are joking
 Talk about controversial issues
 Join related student groups
and professional
organizations

 Attend events made


available to you

 Use your student status


while you can—provides
entry into a lot of
opportunities.

 Talk to people you know

 Complete informational
interviews

 Complete an INTERNSHIP!!

 Volunteer

 Job Shadow
Establishing your professional identity
 Be sure to clarify expectations of the internship with you supervisor.

 Ask about the office culture around use of cellphones and internet
use – personal email/facebook.

 Dress appropriately for the office. Don’t be too casual or informal.

 Even if the environment is casual you still need to keep your


conversation and dress at a more professional level compared to
being on campus.

 Don’t overshare about your personal life!


 What are the top qualities
employers are looking for? Which
areas do you excel in?

 What are the items that often get


new professionals in trouble.

 What is going to be the most


difficult adjustment for you?
 Unethical behavior

 Lack of
motivation/work ethic

 Inappropriate use of
technology

 Failure to follow
instructions

 Late for work and late


assignment
 Perspective
 Show and Tell
 Organizational Savvy
 Technical Competence
 Cognitive Abilities

 Taking Initiative
 Networking
 Self-Management
 Team Effectiveness
 Leadership
 Followership
How do I deal with problems or communication break downs at work/internship?
 If you are upset by an interaction at work, give yourself some time to calm down
and think before taking action.

 On the other hand don’t let something build up for months and then have a melt
down!

 Don’t gossip about your annoyance or problem with other co-workers. This will only
increase the problem.
 Always best to start communicating directly with the
person you are having a problem with. Don’t go above
his/her head first.

 When you are calm and have something prepared to


say approach co-worker in private.

 Keep in mind the person could have no idea you are


frustrated. Approach with the benefit of the doubt if
possible.

 Have concrete examples of the problem.


 If a problem continues then
approach a supervisor or suggest
you both present the issue to
supervisor.

 Remember to be professional—not
personal. Conflict resolution in the
workplace is different than among
family and friends.

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