Professionalism is a career readiness competency that will broadly prepare you for success in the workplace. It means that you possess the knowledge that work environments differ greatly, understand effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
Ways to develop professionalism
Personal interactions
As you engage with potential employers and other contacts, be thoughtful about your interactions:
- Relationships: Do more than just make a digital connection. Initiate conversations, personalize outreach messages, and try to identify mentors who can help you navigate your career journey.
- Integrity: The way in which you conduct yourself matters. Act equitably with accountability to yourself and to others.
- Appearance: Look the part. Wear business attire to interviews and be knowledgeable about the company dress code. Non-verbals such as a firm handshake, good posture, and strong eye contact also convey professionalism and confidence.
As a job applicant
Look for opportunities to demonstrate your professionalism in CVs/resumes, interviews, and applications:
- Resumes: Include the ways you have sought out professional development opportunities.
- Skills: Highlight teamwork, problem-solving, communication and other key competencies you have developed.
- Interviews: Discuss how you go above and beyond, how you have learned from mistakes, and how you have intentionally tried to grow your skills and knowledge.
Online
Employers will be looking at candidates online, so it’s important that your profiles show a positive image that reflects your career values:
- Tone: Ensure that your profiles and posts are appropriate for the workplace. Employers will be looking for signs of maturity, responsibility, and good judgement, so anything that is inappropriate or questionable can harm your chances of receiving a job offer.
- Accuracy: Make sure all your profiles are honest and up-to-date. Abandoned platforms and inconsistent messaging can distract from the professional image you are trying to convey.
- Platforms: Utilize e-portfolios, websites, and LinkedIn to create a professional online image. Be aware that recruiters will review other social media accounts to get a full picture of who you are.
- Engagement: Respond to messages, comments, and invitations in a timely manner.
Classes and student organizations
Your experience in and outside of the classroom presents opportunities for you to build professionalism:
- Attendance: Regularly attend classes and participate in discussions.
- Respect: Entertain diverse perspectives and opinions and learn from them.
- Network: Join professional associations related to your major and/or career goals.
- Reflect: Review the learning outcomes on your syllabi and talk to faculty about how you are developing professionalism in your classes and assignments.
On the job
Whether you are a part-time employee, intern, or full-time hire, look for intentional ways to build professional skills and experiences:
- Dependability: Be present and engaged. In a digital age where texts, alerts, earbuds, and other devices compete for your attention, show a high level of dedication toward doing a good job.
- Expectations: Demonstrate a high level of personal responsibility by meeting and exceeding goals and expectations.
- Organizational culture: Note the customs and attitudes of employees and managers as well as the company values and mission which drive decisions.
- Work habits: Show your commitment to the job by prioritizing tasks to accomplish goals. Maintain attention to detail to minimize errors.
