professionalism for students because “being a student” isn’t an excuse anymore…

Molly M. OsmonThe Ohio State University Class of 2012

B.A Strategic Communications, Public Policy

Professionalism for StudentsBecause “Being a Student” isn’t an Excuse Anymore…

Student Ambassador Leadership Program Columbus State Community College

Objectives

1What is Professionalism? 2 3


Discover the Challenges

College Students face with

Professionalism

Discuss the key topics regarding professionalism

Objectives

4 5Define Specific Problems within

SALP and address them

6Briefly touch on moving

from student to YP


Discuss Key Ways to Improve Your

Professionalism and Combat these

Challenges

WHAT IS PROFESSIONALISM?


Demonstrating the highest level of respect, dignity, and integrity for your co-workers,

work environment, and superiors at all times.

Professionalism Is….


Qualities of a Professional

• Knowledge and skills of a profession– What is a profession?

• Anything you receive money for• SA’s…can you be considered a professional? • What about lifeguards, waiters, sales associates?

• Pride in your profession• Accountable to your work• Commitment to self-improvement of skills and

knowledge• Honest and dependable, committed, team player


A Professional:

• Is well-mannered• Is punctual • Takes initiative • Completes any task with the utmost

proficiency • Behaves accordingly in work-related situations • Adheres to company culture

– Attire, appearance, languageStudent Ambassador Leadership Program

Columbus State Community College

A Non-Professional:

• Is irresponsible• Is late • “Cuts Corners” • Disregards company culture

– i.e. dress code • Is ill-mannered


Are you a Professional?


Test Time!

1. Do you live up to your commitments?

2. How do you behave with others, your peers, Seniors, Heather?

3. Do your managers (the seniors/Heather) see you in the “right light?”

4. What’s your integrity level?

5. Do you truly have all the skills required to be successful at your job?

6. Do people, your co-workers ,make comments on the way your attitude, job

performance, behavior?

7. Is your work environment messy or organized?

8. Are you ever late wearing the wrong clothes to events, meetings, etc.? Student Ambassador Leadership Program


KEY TOPICS OF PROFESSIONALISM


Areas of Focus• Communication and Office Relationships

– Formal vs. informal – Gossip

• Conflict– Aggressive vs. passive aggressive

• Appearance and Behavior– Manners – Hygiene – Office etiquette

• Use of Technology– E-mail – Cell phones Student Ambassador Leadership Program


Communication • The way you communicate with your co-workers is very

important! • Be Formal…this is not always a must, but when speaking to a

superior it is absolutely expected. • If someone gives you their name, remember it. • Leave the bad habits at home. Don’t swear or make inappropriate

comments when speaking to someone. • Make sure you listen when people are speaking to you, and

remember what they say!


When it comes to conversations at work follow this rule of thumb…

Cubicle Talk


Avoid the 4 B’s

• Bucks

• Booze

• Beliefs

• Boys (or babes for you gentlemen)

*Note: Some work environments are more laid-back than others, but know your boundaries and more importantly know your co-workers first!


Office Relationships • It is perfectly acceptable to be friends with

and see your co-workers outside of work. • However….

– Don’t bring what is going on “outside the office” to work.

– It can affect your job performance, and WILL be apparent to your co-workers.


Office Gossip

• Avoid it! • Easier said than done, right?• Some things are just too good to

keep to ourselves….but gossip hurts, and there’s a good chance it may not even be true.

• Be aware of the line “I heard this from a very reliable source.”

• Remember: Rumors ALWAYS go full circle.

• Gossiping is never professional. Becky from Accounting did what!?

OM

G di

d yo

u he

ar?!


Conflict • When conflict arises, the best thing to do is address it in

an appropriate manner – Always go to that person FIRST before ANYONE else.

• Always be respectful of your co-workers.

and avoid burning your bridges with them. You never know when you must rely on them in the future!

• Office politics is unavoidable. – However, do not let people undermine you or draw you into

arguments. Student Ambassador Leadership Program Columbus State Community College

Appearance and Behavior• Hygiene is key

– Take time to prep yourself before work each day. – Use cologne or perfume sparingly. Not everyone

enjoys your favorite scent! • Manners matter at work

– Good manners facilitate good working relationships and enhanced efficiency.

• It is important to be a good steward of office etiquette. Student Ambassador Leadership Program


Office Etiquette Musts

• These are universal truths!• Ask before you borrow anything. • Never Snoop! • Be respectful and courteous of other’s

space. • The kitchen is sacred

• Don’t steal food.• Clean up after yourself.

• Keep your personal work space clean! • For many people, it is difficult to work in a

messy or unorganized environment. • Especially important if you share a

workspace. • Studies show that individuals are twice as

productive in a “clutter free” environment.

Technology, Technology, Technology

• E-mail – Understand the difference between “To” and

“CC.” – Keep messages brief and to the point. – Don’t discuss multiple subjects in a single

message.– Reply in a timely manner.– Be mindful of your tone.– Don’t overuse “reply to all.”– Don’t overuse the “high priority” flag.– Don’t write in ALL CAPS.– Remember that company e-mail isn’t private! – Use a signature with your contact information.– Use your spell-checker.– Re-read your e-mail before you send it.

• Cell Phones – ALWAYS silent them when in meetings,

etc. – Never answer during a meeting or any

other official work function. (such as SA events)

– Keep conversations in the open appropriate

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES STUDENTS FACE WITH PROFESSIONALISM?


Our Pitfalls• Not enough training

– We don’t know better• No role models• School is not the workplace, so why pretend like it is? • Everyone else is doing it • No one to say “that’s not right”• Technology may have a small part to play (is being gen Y to

blame? – What do you think?– http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/technology/Articles/Pages/Tec

hnologyErodingProfessionalism.aspx


http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/technology/Articles/Pages/TechnologyErodingProfessionalism.aspx

http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/technology/Articles/Pages/TechnologyErodingProfessionalism.aspx

WHAT CAN WE DO TO COMBAT THESE CHALLENGES?


• Seek out a professional mentor in your intended field.

• Start being your own example.

• Start treating school like the workplace…become a “upcoming young professional” as opposed to just a “student.”


Practice Makes Perfect:Starting in the Classroom

• Turn in work on time• Only turn in quality work• Interact politely with professors and other students• Interact productively in class discussions and group projects• Pay attention in class • Don’t miss class unless you have a good reason, and be on time• Don’t make excuses, and take responsibility for poor work or

missed deadlines• Don’t just do the minimum…go that extra mile! • Don’t complain that the work is too hard or too much


Start Practicing by Doing the “Real Thing”

• Try to get as many experiences as you can in the “real world” before graduation – Complete an internship– College WILL NOT prepare

you for your job! – Network with as many

professionals as you can, and get all the advice they are willing to give.

– Learn, learn, learn! Student Ambassador Leadership Program


Getting a head start on honing these skills already puts you ahead of the game…because survey says your peers won’t be ready…


Employers are not Happy…• Researchers at the Center for

Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania continue to find that students aren't making the grade as professionals in the workplace, says an annual nationwide survey on the state of professionalism among young workers.

• In 2010, 38% of respondents felt that less than half of all new graduates exhibited professionalism in the workplace. Student Ambassador Leadership Program


MOVING FROM STUDENT TO YOUNG PROFESSIONAL


NOT an Easy Transition…

• Some Tips– Try to get on a regular

schedule as a student– Though class schedules

change…try to get used to waking up earlier, following a set study schedule, etc.

The Collision of Two

Worlds…

When you Land that First Job or Internship…

• Take a deep breath• They chose you for a reason…now

show them everyday WHY they did• If you have a question, ASK

– You aren’t expected to know everything– You are better to ask and do it right the

first time, than do it wrong and have to re-do it


You WILL make mistakes…that’s okay. This is a learning process, and no one expects you to be perfect!


SALP…WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES WITH PROFESSIONALISM?


Key Ones • ONE office

– Easy to step on each other’s toes and annoy one another

• Not taking your position seriously enough– Remember you literally are the

“face of Columbus State”• Everyone is young and a

student • Working together closely

creates friendships – That’s OKAY, but at the end of

the day you are still co-workers– Must maintain a certain sense

of professionalism at the stake of your workplace and fellow co-workers

– This also makes it easy to gossip about one another


RACHEAL IS QUITTING SALP…SAY WHATTTT!!!!!!!

WORKING AGAINST THESE CHALLENGES


Avoiding these Pitfalls: Making your SALP Experience Great!

• Don’t treat the office like it’s your bedroom.– Definitely okay to be comfortable, but remember its still

your workplace– Take your things home

• Build a relationship with your co-workers based on trust, honesty, and respect.

• Even if you don’t like one another…you still have to work together. – Find common ground, and relate to each other. – AVOID GOSSIPING!

SA Office Etiquette Reminders

Don’t touch what isn’t yours.

Use your best judgment with the printer and copier.

Don’t steal office supplies

Clean, Clean, Clean!

Take messages and leave good notes.

Monitor your noise level.

Refill the printer or copy machine if you are the last to use it.

The “Professional Ambassador”• On time for meetings and

events • Does not miss events without

letting someone know and finding a replacement

• Dresses in the right attire• Treats the office with respect • Treats fellow SA’s with respect • Makes an effort to get to know

other SA’s, Seniors, and Heather• Takes advantage of all

opportunities!


Remember…Professionalism takes Practice!


“Professionalism is not a punishment. It is not an attempt to restrict your freedom, but it is a discipline.”-

Anonymous


QUESTIONS?


What’s Your Message?Thank You!

Student Ambassador Leadership Program


Molly M. OsmonThe Ohio State University Class of 2012

B.A Strategic Communications, Public Policy

E-mail: [email protected]: @mosmon7 http://www.mollyosmon.wordpress.com

More Questions? Get in Touch With Me!


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.mollyosmon.wordpress.com/

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