professionalism in college | lionel barzon iii

PROFESSIONALISM IN COLLEGE

LIONEL BARZON I I I | L IONELBARZON. COM | TWITTER. COM/LIONEL_BARZON_3

P R O F E S S I O N A L I S MH O W T O B U I L D A N D MA I N T A I N

I N C O L L E G E


O V E R V I E WA B R I E F

Receive criticism gracefullyBe honestKeep promisesBe assertiveDress for successLearn etiquette



B A C K G R O U N DA Q U I C K

Professionalism is a skill that must be practiced in order to excel inyour career. For many young adults, professionalism is somethingthey have yet to master, unless they were proactive during collegeand honed this skill before graduation. Most people learn throughtrial and error as they begin their careers, but you can get ahead ofthe game with some valuable tips and ideas about professionalismthat many other young adults do not know.



C R I T I C I S MR E C E I V I N G

When you’re starting out in yourcareer, there are some tasks you

won’t do perfectly. Co-workers andmanagers will likely criticize your

work. Most of the time, they’re tryingto help you, so learn to take their

advice with humility and grace. Donot get upset, but think carefully

about where you can improve.



H O N E S T YT H E I MP O R T A N C E O F "HONESTY IS

THE F IRSTCHAPTER INTHE BOOK OFWISDOM. "

–Thomas Jefferson

When you were younger, it was easy to getaway with fudging the truth. You could skipclass and claim you were sick or tell yourparents you were studying, when in reality youspent almost all night partying. While a fib mayseem harmless at work, never do it. Lying has away of catching up with you and in theprofessional world, it can ruin your entirecareer.



YOUR WORDK E E P I N G

Much like being honest, people will value youmore if you show them you follow through

when you give your word. If you promise towork on a project, then do it. If you tell your

manager you can make the early meeting, bethere. Don’t say yes to something you knowyou won’t actually do. The only time you can

shirk these promises is when an actualemergency arises, like your car breaks down

on the way to work or you’re seriously ill.



A S S E R T I V EB E I N G

“THE DIFFERENCEBETWEEN SUCCESSFULPEOPLE AND REALLYSUCCESSFUL PEOPLEIS THAT REALLYSUCCESSFUL PEOPLESAY NO TO ALMOSTEVERYTHING. ”

–Warren Buffett

If you want to advance professionally, you needto stand your ground. Learn how to ask for araise and don’t be afraid to ask for moreopportunities to learn and grow. Put your ideasforward during meetings and ask questions ifyou aren’t sure about a task or a companypolicy. Likewise, don't be afraid to say "no"when the situation calls for it.



E T I Q U E T T EPROPER BUSI NESS

Do yourself a favor and buy one of those books that covers basic etiquette.Nothing can be more mortifying than going to an office dinner (especially with

clients) and realizing you have no idea what you’re supposed to do with theforks. Know how to send a professional email and whether or not a behavior

is appropriate for work. A lot of it will likely be common sense, but manypeople don’t realize the intricacies of etiquette.



T H A N K SP R O F E S S I O N A L I S M I N C O L L E G E


professionalism in college | lionel barzon iii

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