Week 3 Professionalism

Week Overview

• Week Focus: Professionalism and Career & Life Planning

• Term: Spring 2025

Important Dates and Events

• Thursday 2/20: WCSA Kick-Off Evening Meeting @ 5 pm in the library

  • Join to kick-off the new Spring trimester

  • Announcements of events, updates, food, treats, and raffle prizes

  • WCSA (Wade College Student Association) is automatically joined by all Wade Students

  • Contact for questions: jmagee@wadecollege.edu

• Upcoming Workshops and Events:

  • 2/25: Vision Board Workshop @ 3:30

    • Contact: dbeaudoin@wadecollege.edu

  • 3/5: DSVC Speaker Event: Never Made, Always Earned (6 pm - 9 pm)

    • Contact: jmagee@wadecollege.edu

  • 3/6: DESERI Handbag Launch Party – Volunteer Dressers Event

    • Contact: jstanford@wadecollege.edu

  • 3/6: FGI Dallas | Scholarship Workshop

    • Contact: jstanford@wadecollege.edu

  • 3/10: Wix Virtual Webinar

    • Contact: jmagee@wadecollege.edu

  • 3/18: Crochet Workshop

    • Contact: dbeaudoin@wadecollege.edu

  • 3/25: Grading Workshop @ 3 pm in FD lab

    • Contact: lchapuis@wadecollege.edu

  • More events to be announced

Important Tasks

• Due: 1st Term Academic Profile Survey

Understanding Professionalism

• Definition of Professionalism:

  • "It's NOT the job you DO, It's HOW you DO the job." - Shiv Khera

Key Attributes Employers Seek in Candidates

• Attributes:

  • Ability to work in a team - 81.0%

  • Problem-solving skills - 79.0%

  • Analytical/quantitative skills - 76.1%

  • Verbal communication skills - 73.2%

  • Written communication skills - 72.7%

  • Initiative - 67.8%

  • Leadership - 67.8%

  • Technical skills - 67.8%

  • Flexibility/adaptability - 65.9%

  • Strong work ethic - 65.4%

  • Computer skills - 59.0%

Essential Career Competencies

• Key Competencies:

  • Active Listening

  • Active Learning

  • Collaboration Skills

  • Critical Thinking

  • Judgment and Decision Making

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Self Awareness

  • Social Perceptiveness

  • Speaking Effectively

  • Time Management

Professionalism in Communication

Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

• Emphasis: Communication is key in professional settings.

• Positive body language is important:

  • Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, smile, use gestures.

  • Avoid slouching, staring, frowning, or fidgeting.

Email Etiquette

• DOs:

  • Use clear subject lines.

  • Include proper greetings and sign-offs.

  • Proofread emails before sending.

  • Respond to emails within 24 hours.

• DON'Ts:

  • Use unprofessional greetings.

  • Send derogatory emails or slang.

Phone Etiquette

• Be professional; avoid casual language.

• Use a professional voicemail greeting.

Key Behavioral Expectations

Dress for Success

• Dress appropriately for events:

  • Business casual for casual events, professional attire for meetings.

Accountability

• Own up to mistakes and be accountable.

• Do what you say you will do; be reliable.

Volunteerism

Benefits of Volunteering

• Develop skills, make connections, and gain hands-on experience.

Before a Volunteer Event

• Prepare by checking emails, having reliable transport, and carrying necessary materials.

Networking Opportunities

Professional Organizations by Major

• Interior Design: ASID, IIDA, NKBA

  • Benefits: Networking, mentorship, scholarships.

• Fashion Design & Development: CFDA, FGI

  • Benefits: Access to industry insights, networking opportunities, educational workshops.

• Marketing & Management: AMA, AIGA, DSVC

  • Benefits: Career resources, competitions, networking events.

• Information Technology: ACM, CompTIA AITP

  • Benefits: Mentorship, career development resources, workshops.

Conclusion

• Practice is essential for becoming professional and career-ready.

Assignments

• Week 3 Participation Quiz: Open for 24 hours after class.

• Career Profile Survey: Due 2/25.

Next Week

• Preview of next topics to be covered.