Professionalism & Workplace Skills

What is Professionalism?

“The conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

This includes the ability to…

  • Act equitably with integrity and accountability to self, others, and the organization
  • Maintain a positive personal brand in alignment with organization and personal career values
  • Be present and prepared
  • Demonstrate dependability (e.g., report consistently for work or meetings)
  • Prioritize and complete tasks to accomplish organizational goals
  • Consistently meet or exceed goals and expectations
  • Have an attention to detail, resulting in few if any errors in their work
  • Show a high level of dedication toward doing a good job

NACE: Career Readiness Defined from National Association of Colleges and Employers

Alternative terms to professionalism: Workplace etiquette/skills, career maturity, organizational citizenship, professional identity/presence, work ethos, workview (from Life Design framework) [source Ohio State University presentation/NACE session on professionalism] 

  • Note: Cultural practices may influence (understanding of) professionalism
  • Alternative terms to soft skills: Core competencies, essential skills, human skills, transferable skills, power skills 

Understand practices, competencies, and communication expectations surrounding professionalism:

Strong professionalism has been found to be key in workplace success both in how work is conducted and how you continue the relationships within that workplace.  

Here are 10 ways you can develop and practice professionalism:  

  1. Be productive
    Use your time productively at work.  Focus on your job responsibilities. Avoid getting pulled into personal matters such as social media, personal email and your phone.  
  2. Develop a professional image
    Project a professional presence and dress appropriately for your industry and organization.  A good rule of thumb is to dress in the position you aspire to have. 
  3. Take the initiative
    Ask for more projects to be given to you or think of assignments that will meet your organization’s goals.  You don’t want to be under-utilized. 
  4. Manage your time efficiently
    Establish priorities, set goals and create action plans to meet deadlines. Follow up and follow through with your supervisor and team members. 
  5. Demonstrate integrity
    Be accountable for your work and actions while behaving ethically at all times. 
  6. Be a problem-solver
    When you run into problems and obstacles take the time to brainstorm a few solutions and alternatives before you meet with your supervisor. 
  7. Be resilient
    Develop coping skills to manage setbacks and challenges with a positive and constructive attitude. 
  8. Communicate effectively
    Practice professional on-line, in person and interpersonal communication skills. 
  9. Develop self-awareness
    Learn to manage your emotions and gain awareness of your emotional triggers so you can manage your reactions positively and productively.  Accept and reflect on feedback to assist as you learn and grow. 
  10. Build relationships
    Network with colleagues, customers and clients to build professional cordial relationships, work on teams and collaborate effectively. 

Source: https://career.vt.edu/develop/professionalism.html 

Please contact Allison Binkley, Director of Career, Alumni, and Employer Engagement and/or Shauna Hines-Farmer, Assistant Director of Career, Alumni, and Employer Engagement, with any questions regarding your career planning and development on the above topics and/or anything else related to your career and professional development.