Professionalism for Sale
February 26, 2008
What is professionalism? Wouldn’t it be great if you could buy it in a book, find it on the Internet or take it in pill form?
While trying to find myself over the past 3.5 years, I have transformed from a student into a young professional-in-training by taking several critical steps, mostly without even knowing. By becoming more professional in school situations, I have felt more prepared to enter the working world. Here are a few ways I have tried to become a young professional-in-training while still in college:
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Having a mindset of a professional. Go to work, the library and class to get school work done. Set aside other times for socialization on or off campus. Meet with other students to work on group projects in a professional manner. Write e-mails to professors and peers in a timely manner.
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Asking questions and listening. Knowledge is power.
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Dressing the part. Sweatpants are for the gym and sleeping.
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Finding a job or internship. Having a job or internship on or off campus requires the time management that is necessary for success in college and the working world. Jobs and internships allow students to gain technical and interpersonal skills.
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Following the “24 hour rule”. Aim to get major assignments done at least a day in advance. This will leave time for editing or review, both in school and on the job.
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Getting there early. Follow the old “if you are five minutes early you are on time, if you are on time, you are late” adage.
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Having confidence. College is usually a welcoming community. Take advantage of everything your school has to offer, you may gain skills, knowledge and friendships.
I think of professionalism as a mindset that can be practiced in college. By taking simple steps to change our mindsets while in school, hopefully the transition into the real world will come easier during our first”real” job.
What else do you think college students can do to prepare for the working world?
-Carla
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1.
jwschiff | February 26, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Great blog, ladies. I think you also give some really sound advice in this post.
Based on my own experience, I’d also say that going to school in a city can really accelerate your ability to prepare yourself for the real world. In general, there are more job/internship opportunities and the college environment tends to be a little less bubble like, which forces you to “grow up” a bit.
I see you all go to JMU! I’m a Gen. Y professional in the DC area, glad to have made contact.
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kg | February 26, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Good advice. But it sounds exhausting! You asked for more advice on how to prepare for the working world? Well, have a good strategy in place for: “What to do with and how to prepare for rejection. Always have plans “B” AND “C” in your back pocket, even when things are going well.” And remember, sweat pants are also for other things besides the gym!! Loosen up and have a little fun! Be goofy and read “Ruminations” by Aaron Karo. That’ll prepare you for the “other” animal you will meet in the working world….the single guy! Oh yeah, watch “Office Space” religiously.
3.
Mary C | February 27, 2008 at 7:36 am
Hi Carla and the other “life before noon-ers,”
I think the blog is a terrific idea. Carla- I really enjoyed this bit of advice and its definitely something I’ve been thinking about since returning from NYC.
Keep up the great work everyone and I’ll be sure to pass this blog along to my ‘network.’
Mary
4.
Ryan Healy | February 27, 2008 at 9:08 am
Hey guys, I love the blog. You’re definitely on to something by trying to “train” to be a professional while in college. Be careful though, you only get those 4-years once in a lifetime. You’ll definitely be one step ahead if you start preparing for the real world now, just don’t try to grow up too fast!
Keep the good posts coming.
-Ryan
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carlablumenthal | February 27, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Thanks for the comments everyone!
I agree college is a time for growth, and for fun.
@ jwschiff- I think choosing the college that is the right fit is best. I love the city life and there is definitely more opportunity for professional growth. For me personally, a combination of internship and externship experience in the city and suburban college life has been enjoyable. Popping that “college bubble” is necessary, however.
@ kg- Back up plans are vital. I can attest to that.
@ Mary- Thanks for reading!
@ Ryan- Hopefully our “training” in school will prepare us for the real world. We will make sure to enjoy our last semester! Thanks for your readership and support!
6.
t h rive | February 28, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Being polite and well-spoken. I think what I like to notice in college students, or even potential co-workers is just plain good speech.
Sure, later on at work you can bust out the “word”, and “fo sho”, I do it often…but first impressions call for the opposite. And not so much that it’s fake – you’ve still got to be yourself.
7.
TwentysomethingThirty | February 29, 2008 at 2:10 am
Good post guys/gals ! I think it’ll be helpful to prepare other college graduates for their professional career down the road. I considered myself a pretty disciplined students, did internships and all that, and I tell you it’s still a huge difference and big gap between college and the work place….mostly its the people aspect and the “professionalism”. Its never a bad idea to prepare yourself for the real world out there. Interestingly enough, I just started a blog to write about my own experiences, learning, surprises, what not…. as I transitioned from a carefree college student to a young professional. Sounds like I may lead you guys by a few years, hopefully my blog will have something insightful for you guys to read and to relate
Happy blogging. I’ll check back with you every so often.
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