Industry Expectations & Professionalism
Professionalism
Professionalism is the conduct, behavior, and attitude of someone in a work or business environment. A person doesn’t have to work in a specific profession to demonstrate the important qualities and characteristics of a professional.
Defining Professionalism:
“‘Professionalism’ is commonly understood as an individual’s adherence to a set of standards, code of conduct or collection of qualities that characterize accepted practice within a particular area of activity”
Universities UK et al. 2004
We need to have professionalism. Because it exhibits our
Strong skills and competence. Here are 10 ways you can develop and practice professionalism:
- Appearance
Whatever role you play in your organization, your appearance is critical in the way you represent the professionalism of your career. Your demeanor and dress should reflect the professionalism it takes to do your job and be neat, clean, and appropriate for the workplace.
2.Demeanor
Be polite and well-spoken 100 percent of the time. Whether you’re speaking with customers, superiors, or co-workers, keep calm and be tactful, even intense situations.
3.Reliability
Because employers are more reliable and more professional, they prefer to hire professionals who can handle even less. Follow up on requests or issues. Arriving on time or early for work, meetings, and events can provide a reliable service.
4.Competence
Strive to become an expert in your field. Continue your education by taking courses, attending seminars, and obtaining related educational and professional qualifications.
5.Ethics
Ethics is relevant to you in your everyday life as at some point in your professional or personal life you will have to deal with an ethical question or problem. Even if your company does not have a written code, you should always display ethical behavior.
6.Maintaining your poise
A professional must maintain his/her poise even when facing a difficult situation. When you are challenged or questioned you need to be able to state your case in a calm and structured manner. Do not lose your cool or air personal emotional baggage in a tense situation.
7.Phone etiquette
Your phone etiquette is also an important component of professional behavior. When placing an official call, identify yourself by your full name, company, and designation. Do not dominate the conversation; ensure that you listen to what the other party is saying.
8.Written correspondence
Professional correspondence is communication between two or more parties through the professional writing of letters and emails. The professional correspondence reflects a person’s level of competency and professionalism. During written or email correspondence, keep your emails brief and to the point. Your tone should be polite and formal without being “stuffy”. Email etiquette 101- never, ever write in capital letters in an email, no matter how frustrated you are.
9.Organizational skills
Organizational skills are the abilities that let you stay focused on different tasks, and use your time, energy, strength, mental capacity, physical space, etc.
10.Accountability
You are always accountable for your actions. If you make a mistake, own up to it and try to fix it if possible. Don’t try to place the blame on a colleague. If your company made the mistake, take responsibility and work to resolve the issue.
Industry expectations
Modern employees value meaningful work and look for companies that value a healthy work-life balance. Positive company cultures and mentorship are also high on modern employees’ list of expectations. Let’s dive into each to see what they’re all about.
Communication skills
Good communication skills are essential if you expect to be hired into a reputed firm or organization. All your knowledge will be of no use if you are unable to articulate your thoughts clearly..
Innovative thinking
As technology is moving fast, your ability to be flexible and to adapt to change is crucial if you want to have a successful, or even long, career. You’ll sometimes hear “innovative thinking” as a synonym for “coming up with new products”, but that’s only one aspect of it. Innovative thinking is in reality creative problem solving, and it’s a skill that you can develop and use at work whatever your role.
Ability to lead.
This ability will catapult you right to the top ranks of job seekers and is one trait all leading companies look out for.
Positive outlook
The workplace is an environment full of challenges and obstacles. Those with a positive outlook will find it much easier to survive and thrive than those without.
Versatility
Modern-day organizations have to be able to respond rapidly and effectively to ever-changing developments — now and in the future. Flexibility as an organization demands greater versatility from your staff — staff who constantly hone their skills and expertise across more than one discipline.
Willingness to learn
You should always be willing to stay updated on industry trends and learn new skills. This applies not just to technical skills, but too soft skills as well.
