By: Shirreatha Porter and Rachael Roscoe
What is professionalism? You can define it many ways, but do you really know what it means? Professionalism can be defined as “working for pay,” but if one wants to be professional, one must dress and appear appropriately. Professionalism can also be defined by the way you talk to an individual.
On Friday, May 28, 2010, we talked to Assistant Director of Career Services, Mr. Eric Smith. Mr. Smith graduated from the University of Findlay. He has a Marketing Degree and also over thirteen years in the health care field with Promedica Health and Buckeye Community Health Plan. Mr. Smith Enjoys his interaction with the students in helping them achieve success and better living skills.Eric Smith’s definition of professionalism first starts with appearance. Make sure you show up to an interview neat and clean. Showing up to an interview or job with baggy pants or daisy dukes is not what an employer would like to see from a potential employee. This could also mean wearing one’s hair in a neat style with a natural color. Second is no chewing gum. Chewing gum is disrespectful, and it might fall out of your mouth. Think before you speak; if you have to pause for a second or two, go ahead. Nobody would mind because you’re not saying the first thing that pops into your mind. Lastly, always use correct English. Teachers and employers do not want to hear street slang when you talk to them; save it for home. Presenting yourself with the right confidence and attitude will impress employers.
He states that employers want integrity and dependable, trustorthy and trainable workers; these aspects can also be a part of professionalism. So give employers something to look at and want to hire immediately. You don’t want them saying, “I don’t want to see this person again in my office.” Here at Southwestern, the staff, including Eric Smith, is working on that goal to show students that professionalism does matter. By working on this on a continuous basis, students will have sharp interview skills, good resume skills, and will learn how to research for employment on a daily basis. Eric Smith is always grateful for helping students with any help they may need, so you can have that future dream job. Mr. Smith has enjoyed his three months here at Southwestern. His door is always open, so if you need help with anything, don’t be afraid to stop by and see him in Room 170.
