Written by Graduate Intern, Princess Vaulx

Entering the college-space for the first time can be a very overwhelming experience. Along with moving in, making friends, and beginning classes you’re also navigating the career space for the first time.

You may attend a workshop, meet with a career advisor, or connect with an employer for the first time. Whether you’re engaging with recruiters or planning to do a mock-interview, it is essential that you maintain your professionalism in these spaces.

To ease your concerns and answer your questions about what this looks like, we’ve provided pro-tips to help you maintain your professionalism in the career exploration space.

Pro-tips for Maintaining Your Professionalism in the Career Exploration Space

1. Being on Time

Time management is a skill that is essential in many facets of life, and you’ll need it in your career, so why not practice it now? Professionalism looks like being on time to informational interviews you schedule, career advising appointments you make, workshops you sign up for, and networking events you plan to attend.

We do understand that things come up, which leads us to our next point…

2. Communicating Cancellations

No one appreciates a no-call-no-show. You’re a student and things may come up, however, if this is the case, professionalism looks like remembering to communicate your cancellations. This may look like logging into Handshake to cancel your 30-minute advising appointment that you’re unable to make or unregistering yourself from a workshop that you were signed up for. Employers may take notice of your absence and this could affect their impression of you. Whatever it may be, respecting someone’s schedule and time is essential to navigating career spaces well and exuding professionalism.

3. Showing Gratitude

Don’t you appreciate when someone expresses their gratitude to you? Well so do employers! After meeting with recruiters at a career fair, interviewing with an employer, or completing a coffee chat, express your gratitude with a thank-you email within 24 hours. Below is an example of what this might look like following an informational interview.

“Hello [Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me about your career in [Industry/Role]. I truly appreciate the insights you shared, especially about [specific topic you discussed]. Your advice has given me a clearer understanding of the field, and I feel more confident in making my career decisions.

Thank you again,

[Your Name]”

4. Preparing Questions for Employers

Have you even gotten to the end of an interview and been asked if you had any questions for the employers? Employers and recruiters pose this question to make space for you to learn more about the company and position after they’ve gotten to know you as a candidate. This is your chance to learn from those that are working in the field and at the company you’re interested in! Having 3-5 questions prepared demonstrates your interest in the position and you should always have some prepared and ready to go. Below are some example questions:

· Can you tell me more about the structure of your training program?

· What challenges are currently facing your organization/industry?

· What kind of training would I be given for this position?

· What qualities are you seeking in the person for this job?

· Tell me about the projects past employees/interns have completed.

We know that navigating the career space may feel daunting but with these tips, it should be a little bit easier.