The Effect of Alcohol and Other
Drugs on Your Professional Identity
Your co-op and job search begins today. Protecting
your professional identity now will pay off for years
to come.
Thinking and acting as a professional includes many
things such as acquiring work experience, getting
good grades and joining professional organizations,
but it also includes making behavior choices today
that will enhance rather than limit your future options. Unfortunately binge drinking- drinking to get
drunk as well as other alcohol and drug abuse can
affect your professional opportunities in many ways.
Studies have revealed a consistent association between higher levels of alcohol consumption and
academic performance. The National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Task Force
on College Drinking reports that about 25 percent of
college students report academic problems caused
by alcohol use, such as earning lower grades, doing
poorly on exams or papers, missing class, and falling
behind (http://www.higheredcenter.org/files/
product/fact_sheet2.txt ) Your academic performance will affect your future in many ways including
the opportunity to study abroad, employment, and
graduate education.
Alcohol and other drug abuse could result in discipline at the campus level or a court of law. Even non
-criminal offenses such as underage drinking, possession, open container, driving under the influence,
using a false ID, furnishing alcohol to minors, or
disorderly conduct may affect your ability to obtain
your dream co-op, study abroad, or be hired. Criminal charges can have a lasting impact on your reputation and employment even when the charges are
dismissed. Even
though a conviction
such as underage
drinking may not
appear on a background check it can
be accessed by anyone who has web
access to the internet and court records. In spite of nondiscrimination laws, you may be screened out of
future employment, study abroad, and graduate
education opportunities based on a review of your
records. A record check may also be used by international study programs, graduate programs, rental
agencies, lenders, and insurance providers to make
a decision about you.
Continued on back.
When Work Involves Socializing
Knowing What's Appropriate...and What's Not
Business socializing – with your colleagues, clients, or boss – has different
rules from socializing with friends and family. Many people, however, treat
the two situations in the same way. Not only is this a mistake, but it can lead
to negative consequences for your career.
Socializing with Clients
Most social situations with clients include a meal. The traditional 'business
lunch' is a way to develop relationships, win future contracts, and gain referrals. But it takes strategy and planning for your meeting to be successful.
 Choose the location carefully. Many
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people choose a place randomly, but
this can be a big mistake. If the restaurant is especially noisy, or if your clients have to drive a long way, then
they're not going to be impressed.
Make your clients comfortable. It's
important for your clients to feel at
ease from the beginning. If you're the
host and you issued the invitation,
then you should pay.
Also, tell the clients what you plan to
order before the waiter or waitress
returns to the table. Your guests may
feel uncomfortable if they order an
expensive steak, and you choose only
salad and soup.
Limit alcohol. Even when it seems like
a party, it is still a business meeting.
Use moderation.
Spend appropriately. A general rule is
to make sure that the amount you
spend on clients is proportional to
what you expect to earn from socializing with them.
B
usiness socializing
has its own set of
rules and practices that are
far different from socializing
with friends and family. It's
important to understand
that no matter what you're
doing, or with whom you're
doing it, attending corporate events is still part of
your work life. A good rule
is not to do anything that
you wouldn't do at the office
during a regular work day.
And use moderation
in drinking, eating,
and even talking.
Socializing with Your Boss
This has an entirely different set of challenges. After-work socializing with
your boss can be a great way to get some one-to-one time in a relaxed environment. On the other hand, it's easy to go from being friendly… to being too
friendly. If that's the case, how do you know the difference?
 Remember that this is business. Spending time with your boss is always about
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work. Don't forget the lines of authority, or expect special treatment.
Relax... but not too much. This might be your boss's chance to get to know you.
Be yourself, but don't relax so much that you say or do something you'll regret
tomorrow. Limit your alcohol. Dress appropriately, and be respectful.
Don't have unreasonable expectations. Just because the two of you have a great
time playing golf, this doesn't mean you will automatically get the promotion you
want. And don't put your boss in an embarrassing position by asking for a raise or
promotion while you're socializing. Talking about work is fine (especially if your
boss is the one to bring it up).
Continued on back.
The Effect of Alcohol and Other Drugs on
Your Professional Identity
KEEP IT CLASSY
Continued
Students under the influence of alcohol are more
likely to make decisions that they would not normally make. Poor choices could include skippingclasses, performing poorly at work, driving intoxicated or engaging in unprotected sex. The consequences of poor choices such as these can last a
lifetime.
Posting evidence of illegal or unprofessional behavior on social networking sites may also have a
long term impact
on your professional opportunities. Friends may
be amused, but
it’s a sure bet that prospective employers will not.
A 2009 CareerBuilder survey of over 2,500 employers found that forty-five percent admitted routinely screening applicants by accessing social networks that the prospective employees think are
“private.” Those party pictures can follow students well beyond the college years.
The identity that you are building today will follow
you for the rest of your life. Begin now to assure
that you are building a record that you can be
proud of and one that will assist you fulfill your
professional and personal dreams.
For more information or questions contact:
Dean of Students Office, 130 Bowman Hall,
715.232.1181, dean_of_students@uwstout.edu
When Work Involves Socializing
Continued
Socializing with Co-workers
This is where people tend to make their biggest mistakes. Socializing with coworkers is definitely easier than with clients or your boss, so some people
aren't cautious enough – and they get a little too noisy or drunk at company
events. You may feel more comfortable with your co-workers, but this doesn't
mean you can let go of all self-control. You still have to maintain your reputation and keep the respect of others.
 Keep your conversation
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THINK OF A
CO-OP AS A
REALLY LONG
JOB INTERVIEW.
Socializing at Conferences
Conferences are a wonderful way to make valuable contacts. This is why being on your best behavior is so vital.
 Keep your drink or plate in your left hand. This frees your right hand to shake
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DON’T SHOW UP
DRAGGING ON
YOUR FIRST DAY
OR YOUR LAST.
appropriate. Don't tell
jokes at a party that you
would never tell in the
office.
Limit your alcohol. Quite
simply, don't drink too
much. Walking around in
an unsteady manner
while laughing loudly will
definitely get you noticed – but probably not
in a positive way.
Business etiquette experts recommend eating something before you go to an
event. You never know how much food will be served. And, eating beforehand
will help stop that first drink from affecting you as much.
Discuss non-work topics. Aim to keep the conversation away from business. Get
to know your team – ask them about their hobbies, families, and interests.
Spend time with new people. Company events are a way to get to know colleagues and bond as a group. Move around and get to know people from other
departments. Chances are high that your boss is watching –this could reflect positively on your abilities as a communicator.
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hands as you meet new people. Plus, your hand won't be cold or wet because you
were just holding a glass, which can leave a bad impression.
Limit your alcohol for the same reasons as socializing with co-workers. Leave a
friendly, tasteful impression on others.
Don't be the first to arrive, or the last to leave. It's usually best to leave while the
event is still going strong. If you're not sure when to go home, watch an executive
you admire. When she leaves, follow her example.
Be a listener, not a talker. Most people feel special when someone really listens
to what they say. If you're the one doing all the talking, people may perceive you
as selfish and self-centered. So listen first, and talk second.
Adapted from:
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCDV_50.htm