Professionalism
Networking/Connecting
Internships
TWU Internships & Experiential Learning
Pioneer Center for Student Excellence
Blagg-Huey Library, Suite 220
Kurt Krause
kkrause5@twu.edu
(940) 898-4105
Definition
“The conduct, aims, or qualities that
characterize or mark a profession or a
professional person”
(Merriam-Webster)
What is Professionalism?
• Conduct
–Honest, compassionate, helpful
• Communication
–Appropriate, Respectful
• Character
–Considerate of others
What is Professionalism?
• Appearance
–Proper attire, well-groomed, confident
• Competency
–Prepared, knowledgeable
• Commitment
–Accountable, responsible, reliable
What is Professionalism?
• It is more than a “state of mind”!
–Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Find a mentor!
–People want to help . . .
• Lifelong Learning
–Online, books, seminars, groups
Networking
What percentage of job opportunities
are ever posted before being filled?
Only 20-30% of all jobs are ever
posted!
Networking
How much time does the average job
seeker spend searching online?
70-80% of time spent online using
Monster, Career Builder, Indeed, etc.
Networking
“Path of Least Resistance”
Networking
“ Showing up is 80 percent of life.”
“(Sometimes it’s easier to hide at home in bed.)”
--Woody Allen
(1977 August 21, New York Times)
Networking
On-campus (Student Life):
– Student Organizations
– Greek Life
– Intramural Sports
– Student Government Association
– Career Events Volunteer
Networking (cont.)
Off-campus:
– Professional Organizations
– Internships
– Informational Interviews
– Job Shadowing
– Volunteer
LinkedIn
World’s largest Professional Network
– 313 million members worldwide
– 100 million members in the U.S.
– 39 million students and recent college graduates
(fastest growing demographic)
LinkedIn
World’s largest Professional Network
– Executives from ALL Fortune 500 companies are
members
– U.S. Corporate Talent Solutions are used by 94 of
the Fortune 100 companies
https://www.linkedin.com
Internship
WORK + ACADEMICS = INTERNSHIP
•Related to your field of study
•Supervised by a professional
•About learning as well as doing
•One or more semesters in length
Why do an Internship?
It’s What Employers Want!
• #1 Most Important Factor Considered!
Some Stats
• 67% of new grads with internship
experience get full-time offers (NACE)
• 42% offer higher salaries (internships.com)
• 85% of companies use internships to
recruit for full-time workers (Monster.com)
Career Clarity
“Now that I’ve interned, I know I want
to be a ___________!”
“I thought I wanted to be a
___________, but now I know I don’t!”
Paid vs. Unpaid
Although some internships are unpaid,
TWU strives to promote paid
opportunities for its students.
Obtaining an Internship
• Begin looking early and often
• Map out skills needed for your field of study
• Consider multiple internships prior to graduation
Obtaining an Internship
• Internship Websites—consider jobs outside of DFW
• Informational Interviews/Job Shadowing
• Federal Government:
– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
– Hispanic Association of Colleges and Employers (HACU)
300+ positions posted!
Coming Soon!
Searchable online database
Easier application processes
Email/Text alerts for postings
On-campus recruitment
Internship Workshops
http://www.twu.edu/pioneercenter/internships.asp
Starting Your Career Path
Career Services (HDB 200):
• Career Counseling and Testing
• Resume Help
• Cover Letter Help
• Professional References
• Interview Preparation
• Career/Internship Fairs/Expos
Reference Letters
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Provide plenty of time
Offer to provide a draft
Research sample reference letters
Don’t be modest
Don’t exaggerate
Scan and email
TWU Internships & Experiential Learning
Pioneer Center for Student Excellence
Blagg-Huey Library, Suite 220
Kurt Krause
kkrause5@twu.edu
(940) 898-4105