College Courses on Professionalism in the Workplace

General Professionalism Courses

Recognizing the need to better train students in professionalism in the workplace, colleges have started offering classes on just that. For example, in 2010, George Mason University launched a course on professionalism and civility. The one-hour elective course covers peacekeeping, tolerance, protocol, inclusion, communication, manners and etiquette. Students at Hillsborough Community College and others interested in learning about workplace professionalism, can take a seven-hour course that covers topics including attitude and perspective, dress and appearance, etiquette, communication skills, time management and problem-solving attitudes. Some college even offer professionalism in the workplace courses for non-degree-seeking students.

Career-Specific Courses

Beyond a general professionalism in the workplace course, you may be able to take a similar course geared specifically to the industry in which you want to work. Montgomery College in Maryland offers a variety of such classes for students enrolled in its early childhood education program. Most law schools require its students take at least one course in professionalism in the workplace and some law schools even build an entire curriculum around it. You’ll also likely need to take a course in professionalism in the workplace if you’re studying to earn your medical degree.

Studies Say

In 2009, York College of Pennsylvania’s then newly created Center for Professional Excellence surveyed human resources personnel about how professional recent college graduates are. That year, 37 percent of responders reported that less than half of recent college graduates exhibited appropriate professionalism in the workplace. A follow-up in 2012 identified several areas where recent college graduate fall short in the workplace. Responders to the 2012 survey cited inappropriate use of technology as the primary way that recent college grads are unprofessional at the workplace.

Workplace Skills That Matter

Whether or not your college transcript include a course on workplace professionalism, human resources personnel expect recent college grads know how to conduct themselves on the job. Along with your degree, you should have impeccable interpersonal and communication skills, confidence, a strong work ethic, knowledge and appearance. Knowing when and when not to use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, and when not to text, also tops the list of qualities that human resources personnel look for when hiring recent college grads.