February 2007:
Number 514
|
|
|
A newsletter for the students, faculty and staff of the Collin County Community College District. Published monthly. For information or submissions, call 972.599.3142. Cougar News welcomes student and faculty submissions. Next deadline: Feb. 10 All submissions are due by 5 p.m. on the due date. Photos cannot be returned. Text should be emailed to mrobinson@ccccd.edu or sent on disk. Please submit copy that is proofed, edited and saved in Word format. Cougar News staff: Lisa Vasquez, director; Mark Robinson, editor; Marcy Cadena-Smith, contributor; Sydney Portilla-Diggs, student correspondent; Stephanie Hall, student correspondent; Sheri Mackey, contributor; Nick Young, photography and layout
|  |
|
|
The key to a professional image is confidence
By Sheri Mackey
CSCWE Specialist
Did you get that new job you were wanting so desperately? Did you get that promotion? Whether on the job or during an interview for a job, we all want to project a professional image in order to gain the respect of those around us and to further our career.
One key to projecting this professional image is confidence: faith in our abilities, who we are, and what we are doing. This belief in yourself shows through not only in what you say, but is also reflected in your vocal tones, your facial expressions and in your actions.
Confidence begins on the inside and shows on the outside. Enhancing your self-confidence starts with the right attitude and grows through challenge, accomplishment, and self-discipline. Here are some tips from "More Power to You!" (Warner Books, 1992) that may help boost your self-esteem and increase confidence in your skills and abilities: Develop a winning attitude.
Your attitude is evident in how you accomplish tasks, the way you interact with others and how you take care of yourself. Keep your attitude positive by focusing on your successes and accomplishments. Learn how to accept compliments from others and to incorporate these compliments into your way of looking at yourself.
Consider keeping a journal of your achievements and letters of appreciation, and review these from time to time or whenever your self-esteem needs a boost.
You are being judged by others before you ever begin to speak. You send a message in the way you walk, speak, write and interact with other people. Just as a firm handshake conveys confidence, interest and respect, your style of dress sends a message about your professionalism. Be sure your wardrobe, personal grooming, and body language support the confident, professional image you desire.
Take advantage of training offered by your employer even if it is not specifically related to your current job. Become a lifelong learner by taking additional classes, reading the daily newspaper, watching the news, or surfing the Internet for interesting topics and events.
Reach slightly beyond what you think you are capable of doing by offering to get involved with some new project or activity. When presented with a tough problem, do not say, “I can’t do that.” Although it is good to be aware of our time limitations as well as our areas of expertise, we can often achieve so much more than we anticipated when we give a tough problem our best shot.
Others will respect your motivation and determination to tackle a problem or learn a new skill, and your sense of accomplishment will further increase your confidence level.
For more information and possible seminars about professionalism in the workplace, check with Career Services & Co-op, 972.881.578 or visit the Career Centers at the Spring Creek, Preston Ridge and Central Park campuses.
Career Bytes: Watch for “Career EXPO 2007: Careers Unlimited!” April 2-5, a special presentation on professional image, Wednesday, April 4, “Untapped Personal Potential/Your Professional Profile” and note more exciting career oriented events that week. “Professionalism” is one of the top qualities employers look for in the hiring process.
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
|
|
|
