Professionalism

Mentors can offer insights into potential career paths, industry trends, and how to prepare for post-graduation employment. Mentors and mentees develop a professional relationship where the mentor shares their experiences, insights, and advice with the mentee. Mentors also use their expertise and experience to guide mentees in various areas, such as academic pursuits, career choices, personal growth, and problem-solving. They may also introduce mentees to valuable contacts within their professional networks, which can lead to internship opportunities, research collaborations, or job placements.

Mentor programs can take various forms, such as formal one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, peer mentoring, or a combination of these approaches. They can be initiated by academic departments, student organizations, or even by individual faculty members and professionals in the field. The structure and duration of the program may vary, ranging from short-term arrangements (e.g., a single semester) to longer-term partnerships that continue throughout the student's academic journey.

At TAMU-CC we host the Islander Mentor Program where students are paired with alumni and community members in a formalized mentorship program. During the course of the Fall and Spring semesters students are asked to meet with their mentor a miniumum of eight times (once a month) for a minimum of 1 hour; meetings can take place virtually or in-person. Students must be a current Junior or Senior to participate in the program. The Islander Mentor Program is a great way to connect with professionals and build your professional network. To learn more about the Islander Mentor Program you can contact the Career and Professional Development Center at 361-825-2628 or Alumni Engagement at 361-825-4258. 

On average, it takes seven seconds for a hiring manager to form an impression of you, so be sure to plan what you will wear for an upcoming interview or professional event 

• Look on the organization’s website or on social media to see if you can find pictures of employees in the office.  
• If you are unaware of the culture of the organization or not sure how to dress, it’s best to err on the formal side and dress professionally for an interview.  
• Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable and represents your personality. When you feel confident, you’ll project confidence in all that you say and do in the interview. 
• For career fairs, you should dress professionally, or, at a minimum, business casual. 

Business Professional
For interviews and most formal business events, it’s recommended to wear clothing that typically matches in style, fabric, and color. 

• Fabrics: wool, wool blends, and polyester blends 
• Colors: black, navy blue, charcoal grey, and dark brown 
• Guidelines: color and fabric should match; two and three-button suits are acceptable; button color should match fabric; avoid jackets with vents; should fit well (alter if needed) 

• Fabrics: silk blends, cotton blends, and polyester blends 
• Colors: white and light blue 
• Guidelines: shirts should have long sleeves; cuffs on sleeves are best; well-defined or high collars are best 

• Fabrics: leather and leather imitation 
• Colors: black, dark brown, and dark grey 
• Guidelines: match color/color family of suit; should be comfortable; should be cleaned and polished; 2.5-inch heels or shorter acceptable 

Business Casual 
For information sessions and less formal networking events, you should wear “business casual” clothing. At these types of events, jackets are optional, and skirts are acceptable. 

• Fabrics: linen, silk/silk blends, cotton blends, and polyester blends 
• Colors: black, grey, tan, Earth tones, and solid colors. 
• Guidelines: top-bottom colors may differ; soft collars acceptable; buttons may be light colors 

• Fabrics: cotton, silk/silk blends, and knits 
• Colors: black, dark shades, ivory and pastels (spring and summer) 
• Guidelines: shirts and polos should be collared; shirts should be button-down; shirts should have long sleeves; short sleeves are acceptable for sweaters and polo shirts 

• Fabrics: leather or leather imitation 
• Colors: black, brown, grey, and tan 
• Guidelines: should be comfortable; should be cleaned and polished; 2.5-inch heels or shorter acceptable 

• Hair: keep it neat and styled simply 
• Makeup: stick to neutral colors 
• Fingernails: keep trimmed and clean 
• Jewelry: stick to simple earrings, gold/silver or leather-banded watch, limited rings 
• Cologne/perfume: use none or a very small amount 
• Personal hygiene: bathe/shower regularly, manage body odor, and practice proper dental care.
• Ties: avoid animated or garish designs (patterns are okay) 
• Socks: wear light-weight socks that match pants 
• Briefcase/portfolio: stick to dark colors or leather/imitation leather; avoid statement pieces 
• Belt: match to shoes, limit to one-inch width with a simple buckle 

Try to avoid the following: 

• Casual wear (jeans, t-shirts, tank tops) 
• Open-toed footwear and athletic shoes 
• Loud colors (clothes/shoes, jewelry, make-up, hair) or “busy” designs 
• Shorts, short skirts, or capri pants 
• Mismatched, wrinkled, dirty, or tattered clothing 
• Revealing fabrics 
• Too much jewelry, or plastic/craft jewelry 
• Showing cleavage or chest hair
• Strong odors (perfumes, colognes, smoke, garlic) 
• Visible body art (tattoos or piercings) 

Navigate the modern work landscape by marketing yourself effectively. Showcase your skills, accomplishments, and unique qualities through well-crafted resumes, portfolios, and online profiles to stand out in a competitive job market. For resume writing assistance visit our resume writing assistance page.

Craft a strong personal brand in the digital age. Leverage social media platforms to authentically highlight your expertise, values, and passions. Maintain a consistent and professional online presence that aligns with your career goals. 

• Complete Your Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up-to-date. Use a professional photo, write a compelling headline, and craft a well-written summary that highlights your skills, experiences, and aspirations.
• Connect Thoughtfully: When sending connection requests, personalize your message. Mention where you met or why you're interested in connecting. Avoid using the default message.
• Quality over Quantity: Focus on connecting with individuals who are relevant to your field or industry. It's better to have a smaller network of meaningful connections than a large network of people you don't actually know.
• Engage with Content: Regularly engage with posts, articles, and updates from your connections. Comment thoughtfully, share valuable content, and demonstrate your expertise.
• Share Your Knowledge: Write and share insightful articles, posts, or videos related to your industry. This helps position you as a thought leader and can attract others in your field.
• Join and Participate in Groups: LinkedIn Groups can be great places to connect with professionals who share your interests. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.
• Use Advanced Search: The advanced search feature lets you search for professionals based on specific criteria such as location, industry, job title, and more. This can help you identify potential connections.
• Be Genuine and Respectful: Networking is about building authentic relationships. Be respectful of others' time and boundaries. Avoid sending spammy messages or making overly aggressive requests.
• Request Recommendations: Recommendations from colleagues or supervisors can add credibility to your profile.
• Follow Influencers: Follow thought leaders, industry influencers, and companies relevant to your field. Their posts can provide valuable insights and open up opportunities for engagement.
• Stay Active and Consistent: Regular activity is key to maintaining a strong presence on LinkedIn. Aim to post, engage, and update your profile consistently.
• Be Patient: Building a meaningful network takes time. Don't expect immediate results. Focus on nurturing relationships over the long term.

Remember that effective networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships. It's not just about what you can gain, but also what you can contribute and offer to others. Approach networking on LinkedIn with a genuine interest in learning, sharing, and connecting with like-minded professionals.

Social Media Responsibility:
Hiring managers do screen social media accounts of job candidates and many have stated that someone's social media has kept them from being hired. Be aware of what is on your social media. What does your online presence says about you?

• posting or sharing inappropriate content and images.
• inappropriate photos of yourself or others.
• information about drinking or drug use.
• negative comments about previous employer, clients or employees. 

Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette in a job setting is vital as it showcases professionalism, respect, and social skill. Skillful table manners reflect positively on one's image, influencing client interactions and networking prospects. Mastering dining etiquette enhances one's reputation and fosters a lasting impression of competence and cultural awareness. 

TAMU-CC hosts opportunities to practice your business dining etiquette throughout the semester. During our Business Etiquette Dinners students are able to practice dining in a formal setting. Visit Handshake or iEngage to find upcoming dates and times for our Business Etiquette Dinners. 
 
Email Etiquette 
Master the art of email communication. Clear, concise, and courteous emails are vital in contemporary work environments.

• Use relevant and descriptive subject lines
• Maintain a professional tone; do not email when angry and avoid all CAPS
• DO NOT use emojis/gifs, text language, or shorthand/slang
• Use proper grammar and spelling
• Prioritize prompt responses to enhance collaboration
• Be mindful of CC and BCC when emailing and use Reply All cautiously

Communication Skills 
Effective communication is the cornerstone of modern work dynamics. Enhance your active listening, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills to build strong relationships, prevent misunderstandings, and thrive in diverse teams. Tools to enhance communication skills include joining a student organization, working part-time while in college or participating in an internship or volunteering, and networking.

https://www.ted.com/talks/laura_vanderkam_how_to_gain_control_of_your_free_time 

Maintain professionalism in all interactions. Respectful and inclusive behavior fosters positive work culture. In today's diverse workplaces, being mindful of cultural sensitivity and demonstrating empathy is critical.