Professionalism
Professionalism should be a key concern of all instructors. As teachers we must display professionaliam at all times and model the desired behavior. I have always run my classes with the thought that "If it would be unacceptable in the workforce then it is also unacceptable in class." Many of our younger learners have never been exposed to these professionalism concepts. If we do not model and enforce these concepts then we are doing our learners a diservice. It all boils down to "anybody can get the job, but will you still be around for your reveiw" or has the fact that the graduates behavior has caused him to be termnated before his career even really gets started. Technical skills are important, but the professionalism skills are just as important. The employer must feel secure about the gratuate representing the business in front of the customers. I've hired and fired many people. One of my biggest concerns when hiring was would this potential employee embarrass the business. If the person has some basic skills and background along with good professional skills I will teach them what they need to know.
I am known as one of the "fun" instructors, but still try to hold the students to the standards that I experienced in the field. I look in the mirrors around campus to insure I look professional at most times. The rules are there, but need to be explained and exampled to the students for them to take them seriorsly. Most all of the professionalism standards in place at UTI are present in any decent shop. I try to be more of a referee than thier Father. I explain the rules in SOP's and they play the game for three weeks, if they go out of bounds I push them back in or if it's a major offense then they earn fouls (down grades).
Professionalism should be based on industry standards, common sence and moral standards. I think that all three of these are the core of professioonalism
Hi Philippe,
Well said. You are right about how important professionalism is in the career success of students. They need to be reminded of this throughout the their training and given examples as well.
Gary
Professionalism is much more than technical skills or knowlege. It involves the proper attitude and conduct in the classroom. Prospective employers who hire our students tell us they are more concerned about professionalism than technical knowlege.
Hi Melanie,
Yes, I believe that bringing in guest speakers to talk with the students about what the real world is like will is a very good idea. I am always amazed at how often some students don't realize that even though they have completed their training they don't have to be hired. These students are going to have to adjust their attitudes or sit out of the employment setting for a while before they realize that they are not entitled to a job.
You have an excellent grasp of where your students are at. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I teach court reporting. A court reporter is a professional who works closely with judges, attorneys, and expert witnesses such as doctors.
Court reporting requires a high level of skill. Our students have to write 225 words per minute -- in the real world sometimes over 300 wpm. I find some students who believe if they have a high skill level, the professional world will HAVE to hire them. I try to convey to them that the fact is, the skill alone will not get you hired or retained as an employee.
Most of the time my students seem to understand -- most of the time.
I believe guest speakers in the field in the hiring capacity would help with issue.
Hi Davey,
I commend you for your standards. Wish other instructors would be as strong on this area as you. Professional skills are a must. Students need to develop them as they go through their program or as you say no matter how good their technical skills are they won't be successful.
Gary
