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Career Catalyst Training Program

Professionalism: The foundation for professional success and career advancement

Competency description

In a study on Career Readiness conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers who hire college and university graduates indicated professionalism and work ethic very high on the scale -- specifically how you conduct yourself, your attitude and behaviours in a work environment. Responsibility and Integrity include your ability to establish effective work habits and ethical behaviour with accountability to the broader community. 

Competency outcomes

  • Follow the standards of practice set out by one’s industry  
  • Contribute to community through acts of philanthropy, social responsibility and environmental stewardship  
  • Demonstrate effective personal management habits (e.g. punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management)  
  • Show honesty, integrity, reliability and self-confidence in all undertakings  
  • Accept responsibility and ownership for successes and mistakes when they occur  
  • Utilize workplace and professional resources to assist with ethical issues (e.g. consult with mentors, supervisors, peers, professional guidelines, etc. 

Learning activities

This short article focuses on the importance of taking responsibility for your own actions and realizing that sometimes the only personal who can help you is you.  

This short interview with Michael Jensen examines what and why Integrity matters.  

In this article, you will learn what it means to take responsibility and ways to help others learn the importance of being responsible.   

Learn how integrity can have long-term implications in everything you do and a lasting impact.   

As an important competency for employers, use this interview guide to learn what employers are looking for when it comes to honesty and integrity.  

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