Professionalism in Context

A workshop series for graduate students and postdocs

Emerging scholars are expected to exhibit a high degree of professionalism at conferences, interviews, business lunches, and meetings. However, perceptions of what is “professional” are culture specific. Focusing on the needs of PhDs and postdocs, this workshop series will address both intercultural understanding and professionalism in the Canadian context and support emerging scholars at the University of Waterloo to understand professionalism in increasingly intercultural professional and academic contexts (a limited number of seats at each workshop will be open to Master’s students).

Workshop topics:

1. Workplace Best Practices, including Boardroom Savvy
2. Intercultural Communication for Academic and Professional Contexts
3. Professional Appearance
4. Dining Etiquette

Individual registration for each workshop is required.

Please note: These workshops are free for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. However, a $10.00 materials fee will be charged in the event of a late cancellation (cancellation that is not made 3 days or more before the workshop/event date), no show, or incomplete attendance.

This workshop series is made possible by Waterloo International’s Internationalization Fund.

Workshop 1: Workplace Best Practices, including Boardroom Savvy

Date and time: September 25, 2018, 11:45am – 1:45pm

Description: Are you interested in elevating your workplace effectiveness? Join us for a professional development session on Workplace Best Practices and learn the key skills to help you successfully navigate the work environment and enhance your success.

This interactive 90-minute session will provide you with practical tips and resources to show up your best in everyday workplace activities from working in open-office environments, digital presence, to boardroom presence and running effective meetings, applying effective communication techniques and professional behaviour when working closely with others.

Additional information: This workshop has now concluded.

For more information, review the Workplace Best Practices event page. 

Workshop 2: Intercultural Communication for Academic and Professional Contexts

Date and time: November 13, 2018, 11:45am – 1:45pm

Description: Are you speaking the same language? Language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) are important for communicating with others, but effective communication requires more than just speaking the same language, it requires a fifth skill – cultural understanding. 

Regardless of the career or educational path you choose to pursue, it is likely that you will interact and work with individuals from a variety of cultures. This workshop will introduce you to the main cultural differences in communication styles. You will have the opportunity to explore your own communication style, and learn how this may influence your attempts to effectively communicate with individuals from other cultural backgrounds.

Additional information: This workshop has now concluded.

For more information, review the  Intercultural Communication event page. 

Workshop 3: Professional Appearance

Date and time: February 26, 2019, 11:45am – 1:45pm

Description: In today’s fiercely competitive business environment Professional Appearance is critical.  Join us to learn how to manage and improve your Professional Appearance and maintain a personal sense of style that is authentic and professional.

Your image is a powerful tool that relies on appearance, specifically dress and grooming. Projecting presence and the right impression improves both stature and reputation, with increased confidence as a byproduct. You will learn: 

• The importance of image
• The language of clothes
• Tips to help you determine your style
• Correct fit and tailoring
• Combining patterns and fabrics
• Age appropriate
• Managing trends
• Dress codes
• Grooming
• Do’s and Don’ts

Additional information: Lunch will be provided, and registration required through Eventbrite!

For more information, review the Professional Appearance event page. 

Workshop 4: Dining Etiquette

Date and time: April 2, 2019, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Description: “Every business meal represents an opportunity for relationship building.”

Business meals are part of corporate life. Your conduct and table manners must be flawless. There’s no room for error. Honing your dining skills is pivotal to every business occasion where food and drink are served. 

The ability to dine confidently anywhere and with anyone is an intrinsic part of your professional presence. Join us for a professional development session on Dining Etiquette and ensure you have the expertise to navigate every business meal from boardroom luncheon to formal dinner – and to entertain clients with ease.

Additional information: Registration required.

For more information, review the Dining Etiquette event page.