Stay Classy:Navigating a Professional CultureBy Krista Eichhorst

Why does it matter?

What does it involve?

Presentation

Learning

First Impressions

Dress Codes Defined Business attire = what you’d wear to a

job interview

Business casual attire = what you’d wear to a garden party with your grandma

Casual attire = what you’d wear to a backyard BBQ with your in-laws

What not to wearto a meeting with your lawmaker

A B

What not to wear to a first meeting with your college

president

A B

What not to wear “casual” day at a MSCSA conference

A B

How you look is important but how you act matters more

Key Takeaway

Two Roles

Host Guest

Facilitator (guides the situation) Prepared (agenda, time, location,

valuable takeaways) Active listener Good communicator (shares key

points) Respectful (stays within time limits,

open to feedback & questions)

The perfect host is:

Participant (engages in activities & discussions)

Prepared (takes notes & attentive) Active listener (makes eye contact) Good communicator (asks questions &

shares feedback) Respectful (on time, on topic, & open

to other points of view)

The perfect guest is:

Body language

Electronic vs. interpersonal

Communication

Which email would you rather receive?

A B

I’m new to this student senate thing and someone said that I should talk to you about it. When should we meet?

-Krista

Dear Ms. Skorich,

My name is Krista and I am new to the MCTC student senate. Would you have 15 minutes to meet with me this week to talk about my roles and responsibilities as a student senator? My schedule is pretty open. You can reach me via email or phone (651-123-4567).

Thanks for your time,Krista Eichhorst

Telling your story Introductions

Oversharing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfjYaivKGJ8&feature=youtu.be&t=46s

Throughout budget consultation, your campus president has stressed the importance of new revenue (tuition) to make ends meet on campus. In your final meeting with her, she states on the record that tuition needs to increase 3-5% and that the senate will have final say on the exact percentage. 

When the day of your meeting to make the decisions arrives, the president shows up and asks to speak to the senate. During her remarks, the president indicates that tuition really needs to increase by 5%, which would seem to contradict her agreement with you during your final consultation meeting.

How should you handle this situation?

Respectful Disagreement