Professionalism - A How-to Guide - Engineering Science 2T7 Orientation

As you start this new chapter in life on the way to your future career as an engineer, let’s talk about one of the most important things you’re going to learn, and it has nothing to do with calculus! We’re talking about professionalism. Behaving professionally will lead others to know that they can give you more responsibility because they can rely on you.

What is Professionalism?

Professionalism means conducting yourself in all circumstances with responsibility, integrity, and accountability, and communicating effectively and respectfully.

U of T Engineering is a Professional Faculty, which means your degree will make you eligible to become a professional engineer. Your entire time in our program is a chance for you to learn and practice professional skills that will help you no matter what career you pursue.

Etiquette and expectations in this setting are different from what you may be used to as a high school student. Here are some tips.

Good Email Practices

Photo by Stephen Phillips – Hostreviews.co.uk on Unsplash

When writing emails to professors, teaching teams, supervisors, staff, and colleagues:

Create an email signature with:
- Your Name
- University affiliation and major
- Preferred pronouns
If emailing for academic purposes, use a descriptive subject line (including the course code) about the email’s purpose. An email with the subject line “Question” is unlikely to get priority in someone’s busy inbox.
Before sending the email, review it to make sure you have all necessary information, while still ensuring that the email is clear and concise. Consider setting up delayed delivery of emails, so you get some buffer time to undo if you spot any mistakes in the email.
Emailing a working professional (this includes university staff and profs) is NOT the same as texting your friends. Don’t start an email to staff, professors, etc., with “Hey”, especially if you don’t know them. Look up their name and title and address them personally.
In the professional world, the expectation generally is that you will respond to an email within 1-2 business days. Keep this in mind when you get an email from staff, profs, TAs, alumni, employers, etc.
Professors and the teaching team often receive a high volume of emails. The convention is to wait 3-5 business days before sending follow-up emails. Be sure to also check out the course page on Quercus for their recommended channels of communication.

How to Handle Conflicts Professionally

Conflicts can come up whether you’re working in teams for a class or in the workplace. So, here are some tips on how to handle conflicts in a professional manner.

Take a step back and analyze the situation as a whole. Try to calm down and do not let your initial frustrations get the better of you.
Challenge your assumptions. Many conflicts are the result of poor communication with both parties assuming things that aren’t quite true. Ask yourself: what do I know about the situation? What am I assuming? Is there another possible explanation for the other person’s behaviour? Note that people around you may have different backgrounds and cultural norms.
Express your perspective and listen to others’ as well. If a group member is unresponsive, try to get them to engage in the conversation. Ask questions to make sure you aren’t missing important information. You can also contact your TA or instructor for help .
Try to find some common ground. Emphasizing common interests can help create a sense of collaboration and establish team values to resolve conflicts.
Brainstorm solutions and explore various options that will address the needs/interests of all parties.
Remember clear communication is very important!

Conflicts happen and figuring out how to resolve them contributes to your personal and professional growth! When they come up, use them as an opportunity to reflect and learn from the experience.

Classroom Etiquette

Lecture Hall in Bahen Centre [Source]

Have you ever had to give a talk in front of a big group of people? Nothing is quite as demoralizing as looking out at the crowd and seeing no one looking at you. Respect the instructors and your classmates by paying attention.
Turn off or put your phone on silent to minimize distractions for yourself and those around you. Remember: in a darkened lecture hall, everyone can see your lit up screen.
Go to office hours and talk to your professors – you can start building these relationships early and learn about new opportunities. Remember: you are going to need reference letters for jobs later. If none of the profs get to know you personally, they won’t be able to write you letters.

Respect, Integrity, and Commitment

Commitment is a core aspect of professionalism and it can show others just how trustworthy you are. If you say you will do something or be somewhere, follow through on your promises. Do not overcommit to activities or tasks unless if you can make a firm commitment!

Why is this important?

Respect: If you sign up for an event and don’t show up, the organizer will have wasted money on food that goes uneaten, the organizer may be embarrassed if few people show up for an external speaker, and the reputation of our program may get damaged. Put yourself in the organizers’ shoes: what’s a stake for them? How would you feel if you organized the event and no one showed up?

This also goes for meetings, whether that’s with your team for a group project or with execs/sponsors of a company.

In the professional world, the expectation is that, if you commit to attend an event or meeting but your plans change, you will give AT LEAST 48 hours notice the organizer. Again, communication is key 🔑.
Teamwork and Trust: When working in teams, you have people who depend on you and trust that you will complete your task. If you can’t follow through on your commitments, it gives them a good reason not to trust you and hand over more responsibility.

Inclusion

Inclusion is a newer, yet just as important part of professionalism. U of T puts emphasis on creating inclusive and accessible spaces for everyone and students, including YOU play a vital role in this. Below are some important offices which provide resources that pertain to this:

As well, check out our 2 blog posts about EDI in EngSci and EDI-related groups.