Career Services is excited to announce a new required workshop for students pursuing Pathways Guaranteed Internship/Research Funding: Professionalism in the Workplace.
Beginning with the Winter 2026-2027 Pathways Funding requirements, students applying for internship or research funding will be required to attend this workshop, which is designed to help them enter professional environments with confidence, clarity and a strong understanding of workplace expectations.
The Pathways Guaranteed Internship/Research Funding program continues to be one of the Colleges’ most impactful career development opportunities, helping students connect their academic interests with meaningful hands-on experiences. Through internships and research opportunities, students are able to explore career paths, build networks, strengthen skills and gain the kind of real-world experience that supports a successful and meaningful future.
The addition of Professionalism in the Workplace reflects Career Services’ ongoing commitment to preparing students not only to secure opportunities, but to thrive in them.
Why This Workshop Matters
Employers across industries are increasingly emphasizing the importance of professionalism, communication, accountability and workplace readiness among early-career candidates.
According to HR Dive,
“over half of hiring managers said recent graduates were unprepared for the workforce,” with employers citing concerns such as “excessive phone usage, a lack of professionalism and poor time management skills” 9.
The same article notes that many students are entering their first professional roles while still learning basic workplace norms. As Resume.org career coach Irina Pichura explained,
“Most students graduate with little exposure to professional environments, so when they arrive at their first job, they’re often learning basic workplace norms for the first time” 9.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) also identifies professionalism as a core career-readiness competency. NACE defines professionalism as the ability to
“understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace” 14.
Sample behaviors include
“being present and prepared, demonstrating dependability, completing tasks with attention to detail and showing dedication to doing a good job” 14.
Career Services developed Professionalism in the Workplace to help students bridge the transition from campus to workplace expectations. The workshop supports students as they prepare for internships, research placements, job shadows, career treks, networking opportunities and future employment.
What Students Can Expect
In the Professionalism in the Workplace workshop, students will explore practical strategies for succeeding in a variety of professional settings. Topics may include:
- Understanding workplace expectations and professional norms
- Communicating clearly and appropriately with supervisors, colleagues and clients
- Managing time, deadlines and responsibilities
- Demonstrating accountability, dependability and initiative
- Navigating workplace etiquette in in-person, hybrid and virtual environments
- Building a positive professional reputation
- Representing oneself and HWS with confidence and integrity
The workshop is designed to be practical, student-centered and relevant across industries and fields. Whether students are preparing for a nonprofit internship, research experience, corporate placement, healthcare setting, creative role, government office or international opportunity, the session will help them develop habits and expectations that translate across professional environments.
Part of the 2026-2027 Pathways Funding Requirements
Students applying for Pathways Guaranteed Internship/Research Funding must complete several Career Services preparation steps, including a first-time appointment with Career Services, completion of a Handshake profile, resume meetings with a Peer Career Advisor and Career Coach, participation in required workshops, a mock interview and at least one additional Career Services event.
Required workshops now include:
- Networking 101
- **Professionalism in the Workplace**
- Interview Essentials
Students must also be in good academic and social standing with the Colleges. Internship or research experiences must be full-length opportunities of six weeks or more, with at least 170 hours completed.
Register on Handshake
Students are encouraged to complete Pathways requirements early and take advantage of Career Services resources throughout the year.
To register for Professionalism in the Workplace, visit the Events tab on Handshake and search for the workshop title.
Career Services looks forward to supporting students as they prepare to make the most of their internship and research experiences, build meaningful professional connections and continue developing the skills that will help them find their path, connect with opportunity and launch successful careers.
