Whether you have an upcoming graduation or you are looking to join a profession, there are some must-have qualities that all working professionals must obtain before entering the job market. Florida National University (FNU) wants students to succeed; therefore, we have listed 10 business qualities every working professional should have.
General Qualities
It is understood that professional companies are looking for leadership qualities and clear communication skills from their working professionals. Communication is hailed as one of the most important skills for working professionals. Whether written or spoken, communication skills are key in any professional environment. When writing an article, a project proposal or an email, employees should be brief, kind, and direct. Developing leadership qualities is a critical skill set that is necessary to get to the top of any career field. Below are the top 10 critical skills that any employee should develop.
- Ambition
Dreams and goals drive a company toward success. Employees with ambition are driven and work hard to reach success and are able to focus on the company’s ultimate goals. Ambition can also build relationships and networks for the company. Networking not only benefits individuals, but it is also an excellent way to make connections for your employer.
- Decision-making and Problem-solving
Practical decision-making skills are an asset when it comes to great business qualities. Employers look for someone who can make effective decisions while considering the needs and interests of others. Employers search for someone who can solve problems and come up with effective solutions that will benefit the company and/or their employees.
- Reliability and Dependability
Employers search for those that go the extra mile and those who put in the hard work to make the business become successful. Reliability and dependability demonstrates commitment, which is a strong trait that the majority of businesses look for. These traits develop trust and accountability between the employer and the employees.
4. Honesty
Honesty is always the best policy. Being honest during the interview process and after being hired are both extremely important. If you are hired and they find you weren’t honest during the interview process, this will reflect poorly on your character and it may be difficult to recover from that. Employers want someone who isn’t afraid to admit their mistakes and learn from them.
- Drive
If you push yourself, you can motivate those around you to do their best. It is important to acknowledge that being driven is different from being competitive. Having drive means that you are passionate about what you do. A driven worker is motivated to do even better when something does not go their way. When an assignment is returned with errors, or their project proposal is not accepted, someone with drive will continue to pursue their end goal—success.
- Time Management and Punctuality
Time management helps students and professionals set aside time blocks to complete each assignment or activity in their schedule, while allowing a few moments to breathe and have time for leisure activities. Punctuality is an aspect of time management and means more than simply being on time to work. It includes arriving to meetings and submitting your projects on time! Both time management and punctuality mean being efficient and dependable.
- Intellect
Professionals must always be informed about the progress of their work projects. If you are tasked with a project but not familiar with a subject, you must be skilled in research and analysis. These skills begin to develop while you are in college. Here’s a tip: learn the difference between scholarly and non-scholarly research. Find credible sources. Can’t find anything online? Don’t be afraid to head to the library and ask for help finding scholarly resources or look for a physical book when you are unable to find reliable sources online.
- Confidence
Employers want an employee to be confident in their abilities and what they bring to the table. If you’re confident, you will see the bigger picture and your goals. Someone striving for something bigger is attractive to employers because they know you’re not just there for a paycheck, but to help better yourself and the company. The skills you build in college help promote confidence upon entering the profession.
- Trustworthiness
Honesty and trustworthiness are a crucial quality of a successful professional. Businesses are not interested in wasting their time with professionals that have secret motives. Often, companies will even have workers sign a non-disclosure contract upon hire, meaning the employe cannot divulge the company’s projects and internal information. Integrity means putting in the number of hours for which you are being paid. If you are being paid to work until five, but must leave early, do not be afraid to stay late another day that week. Taking pride in your work, putting in your best effort and refusing to cut corners shows true integrity in the workplace.
- Professional Appearance
As you have heard time and time again, dress for success or dress for the job you want, not the job you have. The way in which you present yourself to your employer expresses your respect for them. Your attire has ability to make or break your professional career.
FNU’s Job Placement Center
Learn more about what companies expect of their employees by visiting Florida National University’s Career Services department, available to all currently enrolled students and alumni! We will help determine what careers fit your expertise and personality. Contact FNU today at 305-821-3333 for more information on our programs and our school.
