6 Activities Career Centers Can Use to Build Student Professionalism
Helping students succeed at work means teaching more than just the basics.
Beneath visible norms like dress codes or meeting etiquette, lie unspoken rules, values, and assumptions that shape how teams really work.
And as a career services professional, you can help students build this “career intelligence” through simple, high-impact activities that unpack workplace nuances, bridge cultural gaps, and boost professional confidence.
Here are 6 quick exercises you can run in workshops or virtual sessions to prepare students for the realities of modern workplaces in 30 minutes or less.
1. Decode Workplace Culture with the ‘Hidden Rules’ Brainstorm
Every workplace has written and unwritten rules that can determine how well a new hire fits in. Understanding these implicit norms is key to navigating an organization successfully.
How To Implement
Begin with a five-minute individual exercise where students jot down three unspoken workplace rules they think might exist (such as “don’t leave before your manager” or “keep cameras on in Zoom calls”).
Transition to small group discussions for another five minutes, compiling common themes on a whiteboard or shared document.
End with a five-minute facilitated conversation about why these hidden norms exist and strategies for observing and adapting to them.
- Best for: Juniors, seniors, and graduate students preparing for internships or their first jobs.
- Timing: 15 minutes total (a quick and impactful addition to any career readiness session).
Also Read: What are some of the best practices for setting up virtual career treks?
2. Bridge Generational Gaps with a ‘Stereotypes Quiz’
With four or five generations in today’s workplaces, students often hold misconceptions about older or younger colleagues.
Misunderstandings and tension often stem from these stereotypes rather than actual differences. By addressing this head-on, students learn to focus on shared values and adapt their communication style.
As Chelsea C. Williams, founder and CEO of College Code, points out:
“The biggest evidence of professionalism that employers seek in new college graduates is how well they can effectively communicate and their ability to collaborate cross-functionally.”
This activity helps students develop those exact skills, preparing them to work confidently across age groups and diverse workplace dynamics.
How To Implement
Create a list of common generational stereotypes (e.g., “prefers face-to-face communication,” “struggles with technology,” “values work-life balance”) and ask students to guess which generation each applies to, or whether it’s a myth.
Deliver this as an interactive live quiz using tools like Kahoot, Zoom polls, or a show of hands in class.
After the quiz, facilitate a 10-minute discussion on shared workplace values and practical strategies for effective communication across age groups.
Include prompts such as, “How might you give feedback to a colleague 20 years your senior?” or “What’s the best way to ask for clarification from a younger team member?”
- Best for: Undergraduate juniors and seniors, or graduate students nervous about collaborating across age groups.
- Timing: 10-15 minutes.
Pro Tip: End with a takeaway handout listing universal communication best practices and one myth-busting fact about each generation to reinforce learning.
Also Read: How is Hiration a better Big Interview alternative?
3. Master Email Etiquette with a ‘Red Flag Hunt’
Emails are often a student’s first introduction to their professional peers. Poorly written messages can erode credibility, while polished communication builds trust and respect.
Practicing proper email etiquette helps students present themselves effectively.
How To Implement
Display an example of a poorly written email riddled with issues such as no subject line, casual greetings, unclear asks, and spelling mistakes.
Give students three minutes to identify errors individually. Then, have groups share their observations and collaboratively rewrite the email using professional standards (e.g., clear subject line, appropriate tone, concise message).
Wrap up by discussing key rules like responding promptly, proofreading, and tailoring tone to the recipient.
- Best for: All students, especially those preparing for internships or entering the job market.
- Timing: 15-20 minutes (include time for group rewriting).
Pro Tip: Follow up by assigning students to write a professional thank-you email as practice. Offer individualized feedback to reinforce key lessons.
Also Read: What are some coaching models for career centers?
4. Compare In-Person and Remote Work Norms with a T-Chart Activity
With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, students must understand how professionalism translates across environments.
Small missteps in remote etiquette, like forgetting to mute on calls or missing messages can harm impressions.
How To Implement
Draw a T-chart labeled “In-Person Office” and “Remote Work.” Ask students to brainstorm behaviors that demonstrate professionalism in each setting.
Examples might include arriving early for in-person meetings and maintaining eye contact, versus using an appropriate virtual background and responding promptly in remote settings.
Discuss overlapping expectations like punctuality and accountability, and explore unique challenges of each environment.
End with a facilitated conversation: “What professional habits apply universally?”
- Best for: Students preparing for hybrid or virtual internships.
- Timing: 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Take this further by running a mini mock hybrid meeting, allowing students to experience challenges like ensuring remote participants feel included.
Also Read: How to improve FDS response rates?
5. Build Cultural Awareness with a ‘Cultural Norms Showcase’
Workplaces are increasingly diverse. Students need cultural intelligence (CQ) to navigate varying norms, communicate respectfully, and build inclusive teams.
How To Implement
Invite students to share one cultural norm or workplace behavior from their background that might differ from U.S. expectations.
For example: “In my culture, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect.” Follow with a discussion on how these norms could play out in professional settings and what strategies students can use to navigate unfamiliar cultural expectations.
- Best for: Diverse student groups, including international students.
- Timing: 15-20 minutes.
Also Read: How to optimize your career center budget?
6. Boost Confidence with Role-Play Circuits
Professionalism isn’t learned through theory alone; students need experiential practice. Role-playing allows them to rehearse behaviors in a safe, low-stakes environment.
How To Implement
Set up multiple stations with different scenarios such as greeting a new colleague, making a professional phone call, and handling a business lunch.
Have small groups rotate through each station for five minutes each, practicing key behaviors and receiving peer feedback.
End with a group debrief on what felt natural, what was challenging, and lessons learned.
- Best for: Pre-career fair workshops or internship readiness events.
- Timing: 30-40 minutes.
Also Read: What are some federal funding options for career centers in the US?
Final Thoughts
Professionalism isn’t a one-time lesson; it’s a skill built through consistent practice.
By implementing even a few of these activities, you can help students graduate not just with knowledge, but with workplace-ready confidence.
Start small with a 10-minute brainstorm or go big with a full workshop, every step prepares students for success.
And for career centers aiming to scale this kind of support, Hiration makes it easy to deliver round-the-clock career preparation.
With AI-powered solutions for resumes, interviews, and LinkedIn optimization, you can free up staff time for high-touch advising while still giving students the personalized guidance they need to succeed.
Curious how other institutions are using it to improve outcomes and boost student confidence? We’d be happy to walk you through.