We’re sticking with the three main headings from the last post this time around and exploring what professionalism is, why we should consider being professional and how to put yourself across professionally.
It’s an important thing to be aware of, not only in a creative industry like games development, but it’s important in every industry as a whole. It is something that could make or break a job interview as well as a first impression.
So with that, what is professionalism?
What?
In my own opinion, professionalism is an orchestration of how you present yourself in terms of mannerisms and speech. Being professional is going to an interview and shaking hands with the interviewer and saying thank you to them for giving their time to consider your application. Instead of opening the interview with the laid-back attitude you would have with friends and family.
The Workplace
Besides being aware of your own professionalism, you should be aware of the rules of the workplace in which you are aiming for. A code of conduct document should be provided to you on employment with these rules, they will inform on how you should act and behave to best represent the company image. This is something that may differ depending on the workplace and job role. For example, a triple-A budget games company will likely be quite strict and uniform about how people present themselves and work. Whereas a small indie company or individual looking to build a team will likely be more relaxed while still keeping an air of serious professionalism.
That’s not to say that once you are hired to a company that you will have to upkeep that professionalism all the time. I think it may depend on the role and workplace attitude of colleagues, especially higher ups. If your higher ups have a laid back, chilled attitude but a good work ethic, then the chances are you will be able to cut loose a little bit and bring out your unprofessional side. But keep in mind that, at the drop of a hat you will have to snap back into it that suave professional manner that will have all your clients swooning.
But why is professionalism important? Why should we be professional?
Why?
When it comes to any industry and work area, professionalism can be a factor in setting you apart from rival applicants.
Show Your Knowledge
Not only will being professional put you across in a polite and respectful manner, but it will also help get across your knowledge and experience of the industry. Reason for this, being that with a laid-back attitude you may end up skipping over some fine details that would be important for the employer to know. However, being professional about it all means you’ll likely prepare yourself better for the interview and know what you’re going to say.
The Clientele
Besides the importance of professionalism when being interviewed and around colleagues. It is important to remember that professionalism is essential when interacting with customers and clients. They will feel at ease knowing that someone who is knowledgeable and experienced is serving them in their requests.
Ok, but how can we be professional? Can it be learned? Or is it self taught?
How?
Professionalism is not something that can be taught, it is something that is self taught by watching your peers and those in a higher position than you. By watching them you can get a good idea of what the industry you are aiming for is looking for in terms of mannerisms.
Preparation
The thing that is key to professionalism in my opinion is preparation. Prepare for interviews and events with industry professionals. Really wow them with a well-spoken and knowledgeable conversation. That doesn’t mean you need to write a script and learn it by heart. What I mean by this is prepare an elevator pitch, a short 10 second summary of what you are currently working on. But make it pop enough to intrigue them into hearing about your previous work.
However, when it comes to working with clients or doing presentations for meetings, this is where you are going to want a script of some sort. Some pre-made questions that you’ll ask every client, a short and to the point introduction as well as preparing a business card are some of the things you should consider.
On the topic of business cards.
It’s a great little thing to have handy when at events, say for example you go to E3 or Insomnia and you spend some time chatting to the developers at their booths. It is not only going to look pretty good in their eyes if you can whip out a business card when chatting to them. Along with looking professional, it is good for them to remember you by.
The 7 Pillars
There are what is known as the seven pillars of professionalism. These are the seven fundamental things you must be aware of and show when being professional. The seven pillars are, respect, integrity, honesty, responsibility, involvement, compassion and community. Following these you should show that you are capable of being respectful, that you are an honest person with good workplace morals, you know what your responsibility is and that if you make a mistake that you are grown up enough to put your hand up and say that you were wrong. You must take initiative in being involved, if your team is doing something that you cant help with then think of some way to help out in other ways than what the work is. Be a team player, really get involved with the work. Go to focus groups, design meetings etc, you and your company will thank you for it.
In Summary
Professionalism is very important to all industries, not just the games development one. You should consider what role you are aiming for and what standards they may want to see from you in how you present yourself. You should prepare yourself thoroughly for interviews and meetings, whether they are in the workplace or at an event made for the consumer market like E3 and Insomnia.
What are your thoughts on professionalism? Let me know in the comments below.
Here is a YouTube video by McGillCaPS that is great at explaining professionalism.