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My words of encouragement are, "Every little effort counts".

I know freshman year can be stressful, and you might start to feel like you're never getting a break, but all you need to do is take a breath and remind yourself to take each task/assignment/presentation day by day, hour by hour.

You don't have to have a perfect routine already. You have time to figure out what planning works for you and what schedule works for you.

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My greatest tip when meeting someone knew or establishing a connection with someone. If you are first initially making the move to talk to them do not worry if at first it feels awkward just, try to ask genuine questions and listen really attentively. I think the key to great communication is how you model your body language into saying I am attentive to all you are currently sharing. Leaning into the person (a little remain at a comfortable distance), maintaining eye contact. Biggest game changer for me was stopping the tally of questions in my head from distracting me from what the person is saying. As soon as I stopped worrying about awkward silence and just listened attentively. I magically knew what to say and incorporated comfortable pauses into conversations that also communicated that I am actively thinking about all that was shared. I think body language is the unspoken tap into good communication. I am by no means insinuating to orchestrate or act out on certain behaviors. As long as you know your goals and your genuine intentions the body language will follow.

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I think something to note down about email ettiquette is also making sure to mention in the email when you CC someone and who. It's important to let the recipient know and its just courtesy. Also getting familiar with BCC/CC and the reply/reply all features will be useful especially in long email chains.

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Double check who you are replying to and be careful of the "reply all" button.

At work I have occasionally replied to all my coworkers when I only meant to email our director. Thankfully it has never been anything crazy serious or awkward but I could have avoided it by being more attentive.

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The Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Scholarships!

This is an incredibly inspiring community of impactful woman. Selected schoalrs are invited to etiquette dinners, networking events, and socials throughout the year! I would totally recommend any female college student to get involved!

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Endowment Assets Through FY23

FY 2022-23 Total Commitment

4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ALC100
Tampa, FL 33620, USA
813-974-2035

Copyright &copy 2024, University of South Florida Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.
This website is maintained byUSF Foundation, Inc.

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Giving to USF: Women in Leadership & Philanthropy

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Endowment Assets Through FY23 FY 2022-23 Total Commitment 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ALC100 Tampa, FL 33620, USA813-974-2035 Copyright &copy 2024, University of South Florida Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is maintained byUSF Foundation, Inc.

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Not only professional but kind!

Sure, it's important to focus on being professional in an email but also be nice! Appear more then just text on someone's screen, make sure theres a real personal connection there. A well polished email shows that you value their time and take your communication very seriously.

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Email Etiquette tips:

I always make sure to greet the person in the beginning of the email, such as "good evening". Additionally, at the end of the email I make sure to include "Kindly," followed by my email signature. I feel that a large part of email etiquette are simple changes that make a big difference in the professional sphere.

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Handshake is a platform available to all students where they can apply to jobs and make appointments with the Center for Career and Professional Development. There is also a tab called Events where networking opportunities can be found. You can find information about USF career fairs, events hosted by employers, and career center employer events. These events can be in person or virtual and they are a great way to start networking.

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Side quests! For the longest time I kept a tunnel-vision opinion on networking. Since I am a sciences major I focused on joining science-related things. It started to get boring after a while so I took up a friend's offer to go to a business major networking event and apparently the person in charge was involved with developing surgical skin glue and it was an interesting experience! Do what you enjoy, keep an open mind. Go to events for other majors, browse BullsConnect, go to club meetings. I've learned so much more from widening my interests. It's easy to get sucked up into rigid professional expectations. While being kind and professional is important, you also have to form genuine connections with people, which is much easier to do if you're having fun.

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The Bellini Center offers several events throughout the semester that are geared towards professional development. I have been to a few such as resume workshops, interviews preps, and career fairs. Even if employers that you aren't interested in are there, it is still an amazing opportunity to practice networking, building rapport with others, and meeting your peers. You never know who you might meet!

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Events

Each semester the Bellini Center and USF host student focused events in the areas of professional and career development. Additional events may be added throughout the semester. Please click the links for more information and to register.

Students in Levels 2, 3, and 4 of the Bellini Certification Program during the Summer Session must complete one career development activity to fulfill level requirements. This can be done by attending a qualified career event workshop listed below, meeting with a career coach, or completing an approved LinkedIn Learning course. Events may be restricted to specific majors and the campus location. Click the registration links to learn more.

Question regarding an event or level requirement? Contact bellinicenter@usf.edu.
Summer 2025 Career Events *Denoted events do not meet the career event requirement for Levels 2, 3 or 4 in the Bellini Certification Program. Students in Levels 2, 3, or 4 of the Bellini Certification Program this summer must complete one career development activity. This can be done by attending a qualifying career event listed above, meeting with a career coach, or completing an approved LinkedIn Learning course.

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Events | Bellini Center for Talent Development | USF Muma College of Business

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Each semester the Bellini Center and USF host student focused events in the areas of professional and career development. Additional events may be added throughout the semester. Please click the links for more information and to register.

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As we all know, CHATGPT is one of the most helpful resources we have as students today. In terms of interpersonal skill development, it can be utilized as a preparatory material. For example, providing the AI source a background of the topic at hand and the type of position you are applying for, it can be your personal interviewing assistant and ask you questions similar to the ones expected on your application. It can provide feedback and help you find the shortcomings in your responses and can even point out your strengths. Interviews is one of the infinite tasks GPT can help out with!

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ChatGPT is your AI chatbot for everyday use. Chat with the most advanced AI to explore ideas, solve problems, and learn faster.

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The biggest tip I got when it comes to networking is treat others how you would like to be treated (the golden rule). When it comes to meeting new people, you never know what importance they could be in your life. It is crucial to treat everyone nicely and respectfully because when the time comes this person you just met could determine if you got the position or not in an organization. People will remember other people that were nice to them at the first interaction. Lastly, I understand it is super important to connect professionally, but it also is ok to get to know the other person well and to even build up a better relationship since you guys have similar likeness.

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Mind Tools Tool Kit

Mind Tools is a comprehensive website designed to help individuals work effectively with others in both professional and academic settings. It features a wide range of resources, including detailed guides and articles covering important topics such as active listening, conflict resolution, and empathy. Users can take interactive quizzes to assess their knowledge and reinforce what they have learned. Additionally, the site explores psychological concepts that provide insights into understanding colleagues and peers better. By fostering stronger relationships and enhancing mutual understanding, Mind Tools aims to create a more productive and harmonious work environment.

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One of the biggest pieces of advice I was given was to network with your college peers. Many times, networking is associated with building connections among professors and employers. It is equally important to connect with the students around us. We will get to work with them, serve with them, and build community. Some of the best opportunities I received came from my peers, from research positions to job opportunities. More than that, college connections develop into deeper friendships that can last a lifetime. I would highlight the importance of building genuine connections with not only the students in your classes, but also outside your major/field.

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You didn’t get this far to just stay here!

Sometimes it feels like there’s no hope or we are stuck. In those times it’s important to look back at your life and think about all the trials you’ve been through before that. You made it through them!! You learned things and GREW! Now use that to realize you will get through what is next. You will keep going!!

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One great networking tip is that of the Sarasota (Or Manatee) Young Professionals, sponsored by the respective Chambers of Commerce. As a member of both, the Young Professionals Group is an amazing way to make connections all over the Sarasota-Manatee Area, many times completely free! It's also a wonderful way to get your foot in the door with numerous careers such as Business, Medical Services, Media, and others!

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My biggest tips for email writing would be:

Keep it concise- Professors and professionals want to know exactly what you are asking for from the beginning. Talking around the point will only increase the odds of confusion.

Have someone read over your email before you send it.- You may think your point is clear, but having someone else review it will ensure your point comes across exactly as you want it to.

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In terms of social and professional wellness, sometimes it can be so intimidating to introduce oneself to new people and network at professional events. I like to keep this quote in mind when I get anxious. Meeting new people is just an opportunity to learn something new and add a fresh perspective to one's life. It is important to remember that networking does not have to be scary, it is an chance for us to sharpen one another both us people and professionals!

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I always try and make my name known to professors. They handle so many people during a semester, especially in the big classes that it can be easy to fall under the radar. This makes networking harder when it comes time for things like letters of recommendation. If you actively engage with a professor, you are much more memorable and often have made a very useful contact!

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LinkedIn Learning is a great tool for interpersonal skill development. A set of courses that caught my eye were on 'emotional intelligence'. Something you may not thing of being taught through LinkedIn. When I think of LinkedIn, specifically LinkedIn Learning, I think of hard skills, such as Power BI, Intro to Machine Learning, and other relevant/job-specific taught skills. While as much hard skills are taught, there are as many soft, including a numerous array of Interpersonal Skill Development that you can find through the search tool. Most of the courses are neither too long nor rigorous, and some, of course, come with a badge. So it is definitely an underappreciated resource I would recommend.

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You are here for a reason! (So have confidence in your abilities!)

I remember in my freshman year of college, I was struggling with doubts about my academic and professional abilities. I was nervous about some of my classes, being in the honors college, and building connections with professors. Someone I looked up to said something so simple that stuck with me: You've made it to this point, and you're here for a reason. Throughout my college career, I have reminded myself of this over and over again. It is easy to doubt, especially when entering a new chapter of life like the beginning of college. A freshman in college, especially, may need to be reminded that they made it to college for a reason, they made it into the honors program for a reason, and they are prepared for what comes next. Sometimes, all you need to do is think back to all the hard work you have done to make it exactly where you are. You are prepared!

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While formality, especially when communicating with professors or other professionals is important, being authentic can also go a long way in building social capital through online networking. It can be easy to lose your voice in trying to follow formal email etiquette, so it's important to keep an eye out for words that you would never say in real life. For example, instead of saying "regards" or "best," I tend to end my emails with "Thank you!" or "Hope to hear from you soon." It's already hard enough to gauge a sender's personality and true intentions over email, so being as genuine and authentic as possible (within certain professional limits) can help you to stand out as a both a professional and engaging communicator.

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One thing that can get in the way of networking and making important connections is fear of rejection or even just an awkward silence. This quote really speaks to how important it is to act even when you're scared, sometimes, in spite of it. Fear is normal, especially when you're trying something new or stepping outside your comfort zone. But if you always wait to feel ready or confident, you might miss great opportunities. Doing something while you're still nervous can actually build real confidence. For me, the moments I'm most proud of usually started with a lot of doubt or anxiety. But once I took that first step, things felt more possible.

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Make sure to have a clear and concise subject line. This is underrated sometimes, as this may be the only line the recipient reads base on who you are reaching out to. If it is for a professional partnership, such as a job, shadowing, etc. the subject line is very important and getting the main points out in the first few lines of the email are tips I try to follow. Then, I also like to proofread before I send the email, to make sure I catch any spelling errors or sentences that may make the email seem unprofessional or poorly written. It is very important to get your best foot forward on an email, and give a good impression

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I have found that going to office hours for all of your professors is a good way to maintain a professional relationship with professors and TAs. When I first came to college, I assumed office hours would only be useful if I needed help with an assignment. However, I have learned that all professors are so involved with the field that they teach, and they can provide many opportunities for your future academic and professional career. I will definitely recommend this to my students, especially those looking for volunteering, research, or internship opportunities.

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Maintaining relationships with professors and TAs is one of the best networking tips to follow. These individuals are resources you have not just for classwork, but many of them may be working on their research, can provide you access to people who are, or can even give help in securing internships. Especially within the Honors College, many of the professors are very involved in the community in different ways. By getting involved yourself through passageways they may be willing to provide, it can lead to bigger things like careers, or even serve as experience for your resume. I personally suggest that any STEM students interested in undergraduate research utilize their lab TAs specifically, as many of them are well-versed in projects going on. And remember, LinkedIn is one of the most useful resources when it comes to presenting yourself professionally! Keep it updated!!

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I know that LinkedIn is something we cover to discuss with our students, but there are resources within LinkedIn that we should be taking advantage of. There are many articles and courses that anyone with a LinkedIn profile can access, and I find that they can be a helpful resource to mention to students especially if they are starting to enter their academic and professional fields.

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Develop Your Communication Skills and Interpersonal Influence Learning Path | LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com

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Learn how to clearly convey information and ideas in an engaging manner. Explore how to build trust, communicate effectively, and be heard in all parts of your organization. Learn important interpersonal communication skills and strategies for igniting curiosity, attention, trust, and respect.

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When it comes to networking, I like to think of it as merely having a conversation. Going into the room expecting certain outcomes or trying to impress certain people tends to be counterproductive in my experience. I like to introduce myself to as many people as possible and interact with genuine curiosity. I feel this gets me a lot further than trying to be someone I am not! Another great tip I've heard is that nervousness is the same gut feeling as excitement. It all comes down to how you label it! Take deep breaths, be confident in yourself, and learn what other people have to offer.

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A great way to network with people outside of career fairs is events hosted by clubs. Some clubs have alumni nights where they invite past members of that club, which allows you to ask questions of someone who has experience in your job that you are looking for out of your undergraduate degree. Also, if you get close enough to the alumni, they may become your mentor who can help you land job interviews or help tell you what job offers are available at their current job. Also, joining clubs and attending club events can help you make great friends throughout college and beyond either in your field or out of it.

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📧 Email Etiquette Tips

1. Keep the subject line clear
– Make it obvious what the email is about, like “Question About PSY201 Exam” or “Meeting Request.”

2. Use a professional email
– Try to use your school email or one with your name

3. Know who you're talking to
– Keep it formal if it’s a professor, advisor, or employer. You can be a little more relaxed with classmates.

4. Start with a respectful greeting
– Something like “Hi Dr. Lee,” or “Good afternoon Professor Patel,”—don’t start with “Hey” in formal emails.

5. Get to the point (nicely)
– Be polite but direct. Start with a little context and then clearly say why you're emailing.

6. Keep it short and polite
– Use “please” and “thank you,” and try not to make it longer than it needs to be.

7. Avoid texting language
– No slang, no emojis, and definitely no “LOL” or “u” instead of “you.”

8. Check spelling and grammar
– Always read it over before you hit send. Small mistakes can make a big difference.

9. End it professionally
– Sign off with something like “Best,” “Thanks,” or “Sincerely,” then your full name.

10. Give it time
– Don’t expect a reply instantly. Wait at least a day or two before following up.

11. Follow up if needed
– If it’s been a while, send a short, polite reminder—don’t spam them.

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For a long time, meeting new people—whether for networking or making friends—felt intimidating. Walking into a room full of strangers, starting a conversation, or even sending a message on LinkedIn gave me that familiar nervous feeling—the kind that makes you want to stick to your comfort zone. But instead of avoiding those moments, I started treating them like personal challenges. If I caught myself hesitating—I'd tell myself “This is exactly why I need to do it.” I’d set simple goals: introduce myself to one new person, ask someone a thoughtful question, or follow up after a conversation. It wasn’t about being impressive—it was about showing up. Just saying hi, giving a compliment, or starting a genuine chat counted as a win. Whether I was at a networking event or just meeting someone new socially, those small steps helped me push past the discomfort. And over time, they added up. I built stronger connections, felt more confident, and realized that both professional networking and making friends come down to the same thing: being willing to take that first small step.

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Email Etiquette Matters

Knowing how to write a professional email is such an underrated but essential skill. Whether you're reaching out to a professor, applying for a job, or just asking a question, the way you communicate says a lot about you.

Some quick tips I try to follow:

Always include a clear subject line

Start with a polite greeting (like Dear Professor Smith or Hello Ms. Johnson)

Keep the message concise and to the point

Use proper grammar and punctuation.

End with a thank you and a proper closing (Best, Sincerely, etc.)

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LinkedIn is one of my favorite networking/interpersonal skill development resources! It is a great way to search for opportunities, network with professionals, and showcase your accomplishments. I’ll definitely be encouraging my class to join LinkeddIn and link with each other!

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930 million+ members | Manage your professional identity. Build and engage with your professional network. Access knowledge, insights and opportunities.

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Suit vs. Jeans: Keep the Email Formal

My tip: when writing emails, assume that the level of formality is high. This tip is often easier said than done since not every email recipient will expect a formal email. In any situation, presenting yourself professionally with a formal email can set the bar high in terms of respect, response time, and understanding. (In a professional setting, who will stand out better for their clothing: the person wearing a suit or the one wearing jeans?) If you already know your intended email recipient or receive a more casual response, you still practiced appropriate email etiquette.

In my own experience, formal emails have also made me feel more confident in addition to being professional. Though I am not yet a professional in my desired career field, writing formal emails is similar to the saying, "dress for the position you want to have." With email etiquette, keeping a high level of formality demonstrates your attention to detail and personal brand overall.

As noted in this week's module, emails are commonly the first impression people experience, so make it a good one!

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Here is a link to a list of email etiquette rules as stated by Forbes, one of the top business magazines in America!

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Want to win with your emails? Here are some tips to using email as a business communication tool.
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Email is how many businesses communicate. It's fast, easy, and accessible. Plus, email is permanent. If you forgot what you were asked, simply find the last email thread for the answer. Email is also effective at disseminating information among team members. However, there is no way to unsend an email.

So, before pressing send, make sure you're using email as an appropriate form of business communication. Business emails should be used to send information that is:

Relevant. Use email when a quick call or face-to-face conversation won't suffice. Emails should be necessary and relevant to the receiver.

Timely. When time is of essence, email can be the perfect tool. It allows you to send relevant information quickly to everyone on the team.

Content-rich. When file attachments or links to web-based material need to be shared, email is an effective tool to do that.

How you use email will leave an impression with who you send your messages to, especially if you have yet to meet the recipient in person. Email acts as your first impression. This is especially true for job seekers. Using email inappropriately can put you on the "do not call" list with recruiters and others in your network.

Whether you're a small business using email as a marketing or communication tool or a job seeker sending an email inquiry, use appropriate email etiquette to set yourself apart. Here are some Ps and Qs to using email as a business communication tool.

1. Avoid all caps, exclamation points, and slang. Email can be a relaxed way of communicating, making it tempting to add a few exclamation points or using all caps for emphasis. Instead, all caps give the impression you're yelling and too many exclamation points come across as being overly enthusiastic or insincere. Of course, it goes without saying to avoid slang. Included in slang is industry specific jargon unless you're writing to one of your peers.

2. Overuse of bold, underline, and italics void emphasis. While it's OK to use one form of emphasis, such as bold, avoid using multiple forms of emphasis in a single email. That goes for overusing bold, underline, or italics in a single email. Use emphasis to draw the eye from one point to another. Think of emphasized words as creating their own sentence as the reader scans from one bolded word to the next and so on.

3. Be respectful with your tone. Stay positive and professional by avoiding negative or accusatory language. Rephrase sentences to deliver the message in a neutral tone.

4. Be mobile-friendly with short and concise messages. Avoid writing a novel. If you can say it with ten words, see what you can do with five. More than 50% of all emails are misinterpreted, and only 53% are actually read. One third of business professionals check email on their mobile device. That same study showed that seven in ten users will delete emails instantly that don't display correctly on a phone.

5. Be careful when trying to be funny. Humor is subjective. What you might find hilarious, someone else might find incredibly offensive. Remember, email is void of tone, body language, or other non-verbal cues.

6. Salutations and closings should be professional and respectful. It's OK to address your recipient with "good morning, Jane" or "hello." Avoid being too informal, especially if you're seeking a job. Always use the recipient's preferred name. And close respectfully. Proper closings can include "I look forward to hearing from you," "best," or "thank you."

7. Create a professional signature. Today, all email messages should include a professional signature. Include relevant contact information including job title, company, website, and phone number. If you're a job seeker, including a link to your LinkedIn page is a must. When appropriate include links to your business social pages.

8. Use succinct subject lines. Keep your subject lines to less than 50 characters, or six to ten words. Be descriptive and to the point: Meeting scheduled 6/4/22 at 4PM, 10 reasons to hire an assistant, or nice meeting you yesterday.

9. Respond timely and appropriately. Respond to emails within 24 hours. If your response requires more time, send a quick "I'll get back to you as soon as I can" or, better yet, "I'll get back to you by noon tomorrow." This shows respect for the sender and is always appreciated.

10. Proofread, proofread, proofread. Remember, you cannot unsend an email. Don't make your readers edit your work to understand your message. Double check everything including your message, spelling, grammar, and your signature. Make sure you've attached and/or linked and documents noted in your email. The worst is sending a resume without attaching the resume! (We've all done it so don't berate yourself -it's just a painful lesson in proofing.)

Part of email etiquette is knowing when to respond, how often, and when an unanswered email means "no." This is especially true for job seekers. Use a three-email approach. The first email includes your resume and cover letter. If you don't receive a response within a few days, send a short and succinct follow-up and reattach your resume. Crickets? A week to ten days after the initial email, send one more follow-up by forwarding your first email without attachments. The reason that you do not include attachments on the final follow-up is to break through spam filters that filter emails with attachments.

This same strategy can be applied post-interview. Your first email is used to thank the interviewer for their time and to answer or respond to any issues that were brought up during the interview. A few days later, follow-up with a short one or two sentence email. Ten days after your interview, send one more note thanking them again for their time and asking if they have any follow-up questions for you or need any additional information. If you don't receive a response to your third inquiry, it's a "no."

Using email can be an effective business communication tool - when used correctly. Following these simple etiquette practices will not only yield better results from your email but will show your customers, clients, and colleagues you're professional, easy to communicate with, and responsive.

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Want to win with your emails? Here are some tips to using email as a business communication tool.

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The Center for Career and Professional Development Services

The CCPD has a page on Handshake that allows students to book one on one appointments for Resume Reviews, Job search strategies, Career Exploration, Mock Interviews, LinkedIn Assistance, Professional Headshots, and many other services that students can take advantage of.

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Career Fairs

The Center for Career and Professional Development holds numerous career fairs for all majors, which are extremely helpful in connecting students with industries. Attending these fairs regularly gets you noticed by the members of the organisations that are tabling, and taking your resume with you to these fairs is a must. Some people even get talking about future opportunities.

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Career Services University of South Florida

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Events – Career Services University of South Florida

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Center for Career & Professional Development