go.gwu.edu/careerservices For International Students: Workplace Communication and Culture in the U.S. Anne Scammon, Managing Director

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Learning Outcomes Define communication and culture Identify U.S. workplace expectations Determine elements and styles of U.S workplace communication Review professional and casual workplace attire

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Agenda What is workplace culture? Employer Expectations Communication – Personal, Business, Formal, Office, Introductions Professional Attire Questions

go.gwu.edu/careerservices What do you think? Evaluate Today’s Program Check iPhone for link to program evaluation Have you learned from the program today? – I have learned more about myself. – I have learned more about connecting with employers. – I have learned more about how to be a professional. Comments & Ideas

go.gwu.edu/careerservices U.S. Workplace Culture What is culture? What makes an organization? How are people treated? Does attire reflect culture? Are independent perspectives valued? How is the work completed? Dress, Physical, Leadership, Values, Employees

go.gwu.edu/careerservices U.S. Workplaces

go.gwu.edu/careerservices U.S. Workplaces: Industry Reflections

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Workplace & Employer Expectations in the U.S. Reflects U.S. Culture Demonstrate focus on outcomes/results Be open, transparent, and assertive Engage with team Comfort with constructive feedback Manage time well 8+ Adapt to U.S. workplace: observe, reflect, and learn

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Communication and Culture Impacts Culture – Message distortion – Misunderstandings Directness Reflects U.S. – All are equal – Self-reliance/Individualism – Share information with team – Open communication/free speech/feedback – Efficiency/Accomplishment/ Results – Work

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Communication Information Exchange: Focus on information sharing, problem solving and efficiency Straightforward: Ask direct questions and make direct requests clearly and succinctly; avoid hinting at meaning Literal: Say what they mean and do not expect others to interpret the meaning of a message Problem-oriented: Organize information efficiently and identify and communicate solutions to problems Personal: Rely on logic over emotion and are direct communicators, and yet they also demonstrate empathy Informal: Informal communication occurs freely with all. First names are used early in relationships

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Personal Communication Energetic and positive Speak in the present tense with lots of action words Let’s do it! Make it work! Use powerful words Greatest, excellent, brilliant Positive thinking Avoid negatives Complaints not well received Rather than problem... Something is a challenge!

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Business Communications Introductions Handshake Eye Contact Personal Space/Privacy Professional Attire

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Formal Introductions Business Interviews Networking Presentations Clients ( Mr. President, Id like to introduce you)

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Office Introductions Introducer I’d like to introduce you to Martha Washington... I’d like to introduce you... What office are you in? What type of work...? I look forward to working with you (or seeing you again.) Your Response It’s a pleasure to meet you, Martha. It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is... I will be working in (office) doing (work). And you? I look forward to working with you (seeing you )as well.

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Casual Communication Greetings Hi, how are you?/How have you been? – I’m fine thanks, how are you. Hi, did you have a nice weekend? – I did, how about you? Do you have a minute? – If you do, then, yes. – If not, suggest another time. Small Talk Introduce yourself Ask others questions – people love to talk about themselves Talk about the setting Work Weather Avoid politics, religion, sex

go.gwu.edu/careerservices The Handshake (SHE) Smile Handshake Eye Contact Greet

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Eye Contact Americans expect you to make eye contact Sign of respect and equality Open and close communication Establish credibility and confidence Demonstrate leadership – Lack of eye contact equal to submissiveness Eye Contact Practice – Find a partner – Maintain eye contact for 20-seconds – Timed – No talking, laughing – Look into others’ eyes

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Professional Attire Suit – Dark, well-fitted, conservative – Clean and ironed – Conservative shoes – For men: White button-down collared shirt, dark socks, tie – For women: Hose, Skirts no more than 2” above knee Accessories – Shoes: Low heels – Limit jewelry Portfolio – Resume copies – Store employer information

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Casual Attire What should I wear for “casual day?” Varies by company/organization Review company website for specifics Observe and mirror e and mirror leadership

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Which would you wear to work?

go.gwu.edu/careerservices International Student Career Ambassadors GW's International Student Career Ambassador (ISCA) Program provides peer- to-peer career advising for all international students, including graduate/professional students across all degree programs.

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Fast Reads American Culture, Yale University – What Makes Up Culture – nalculture/g/what-is-culture.htm nalculture/g/what-is-culture.htm Work Culture for Immigrants – culture-office-environment-usa.htmldd culture-office-environment-usa.htmldd

go.gwu.edu/careerservices What do you think? Evaluate Today’s Program Check iPhone for link to program evaluation Have you learned from the program today? – I have learned more about myself. – I have learned more about connecting with employers. – I have learned more about how to be a professional. Comments & Ideas

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Colonial Crossroads, Marvin Center 505 Careerservices.gwu.edu Questions? Connect & engage with the GW Center for Career Services