Tufts Blogs

As a second-semester senior, I am looking for ways to prepare myself as much as possible for the workforce. The “easiest” way to do this is to work a job on-campus or nearby. There’s also another more subtle way to practice professionalism that falls within the clubs that you may belong to.  

Jobs are the set up for you to learn a specific skillset during your time in that role. There are clear expectations and requirements, formal procedures, and usually a supervisor who is there to support your professional development. The formula is clock in, complete your tasks to receive feedback, and clock out. In this setting, professionalism is often centered around timeliness with deadlines, appropriate communication, and meeting the deliverables set forth by your supervisor.

When it comes to clubs, there’s a bit more nuance that goes into practicing professionalism and learning how to sharpen certain skills and habits. At Tufts, clubs are typically led by your peers and there’s almost never monetary compensation. You are working alongside your friends, classmates, and others you’re likely to see simply walking around campus. Though, it’s important to note that the expectations can be just as high as a job, since the stakes in this setting are shared instead of contractual. 

Professionalism in clubs is more about your character. It’s about sending an email when you say will. It’s about showing up to a meeting prepared. Most importantly, it’s about respecting your peers’ time—we’re all juggling classes, other commitments, and personal responsibilities. While there may be internal hierarchical positions, you’re not placed above or below anyone else. In these spaces, you’re learning how to balance the fun with the serious. 

Clubs are an integral piece of the social life on campus, but events don’t just happen out of thin air. People have to plan them. External partnerships with organizations don’t fall into your lap. People have to coordinate them. Every cultural show, fundraiser in the Campus Center, speaker event or collaboration has a group of students putting in the work to reserve the spaces, manage budgeting and logistics, build timelines, and so much more. What makes clubs so special is that you get to learn these skills while still experiencing joy. You can laugh with your team during late-night planning sessions and still hold each other accountable to deadlines.

Being a second-semester senior means knowing that soon, my peers will become colleagues. The habits we practice now will follow us long after we graduate. Practicing professionalism with peers isn’t just preparation for the workforce. It’s preparation for any community we hope to build in the future.